Bone Symptoms

What are the signs of bone problems?

Bone symptoms include bone pain, lumps, and brittleness. Bone pain can result from cancer, problems with the circulatory system, infection, repetitive use, or injury. Common injuries that lead to bone pain include fractures and dislocations, which can be exacerbated by an underlying condition such as osteoporosis, a thinning and weakening of the bones.

Bone lumps can arise from improper healing of a bone fracture or from a growth, such as a tumor. Brittle bones are frequently a sign of osteoporosis or malnutrition. In rare cases, bone symptoms may be due to Paget’s disease, which causes enlarged and deformed bones.

Treatment for bone symptoms depends on their cause and nature. In some cases, bone symptoms may be idiopathic (due to a cause that is not known). Unexplained bone pain can be serious and should always receive medical attention.

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for broken bones, especially those that break through the skin or are accompanied by heavy bleeding, or for severe bone pain. Also seek immediate medical care (call 911) for other such serious symptoms as change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness.

Seek prompt medical care if your bone symptoms are persistent or cause you concern.