Do your bones hurt? (Bone Pain) - Let's find out exactly what causes it and what to do.

Have you ever felt a strange ache or pain that comes from deep inside your body? It feels like it's coming from deep within your bones. This is what we call bone pain in medicine. This is not just a simple ache. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.

What exactly is bone pain?

Simply put, bone pain is any type of pain or discomfort you feel in your bones or joints. It can be caused by a variety of injuries and health conditions.

Imagine you've been in a car accident or fallen somewhere. Then, if you break a bone in your arm or leg (fracture), we know exactly why that pain occurs. But the cause is not always clear. For example, some types of cancer start in the bones or spread to the bones. This kind of pain can also occur in those cases. So if you start to feel new bone pain, if it doesn't go away in a few days, or if it gets worse and worse, it's definitely best to see a doctor to find out the cause.

What does bone pain feel like?

Bone pain usually feels like a dull, achy pain coming from deep within the body. The area may be tender to the touch. It may also be painful when you move or use the affected area. In most cases, you will be able to pinpoint the exact location of the pain. The pain may feel like it is spreading out, but it will usually be in one spot.

But if there is an accident and something like a broken bone occurs, the pain can be very sharp and severe .

Not everyone experiences pain the same way. So when you see your doctor, be clear about these things:

• Where does it hurt the most?
• Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?
• What time of day does the pain get worse? Or when you move your body?
• What is the nature of the pain? (Is it sharp, dull, constant, or throbbing?)

Why do our bones hurt? What are the main reasons?

This pain can be caused by anything that damages your bones or the surrounding tissues. Let's look at the main categories of causes.

How does a doctor find the cause of this pain?

Your doctor will first ask you a detailed question about your pain and examine you. Then, they may do some tests to find the exact cause, such as:

• X-ray: To check for fractures and dislocations in the bones.
• MRI scan: Take a closer look at the soft tissues around the bones, muscles, and joints.
• CT scan: Get detailed 3D images of bones.
• Ultrasound scan: In some cases, look at the tissue.

In addition, you may also have a special test that measures your bone density. This is called a DEXA scan . Conditions like osteoporosis can cause your bones to become thinner and less strong. A DEXA scan can check how strong your bones are.

What is the difference between bone pain and muscle pain?

It's easy to confuse these two pains because they both come from within the body. But there are clear differences between the two.

• Nature of pain: Bone pain is usually deep and sharp . Muscle pain is a bit more superficial and diffuse in nature.
• Location of pain: Bone pain is often felt in one specific spot . You can point to it with your finger. Muscle pain usually radiates along the affected muscle.
• Time: Muscle pain usually subsides within a few days, but bone pain can last much longer .

If your pain doesn't subside in a few days, and you can't figure out what it is, the best thing to do is see a doctor.

Are 'Growing Pains' the same as this?

Yes, this is a problem that many parents have. Young children, especially those under the age of 12, experience pain in their legs and behind their knees. We call this 'Growing Pains'. Despite this name, it has not been scientifically proven that this pain is actually caused by the child growing up. We don't even know exactly what causes it.

But the most important thing is, if your child has any new pain, especially if it wakes them up at night , don't just assume it's growing pains, but see a doctor immediately. Because children can also have other bone-related conditions.

When should we definitely see a doctor?

If you experience new bone pain, it's wise to see a doctor as soon as possible. Women are especially at risk for osteoporosis and osteopenia. If anyone in your family has these conditions, tell your doctor about it too.

If you have the following symptoms or have been in a serious accident, go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.

• If you can't move a part of your body.
• If the skin is stretched and the bones are visible.
• If you have severe, unbearable pain.

Bone pain, Bone pain, Joint pain, Bone disease, Osteoporosis, Bone fracture, Cancer