Bone pain or tenderness

Alternative names:

aches and pains in bones; pain in the bones

Home care:

For unexplained bone pain, see your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if:

• there is any unexplained bone pain or tenderness.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting bone pain in detail may include:

• location
  • Is the pain in the forearms, hands, lower legs, or feet (distal extremities)?
  • Is the pain in the main part of the arm or leg?
  • Is the pain in the heels (calcaneal pain)?

• time pattern
  • When did you first notice the pain (at what age did the pain begin)?
  • How long has the pain been present?
  • Is it getting worse?

• associated complaints
  • Is the bone enlarging?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination will include detailed examination of the affected arm, leg, or other body part.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood studies (such as CBC, blood differential)
• CT scan
• hormone level studies
• pituitary and adrenal gland function studies
• urine studies
• bone X-rays

Intervention:
Antibiotics, cortisone drugs, pain relievers, hormones, and laxatives (if constipation develops during prolonged bed rest) may be prescribed depending on the cause of the bone pain. Calcium, vitamin D supplements, or estrogen may be prescribed for osteoporosis.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to bone pain to your personal medical record.