If you've been experiencing aches and pains in your bones recently, your skeleton may be trying to send you some important signals about your health. While some bone pain or stiffness is expected as we age, certain symptoms should not be ignored or chalked up to just "getting older." Here are five surprising bone symptoms that could indicate larger issues:
1. Unexpected Fractures
Breaking a bone after a major fall or injury is common at any age. However, fractures that occur easily from a minor bump or accident can be a sign of weak, brittle bones (osteoporosis). This loss of bone density causes bones to become porous and fragile over time. Unexpected broken bones, especially in the wrist, spine, or hip in adults over 50 may indicate osteoporosis or other bone conditions.
2. Bone Pain that Worsens at Night
Osteoporotic bone loss can lead to aching joints, back pain, and even feelings of "bone deep" pain. This type of skeletal pain caused by weak bones often gets worse at night or with rest. If you are experiencing throbbing, deep bone pain that prevents sleep or awakens you, it may signal issues like osteoporosis or osteoarthritis.
3. Tooth Loss not Caused by Poor Dental Care
While poor hygiene leads to most tooth loss, unexpected tooth loss in adults may also result from bone loss in the jaw. Just like with osteoporosis in other bones, this gradual bone deterioration can cause teeth to loosen and fall out suddenly despite proper dental care. Any unexplained tooth loss should be evaluated.
4. Bony Spurs or Lumps
Bony growths or spurs that protrude from joints like the neck, back, hands and feet are often caused by osteoarthritis - joint damage and deterioration. However, in rare cases these abnormal bone outgrowths can signal bone cancer or related bone tumors. Persistent bony lumps or spurs, especially those that appear suddenly or grow quickly, warrant medical imaging and tests.
5. Unexplained Bone Pain
Bone pain not clearly tied to injury, exercise or normal aches, especially when persistent and disrupting sleep or daily activities, can indicate problems. Bone cancer, infections like osteomyelitis, and damaged bones in need of repair can all cause unusual bone pain. Intense pain localized to a bone or joint or that spreads throughout the body can mean it's time to get checked out.
Don't Ignore Your Bone Symptoms
Your skeleton provides structure and allows mobility, but it also acts as an early warning system. Heeding unusual aches and pains or deterioration of bone health is critical. If your bones are trying to tell you something isn't right through worrisome symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice. Consulting an orthopedic specialist or rheumatologist can help diagnose the root cause, whether arthritis, osteoporosis, injury, or even cancer. Visiting respected bone specialists in Chennai at the first signs of trouble may help prevent fractures, deformity, and disability down the road. Listen closely to what your bones are saying - a proactive approach is key to maintaining mobility and active living.
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