Bone health is something that often goes unnoticed until there is a problem. Many people think that bone pain only happens as you get older, but this isn’t always the case. Many things can cause bone-related issues, and it’s important to be able to identify them early on. With this in mind, we want to highlight five signs that you may have a bone-related issue.
Bone Pain
Although it can be difficult to recognise, bone pain is often a tell-tale sign that something is wrong. It’s important to note that this doesn’t just mean pain in your joints, but can also manifest as a dull ache or general discomfort. This is often the first sign that something is wrong, so if you’re experiencing it, it’s worth getting checked out.
General Weakness
If you have a bone-related issue, you may also notice that you feel generally weaker than usual. This can manifest in several ways, such as feeling fatigued more easily or having less stamina for physical activity. If you’ve been feeling unusually weak, it’s worth visiting a doctor. For example, you may struggle to walk after previously running for many years.
Low-Impact Fractures
Sadly, one of the most common signs that you have a bone-related issue is a fracture, especially a low-impact fracture. These are most common in the hip, wrist, and spine. If you have a fracture, you’ll likely feel severe pain in the affected area. While fractures can occur at any time, it’s typically a sign of a deeper problem if a fracture is caused by very little impact. For example, osteoarthritis is a common cause of low-impact fractures.
Swelling
Unfortunately, many bone-related diseases cause inflammation and swelling. This is because the bones are not getting the nutrients they need, which causes them to become weak and brittle. If you notice that you are constantly swollen, especially in the joints, it could be a sign of a bone-related issue.
Joint Pain
Lastly, joint pain is a common sign of a bone-related issue. Once again, this is because the bones become brittle without the nutrients they need. If you notice that you have joint pain that can’t be attributed to exercise or general tiredness, it could be a problem in the bones.
Common Bone Health Conditions
When visiting an expert like Victorian Bone and Joint Specialists, they will look for common bone health conditions. Some of these conditions include:
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Osteoporosis – this is when the bones become thin and brittle due to a lack of minerals.
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Osteoarthritis – this is when the cartilage between the bones breaks down.
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Rheumatoid arthritis – here, the immune system attacks the joints.
How do professionals test for these conditions? Normally, a bone density test is the best way to find out if someone has osteoporosis; this uses X-rays to measure how dense the bones are. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, can also be diagnosed with an X-ray. With rheumatoid arthritis, doctors will look for things like:
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Inflammation of the joints
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Tenderness in the joints
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Stiffness in the joints
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Loss of range of motion
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Weakness or fatigue
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Feeling unwell (malaise)
If you suspect that you might have one of these conditions, it is best to speak to a doctor. They will be able to give you a more accurate diagnosis and help you to find the best treatment plan. Bone-related issues can be difficult to diagnose because they often share symptoms with other conditions. For example, pain in the joints is a common symptom of both arthritis and osteoporosis. However, there are some key differences that can help doctors to a diagnosis.
