10 Common Bone Problems – When to Worry and When to See a Doctor

1. Osteoporosis

• What it is: A condition where bones become weak and brittle, leading to increased risk of fractures.
• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic until a bone fracture occurs. May include back pain, loss of height over time, or stooped posture.
• When to worry: If you have a family history of osteoporosis, are over 65, or have experienced a recent fracture.
• When to see a doctor: If you experience sudden back pain or a fracture, or if you’re concerned about your risk factors.

2. Osteoarthritis

• What it is: Age-related wear and tear arthritis that causes cartilage in joints to break down.
• Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness (especially in the morning or after rest), swelling, and reduced range of motion.
• When to worry: If joint pain persists or worsens over time, or if you experience significant stiffness.
• When to see a doctor: If pain interferes with daily activities or if you notice sudden severe joint pain.

• What it is: Broken bone, which can occur due to injury or weakened bones.
• Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and inability to move the affected limb normally.
• When to worry: Immediately after any significant trauma or fall.
• When to see a doctor: If you suspect a fracture after an injury; seek immediate medical attention.

• What it is: A condition in children where bones become soft and weak due to vitamin D or calcium deficiency.
• Symptoms: Bowed legs, stunted growth, bone pain, and muscle weakness.
• When to worry: If your child shows signs of bowing legs or delayed growth milestones.
• When to see a doctor: If you notice symptoms of rickets; consult a paediatrician (childrens’ doctor) for evaluation.

• What it is: An abnormal sideways curvature of the spine.
• Symptoms: Uneven shoulders, waist, or hips; leaning to one side.
• When to worry: If you notice unevenness in a child’s posture or clothes don’t fit properly due to asymmetry.
• When to see a doctor: If you suspect scoliosis in a child or adolescent; get a professional evaluation.

• What it is: Softening of bones in adults due to vitamin D or calcium deficiency.
• Symptoms: Bone pain, muscle weakness, and increased risk of fractures.
• When to worry: If you experience persistent bone pain or muscle weakness without an apparent cause.
• When to see a doctor: If symptoms persist or if you have risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.

• What it is: Bony growth that develops on a normal bone, often due to aging or joint damage.
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, or limited mobility in the affected joint.
• When to worry: If joint pain or stiffness interferes with daily activities.
• When to see a doctor: If you experience persistent pain or limited mobility; get an evaluation.

• What it is: A chronic bone disorder that can result in enlarged and misshapen bones.
• Symptoms: Bone pain, enlarged bones, deformity, and increased risk of fractures.
• When to worry: If you experience unexplained bone pain or deformity, particularly in older age.
• When to see a doctor: If you notice symptoms or have a family history of Paget’s disease.

• What it is: Fluid-filled hole in bones that can weaken them and increase fracture risk.
• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic until a fracture occurs; may cause pain or swelling.
• When to worry: If you experience persistent pain or swelling in a bone.
• When to see a doctor: If you suspect a bone cyst due to pain or swelling, or after a fracture.

• What it is: Death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply, leading to tiny breaks in the bone and its eventual collapse – usually of neck of femur (leading to fracture); can be caused by prolonged steroid use
• Symptoms: Joint pain, limited range of motion, and pain that worsens over time.
• When to worry: If you experience severe joint pain, especially after an injury or steroid use.
• When to see a doctor: If joint pain persists or worsens; early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.