Some bone diseases really give you cause to worry. Not every bone condition however should send you through a state of anxiety. A simple bone cyst for example may not progress to more serious conditions.

Bone Cyst

What It Is

A bone cyst is a benign hollow space that is filled with fluid. It usually grows in the long bones of the arms and legs. It can however also grow in other bone areas of the body. The fluid inside a cyst is usually yellow in color but can turn brownish if blood enters the cavity due to a fracture. Being benign in nature, it does not contain rapidly multiplying cells that often characterize cancerous tumors.

Causes

Like other bone conditions, the real causes of a bone cyst are undetermined. One theory suggests though that a cyst may form during the regular process of new bone tissue generation. It is possible that there is poor or hampered drainage in the trabecular or inner spongy section of the bone resulting in the formation of cavities filled with the retained fluids. This is probably the reason why a bone cyst is more likely to be present among children and young individuals. Their bones are still rapidly growing and developing.

Although adults can have cysts too, it has been determined that majority of cysts occur in children 4 to 10 years of age. It is more common among males than females.

Symptoms

Although a bone cyst is not a normal growth, it may not hamper an individual’s normal functions. In other words cysts can have no symptoms. You can go on as usual with all your activities without any sensation of pain or discomfort. This is why cysts are often only found or discovered when a person suffers from a fracture. Since an x-ray is a standard procedure used before treatment can be implemented, a cyst can be discovered when an x-ray is taken. If you have never had a fracture, you can go on with life never knowing that you have a cyst. Many people have carried cysts for a long time without any ill effects.

Prevention and Treatment

Since the causes of bone cysts are poorly understood, there is also no clear way to prevent it. Since cysts however form on bones, it still makes sense to take care of the bones. Kids and adults alike for example will benefit a lot from the regular intake of age-appropriate milk or calcium and vitamin D supplements.

A bone cyst may be treated through surgery. If your doctor has to treat an open or severe fracture, your cyst may also be taken out in the process. It is also possible though to request for a surgical operation just to specifically remove a cyst. This is an option which your doctor may consider to help make your bone less susceptible to fractures. Aside from surgery, medication may also be prescribed for your cyst.

You probably don’t need to go crazy over a bone cyst. Even so, you should still discuss your options with your doctor.

Without our bones, we would be unable to move, much less stand. This is why any form of bone disease can be potentially disastrous. You may or may not be at risk of any of these diseases but you can try to prevent some of them by knowing more about them first.

Osteoporosis

This is a fairly well known bone disease. Osteoporosis is characterized by lower bone density which may be the natural result of aging. Women also naturally undergo hormonal changes as they age, making them even more prone to this disease. You can significantly increase your chances of developing osteoporosis with poor diet. A person who has this disease is more prone to having bone fractures even if there is minimal impact or stress.

Arthritis

This is another bone disease that often affects the elderly. Even young people though can have arthritis. The frequent use of the joints typically leads to the wearing out of the cartilage which normally cushions the joints during movement. This can result in a lot of pain and discomfort. People who have arthritis may also develop extra bone growths known as bone spurs. This is the body’s response to the gradual destruction of cartilage.

Paget’s Disease

This is a bone disease that is not fully understood even by experts. It is possible though that the condition may be caused by a virus. People who have this disease experience an excess growth of bones. The extra growth however does not serve to strengthen the bones but instead makes them more prone to fractures.

Cancer of the Bone

An alarming bone disease is malignant cancer of the bones. Bone cancer is rarer than other types and often hit younger individuals. There is yet no clear explanation as to the cause of this dreaded disease. People however who have had other bone diseases and who may have been exposed to too much radiation may be more at risk of developing bone cancer. There are different types of cancer of the bones. Some may affect not just the hard bones of the body but surrounding structures as well.

Bone Disease - Rickets

Rickets

This is a type of bone disease that proceeds from inadequate supplies of vitamin D. Since this vitamin is crucial for calcium absorption, the lack of it can lead to bone deformities and soft bones. Rickets therefore makes affected individuals more prone to fractures.

Osteomyelitis

This disease is characterized by an inflammation of the bone marrow. Its main cause is bacterial infection. The infection may begin first in the bloodstream before it crosses to the bones. Different kinds of bacteria may cause the infection including Staphylococcus aureaus.

Osteonecrosis

This is a painful bone disease that is the result of insufficient blood supply to some bones. When blood does not reach the bone, a section of the bone may die.
You may have no reason to believe that you have any form of bone disease. You should rather be safe than sorry though and the first step to preventing bone problems to know the basic facts about various bone diseases.