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.

Most of us know what it meant to have a bone fracture. You may however be still unfamiliar with a condition known as bone bruise. Although it may sound like a fatal condition, it is normally no cause for concern. What happens when you suffer from a bruise of this type and what should you do?

Bone Bruise

What It Is

It is easier to understand the nature of a bone bruise by understanding fractures. When one has a broken bone or fracture, the bone can be split in two or several pieces or it can have a crack on it. In other words, a fracture is a break on the hard part of the bone known as the cortical bone which may or may not extend to the spongy inner section of the bone. A crack, no matter how small or light is still considered a fracture. Fractures that may not extend beyond one side of the hard part of the bone are sometimes known as hairline fractures.

A bone bruise is differentiated from a fracture by the absence of any kind of break on the cortical bone. The hard bone and everything underneath is left whole. The damage arising from a bone bruise is only limited to the outer membrane surrounding the bone. Medical experts say that the bone itself sustains some form of damage but is so light that there is no sign of even a slight fracture.

People with bruises on the bone feel some degree of pain. The pain however is usually not so severe as to hamper normal daily functions. Unlike fractures, bruises cannot significantly immobilize you. Bone bruises that are moderate to severe may lead to swelling and discoloration and may not heal for several weeks. Mild bruises may disappear in only a few days.

Who Is at Risk

Anyone can get a bone bruise. You can get a bruise when you bump on an object, fall from an elevated position or have a minor car accident. It is obvious though that certain activities make some people more prone to bruising than others. Athletes and highly active individuals might find that they have more signs of bruising than individuals who lead more sedentary lives. Of course, people who engage in extreme sports have an equal risk of sustaining both bone bruises and fractures.

What You Should Do

A bone bruise is nothing to panic about. The important thing is to recognize it as a real bone bruise. If it truly is a bruise, all you may have to do would be to take pain medication and to use an ice pack. Remember that a bruise may take days to heal so you probably don’t need to worry if it doesn’t heal immediately. You might have some other problem though if pain and swelling persists or gets worse. In this case, you should see your doctor.

Taking Care of Your Bones

No human being on earth can avoid a bone bruise. Even the least active of all individuals can have it. If you do have a severe bruise though, it is important to be careful with your choice of activities while your bruise is still healing. Getting right back to extremely physical activities might get result in a fracture on the site of the bruise.

We normally imagine bone growth only among kids. Once we reach adulthood, it is difficult to imagine that bones still grow especially since bones are the hardest parts of our bodies. Bones however, are also made of living tissue. They continue to develop and change. This is made possible by bone cells.

Different sources do not all agree on the number of kinds of cells of the bone. Some say there are five kinds. Others however cite that the two other cells that are commonly mentioned are part of the one major cell. In any case, the three major bone cells are:

Osteoblasts

These cells come from the osteoprogenitor cell which is cited in some sources as a separate kind of bone cell. The osteoprogentior cell however is really part of the outer membrane covering the bone known as the periosteum. Through the process of osteogenesis, osteoblast bone cells are formed. These cells in turn are responsible for generating osteoids which are really proteins that are in charge of forming new bone tissue. Osteoids are constantly produced throughout a person’s life which means that the bone never stops renewing itself.

Once one set of osteoblast bone cells have done their part, they take on a different role. They begin to line the bone and are then called lining cells. This is another cell that others may regard as a separate kind of bone cell. This lining made of old osteoblast cells takes charge of managing the calcium traffic to and from the bone.

Bone Cells - Osteocytes

Osteocytes

Once osteoblast bone cells begin the formation of new bone, some osteoblasts become surrounded and trapped by the new bone growth. These cells then become known as osteocytes. Although they are surrounded by bone material, they form a network amongst themselves. They continue to perform useful functions by regulating the exit of calcium and by producing enzymes that maintain bone fitness. Osteocytes are considered mature cells and separate from the bone-building osteoblasts. They occupy a particular section of the bone known as the lacuna.

Osteoclasts

These cells are the main agents in the process known as bone resorption. In resorption, old bone tissues are taken out. Osteoclasts are the ones responsible for minutely breaking down old bones to make way for the formation of new bone tissues by osteoblasts.

Osteoclasts share similar origins from white blood cells. They form in the bone marrow when two different cells with different nuclei fuse. These bone cells are crucial because without resorption, there will be no space for the new cells that have been generated.

It is obvious that bone cells by themselves perform crucial roles. Modern science however has found additional important roles which some of these cells may perform. Osteoblasts for example have been identified by researchers as cells that might possibly play an important role in hormone replacement therapy for post menopausal women. As osteoblasts form, a substance that closely resembles estrogen is formed. This substance might make hormone replacement therapy safer for women.

The importance of bone cells truly cannot be underestimated. They are the real secrets to continued bone health and development.

Few of us know the basics of bone structure. Even without our knowing it though, our bones are part of what keeps us up and functioning. Without our bones we would be unable to accomplish anything. It is therefore crucial to keep bones strong and healthy. The first step to doing that is to know the basic facts about the structure of bones.

Basic Function and Structure

Common sense will tell anyone that the bone structure is meant to provide form to the body and protection to the organs. We also know that the bones, along with the muscles, make movement possible. What some may not know though is that the bones have additional important functions. These include mineral storage, fat storage and blood cell production. The bones are able to accomplish all these through its amazing structure.

The first part that is crucial but not inherently part of bone structure is the outer membrane covering each bone. This is known as the periosteum and is responsible for providing sustenance to the bones. Below this membrane are the layers of hard tissue known as cortical bones. These are also known as compact or dense bones simply because there are few large spaces found throughout the surface. Around 80% of the bones are made of this tissue type.

Following the hard layer is the trabecular bone structure. This is also known as spongy or cancellous bone. The trabecular structure is best described as an inner network resembling the internal structure of the honeycomb. The spaces in between are where the cells of the blood are made. Despite being smaller in total amount than the cortical structure, the trabecular structure appears to occupy a wider scope because of the spaces in it.

Bone Structure

Substance of Bones and Bone Rebirth

What is the bone structure made of? Although the technical terms for the composition of bones is far more complicated, it is enough to know that the bones are made up of minerals. Like the skin, it contains collagen to keep the structure strong but at the same time elastic. The other minerals, such as calcium, work together to keep the bone firm.

Of all the minerals, it is calcium that is often linked to the bone structure. Since the body alone may not have enough stores of calcium, it is important to add more calcium into the system through one’s diet. Calcium can help prevent osteoporosis which can lead to bone fractures.

It is important to remember that the bone structure is a living and dynamic system. Despite its hard structure, its cells are just like other cells. Bone cells can die and regenerate. Simply put, old bone cells die and are flushed out and new cells grow to replace the old ones.

Although our bones seem to know how to take care of themselves, they also age like every other part of the human body. As a person grows older, changes in the bone structure may appear as a result of aging. The constant wear and tear for example leads to diminished cartilage in joints. Less calcium may also be present in various bone sections, making the elderly more vulnerable to fatal fractures.

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.

You may not have suffered from a broken bone yet. This doesn’t mean you never will. Every individual has a chance of getting broken bones through accidents. People however who frequently engage in high impact activities are more at risk.

Broken Bone - Complete Fracture

Fracture Types

A fracture means the same thing as a broken bone. There is however, more than one type of fracture. Very serious fractures include complete fracture in which the bone is broken in two, open fracture in which the bone sticks out of the skin and comminuted fracture in which the bone may be broken into many pieces. A less severe type of fracture is the hairline fracture in which the bone may have a very thin crack that does not break the bone into pieces.

The most obvious cause of fractures is forceful impact. You may get a broken bone for example after a car crash, a fall or a sports accident. Fractures however may also result from severe or repeated stress on the bone. Repetitively participating in high impact sports and activities may lead to fractures.

The severity of a broken bone is not the result of certain activities alone. Some people are more prone to small fractures if they have poor bone density. Some people may have poor bone strength because of poor diets. Often though, the elderly are the ones who have weaker bones as a natural effect of aging.

Broken bones may be quite easy to detect. You would know if someone might have a broken bone if he experiences extreme pain and is he is unable to fully move the injured part. He may faint, feel dizzy or have chills as a result of systemic shock.

What You Should Do

Naturally, you would be at the mercy of someone else if you have a severely broken bone. If on the other hand you are the one who witnesses an accident in which someone may have broken bones, you have to follow correct steps to prevent further injury to the individual.

If you have never had any experience with administering first aid, the first thing you should do is to dial 911. The trained operator can offer you the right instructions on what to do with a person with the broken bone. If you are able to contact the paramedics immediately, do not touch the injured person. Doing so may make his condition worse especially if his neck or spine is injured.

If you are unable to contact 911 immediately, you may have to perform basic first aid procedures. You may have to stabilize the broken section by putting it in a splint. Realigning or moving the injured portion may also be necessary if the section below the injury is pale. This means there is no sufficient blood circulation. If there is a wound, you may have to rinse it and apply clean dressing. As much as possible though, touch the person only when you are unable to get help immediately.

It’s no fun to have a broken bone. This is why it pays to always be careful in whatever you do. It may take a few days or weeks before you can get yourself out of a cast.

Large bone spurs may seem unsightly. They may also be alarming if you notice them for the first time and don’t know what they are. Depending on your condition though, these spurs may not be a cause for too much alarm.

Bone Spurs

What They Are

Bone spurs do not look anything like their namesake. They may have been given the name though because they tend to protrude beyond normal bone growth. A bone spur is therefore simply an overgrowth of bone on a normal bone. The medical term for a bone spur is osteophyte. Normally, these spurs grow on the joints of the hands, knees, elbows and feet. It is possible though for spurs to grow in other areas such as the spinal column. It is in this location that the bony formation may cause considerable pain and may need serious medical attention.

Causes

Bone spurs are most often seen in the elderly. This is why this is a condition that is commonly associated with aging. Under normal circumstances and when the spurs do not cause too much pain, these spurs may actually be helpful. Normal spur growths in healthy individuals are often the body’s response to the aging of bones and the diminished amount of cartilage present. These spurs help take away the weight from overused cartilage.

Bone spurs can also be the result of osteoarthritis. As the cartilage wears out, spurs may form as a result of the body’s attempt to fix the loss of cartilage. In some cases, spurs may form among younger individuals. Too much stress on the shoulder and foot joints as a result of certain activities may lead to spur formation. Aside from the elderly, overly active individuals and athletes may also be at risk of developing spurs.

Symptoms of Bone Spurs

It would not be difficult to detect bone spurs that clearly protrude. In some cases though, the spurs may not be so obvious. They may also not cause any pain. Spurs of this kind do not present any significant health problems. The kind of spurs though that deserve some attention are those that cause pain and discomfort. Painful spurs may be those located on the knees, feet and shoulders. Those that grow on the spinal column may also cause significant pain. Since the spinal cord may receive some pressure because of the spurs, one may also experience numbness and muscle spasms.

Treatment of Bone Spurs

Patients may decide to see a doctor when their bone spurs are noticeable or when they feel some pain. People however who do not experience any spur symptoms may only know that they have these growths if they are undergoing tests for other conditions such as arthritis. The spurs may be noticed after an imaging test.

If bone spurs do not cause any pain, discomfort or movement limitations, you may not need to have them treated. If treatment is required, the spurs may have to be surgically removed. A doctor may also recommend medication for reducing pain and inflammation. For patients with movement difficulties, physical therapy may be recommended.

You may have only heard about bone density in recent decades. Although it may not seem important to you, it is an important piece of information that could spare you from the complications of osteoporosis.

What It Is

In simple terms, your bone density reflects the amount of minerals for every section of your bone. A higher degree of density means that you are less likely to have brittle bones that can easily get fractured. The density of the bones is therefore also an important indicator if a person has osteoporosis or if a person who already has the condition is at a high risk of suffering from a fracture. Determining the density of the bones is one way to monitor the condition of individuals with osteoporosis.

Density References

The measurement of your bone density would be useless if there is no way to interpret it. Medical experts would know if you have a good score or a bad score through your t-score and z-score. On the one hand, a t-score is the result of a person’s bone density compared with the density of a young adult of the same gender and race. A score of 46.6 and above for women above 64 years old signifies osteoporosis. A z-score on the other hand is a score that compares a patient’s density with a person of the same age, gender and race.

Bone Density Scanner

Procedures Used

In general, the density of bones is measured through the use of a machine that releases small amounts of radiation. There are however, different machines and techniques used for determining bone density. The most popular is the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan which uses more than one x-ray beam to measure density in the hip, spine or other parts of the body. Other possible methods include dual photon absorptiometry, single energy x-ray absorptiometry, quantitative computed tomography and qualitative ultrasound.

Who Should Be Tested

It is often recommended that women above 64 years of age should undergo tests for bone density. The test however can also be beneficial to women below 64 years old who are past the menopause stage and who are at particular risk of developing osteoporosis. You may also consider having yourself tested if you have an abnormality of the bone or if you have suffered from a fracture and you are past the menopause stage.

Concerns with Density Scans

It cannot be denied that scanning for the density of bones offers great benefits and advantages. It should be noted though, that bone density scans also have certain disadvantages and drawbacks. Previous damage to the bones and the size of the person may affect the accuracy of density scans. It is also quite possible that scanning a bone section that is not the hip or the spine may not return results that are true for other bone sections in the body. This may result in the recommendation of unnecessary medication.

Before you consent to a bone density test, make sure you discuss the procedure and implications with your doctor. In any case, this procedure may be of great help to you especially is you are at risk of osteoporosis.

It may not be everyday that you experience bone pain. When you do experience pain in your bones though, it may be a cause for real concern.

Bone Pain

Causes of Pain

A fracture is one of the most obvious causes of bone pain that you can easily determine yourself. Once your bones suffer trauma and get fractured, you may not be able to move until you receive medical attention. Aside from fractures, osteoarthritis is also a common cause of pain in the bones. This is typically caused by the wear and tear that diminishes the cartilage that cushions the joints. There are other forms of arthritis that may also cause pain in the bones.

Bone pain may also be a sign of far more serious bone conditions and diseases. Some specific conditions that target the bones and cause pain include rickets, osteoporosis, hypercalcemia, osteomyelitis and Paget’s disease. Pain may also result from tumor growths that may be malignant or benign. Individuals who have malignant bone tumors may be suffering from certain types of bone cancer such as osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma.

Bone pain is not an exclusive symptom of bone diseases. Some medical conditions that do not primarily involve the bones may also cause pain in the bones. These conditions include fibromyalgia, leukemia, sepsis, tuberculosis and lung cancer.

What You Should Do

Some individuals who experience bone pain may initially attempt self-treatment. They may opt to use over the counter pain medication and apply hot and cold compresses. It is recommended though that patients see their doctors for the proper treatment of pain. This is especially because bone pain that is not obviously caused by a fracture may be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Patients should not delay or postpone their appointments with their doctors.

Steps in Diagnosis

Regardless of a patient’s condition, diagnosing the cause of bone pain follows similar steps. The doctor would have to first conduct a physical examination. A patient would also have to sit in for an interview. Aside from asking about a patient’s medical history, the doctor would also want to know about the location of the pain, its intensity and the length of time the patient has had it. Other symptoms which may or may not have been previously obvious to the patient may also be established during the medical check up.

Depending on the result of the interview and physical exam, a patient may have to undergo a number of tests. Some possible tests include x-ray, MRI, CT scan and blood test. If the problem seems to be more serious, a bone scan may be required.

Treatment

Bone pain cannot be treated separate from its cause. The disease or condition causing the pain may therefore have to be resolved first before the pain disappears. Naturally, treatment would depend on the disease that you have. In any case, immediate treatment is recommended.

Bone pain is not something to you should ignore. You could be putting your health at serious risk by disregarding this symptom.

Bone cancer is not as common as other forms of cancer. It can however be equally as deadly if it is not treated early. Although you or someone you know may not be at risk of developing the condition, it is always best to know some basic facts.

Malignant Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)

What It Is

Often, what may seem like bone cancer is really another form of cancer that has spread to the bones. Breast or lung cancer in an advanced stage for example may do so. In this case, the cancer is said to have metastasized to the bones but continue to carry the characteristics of the cancer cells from the original point of growth.

Only cancer that begins primarily in the bones or bone structures is considered bone cancer in a strict sense. It is rarer than cancer that has spread to the bones and is more common in children and young individuals than adults. The elderly however are in no way exempt from developing cancer of the bone.

There are many types of bone cancer but the most common is osteosarcoma. This cancer often begins in the fast developing bones of the arms and legs. Other cancer types include chondrosarcoma which begins in the cartilage and chordoma which affects the bones of the spine. Cancers of the bone that can begin in soft tissues include Ewing’s sarcoma, fibrosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

Symptoms

One clue that may point to the development of bone cancer is pain. Among some patients though, pain may be absent even when there is already a tumor growth. Other accompanying symptoms may also be absent early on. Other symptoms that may show up include fever, fatigue, chills, weight loss and bones that easily get fractured.

Causes

Experts are currently unaware as to the real causes of cancers of the bone. There may be some clues to possible causes though when one takes into account the higher risk levels associated with people who have certain conditions. Individuals who have had benign bone tumors, Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, retinoblastoma and Paget’s disease have a higher risk of developing bone cancer. It has also been determined that patients who undergo high levels of radiation therapy are also at a higher risk of developing this cancer type.

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects that you have a tumor on your bone, you may have to undergo preliminary imaging tests. These would include MRI, CT scan and x-ray. Bone scans are also recommended in which a radioactive substance helps form an image of the bone area. If a tumor is found, a biopsy through needle aspiration or through surgery will be performed.

Treatment

Bone cancer is treated through similar methods as other cancer types. The intensity and combination of treatments however will depend on the severity of the cancer. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used together before or after surgery. Higher amounts of chemotherapy drugs are often required if cancer cells have spread beyond their point of origin. Unlike radiation therapy and surgery which are used on a limited area, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that covers the entire body.