Bone Diseases 101: The Essential Guide

The 206 bones in our body make up the structure that holds it together. Interestingly, these bones are constantly going through a cycle of regeneration. Called remodeling, this is the process of replacing old bones with new ones. So, given all this activity and the important support system the bones provide, our bones must remain strong. With bone mineral density, we measure the bone mass and thus how strong the bone is. With age, our bone mass reduces and makes the bone prone to all kinds of diseases. However, with a healthy diet and fulfilling mineral deficiencies, many of them can be controlled. Some of the most common bone diseases are as follows.

Osteoporosis

You must have heard of this bone disease because of its commonality. Here because of low bone density, the bones become weak, brittle, and vulnerable to easy breakage. Although the percentage is slightly higher in women, the disease is very common among men too. Latest studies have shown that osteoporosis is also found among children called Juvenile Osteoporosis. Usually, people only find out that they have osteoporosis only after they have experienced a fracture.

Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis is characterized by the death of bone tissue usually caused by a lack of blood in tissues. The flow of blood to the tissue may be blocked due to any number of reasons. It has been found that prolonged steroid use is a major cause of bone cell death. As the tissue dies, the bone weakens and breaks on the slightest pretext. The condition is also characterized by a gradual increase in pain.

Bone Tumor

The uncontrolled, beyond-normal growth of cells inside a bone causes bone tumors. They may spread and affect other tissues. Usually, there are two types of tumors.

  • Benign
  • Malignant

Osteoarthritis

This joint disease is the most common form of arthritis. What happens is the cartilage between the bone breaks. The bones now rub together as the cushion between them is broken. The result is pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Osteomyelitis

This rare condition occurs after surgery or it may be transferred from other parts of the body. Usually called a bone infection, this condition can be serious. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness. In severe cases, portions of the bone may have to be surgically removed.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is an immune deficiency disease in which the immune system of the body takes the tissues as foreign bodies and attacks them. Joints in the hand and feet are the most common targets. The joints are badly affected as a result of painful swelling with ultimate deformity.

Gout

This disease of old is characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The result is pain, swelling, and redness. The toe, ankle, foot, and knee are most vulnerable. The most common cause of gout is the inefficiency of the kidney in processing uric acid.

Fortunately, the advent of medical science has made all these diseases treatable. You need to consult a good orthopedist at the earliest surfacing of the symptoms. You can look them up as an orthopedist near me or you can also consult an orthopedist in Queens, NY for a reliable opinion.

AEMU Orthopedic Center 

Queens 8340 Woodhaven Blvd Ste 5 Glendale, NY 11385 

(929) 299-6122 

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