Do I Have Osteonecrosis?

Do you experience pain in a joint that increases over time?

Do you experience pain in a joint that occurs even at rest?

Do you have a limited range of motion?

Do you have groin pain, if the hip joint is affected?

Do you experience difficulty with overhead movement, if the shoulder joint is affected?

Do you limp, in case the condition occurs in the leg?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have osteonecrosis. This is a bone condition that causes pain and affects mobility. It happens when something blocks the blood flow to a bone. Causes can be broken bones, alcohol misuse, dislocated hips, and radiation therapy. In most cases, surgery is needed, and sometimes joint replacement is necessary to improve mobility and relieve symptoms. The condition usually affects the femur where it joins the hip, but it can affect any bone. Most commonly, it affects bones in ankles, knees, jaws, upper arms and shoulders.

Based on your answers, you are displaying one or more signs of osteonecrosis. Often, you don’t notice when it first develops. In the beginning, the condition rarely causes any symptoms. As bone tissue dies, fractures form, and the bone starts to compress and collapse. You will then feel pain when putting pressure on the injured area, and the pain will decrease when you rest. Gradually, the bone and joint surface will start to decay. The pain will intensify, you may experience joint stiffness and limited range of motion. Make sure to visit your doctor.

Based on your answers, you are displaying the signs typically seen among individuals who have osteonecrosis. It’s essential to visit your doctor. Treatment focuses on improving mobility, and preserving bones and joints. In case you are lucky and seek treatment early, home care may be all you need to get better. Also, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, and physical therapy might help. Often, these treatments work for small bones that don’t carry a lot of weight. However, in most cases, surgery is required.