Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month: Bone pain isn’t always about age; when to see a doctor

Bone pain at night, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer? These could be red flags. A timely diagnosis can make all the difference (Image: Pexels)

Bone aching is always attributed to the aging process, but it could be a harbinger of something pathological that needs to be treated by a doctor. Ache following exercise is normal, but disabling or persistent bone aching calls for a professional diagnosis and this is how you recognize the right time to "see your doctor."

Why we shouldn't ignore bone pain

Bones give us structure, protect organs and hold minerals and as we age, they can become less dense but not every ache is osteoporosis, says Dr. Gagan Saini, Vice Chairman and Head of Radiation Oncology at Yashoda Medicity.

Osteoporosis afflicts roughly 18 percent of women over age 50 worldwide, but that still leaves millions of people with bone pain for other reasons. Bone pain is caused by cancer that has spread to the bone, infection, vitamin deficiency and inflammatory conditions, says Saini and emphasise that delaying diagnosis will make these conditions harder to cure, increase complications and decrease quality of life.

Red-flag symptoms

• Pain at night or pain that awakens you at night .

• Localized, stabbing pain for over two weeks.

• Redness, warmth, or swelling over a bone.

• Unexplained weight loss or weakness with pain.

• History of cancer, even in remission.

Also Read: Bone and Sarcoma Awareness Month: Nutrition tips for bone health from infancy to old age

Common causes other than "just age"

- Bone metastatic disease. Up to 70% of patients with advanced lung, prostate or breast cancer develop bone metastases, often with deep, aching pain that increases at rest.

- Osteomyelitis. Bacterial infection of bone may cause pain, fever, and malaise in a localized area and, if not treated promptly, result in chronic infection.

- Vitamin D deficiency. It may be characterized by diffuse aching of bones and muscles that improves dramatically with supplementation.

- Stress fractures. Older adults with low bone density and athletes may get small fractures under regular loading, resulting in pinpoint tenderness.

When to visit your doctor

If you have any red-flag symptoms, or if rest and over-the-counter pain medications don't help alleviate symptoms in two weeks, make an appointment, says Doctor Saini. Early evaluation typically begins with a physical examination and may include X‑rays, blood work (e.g., inflammatory markers, vitamin D level), or MRI for minimal changes.

Avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol use, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise can reduce one's risk. The most conservative lifestyles cannot, however, eliminate all causes of bone pain.

Although some bone aching is to be expected with age, dismissing pain altogether jeopardizes health. We owe it to ourselves to pay attention to our bodies and get care in a timely manner, because at any age, pain should be addressed.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis