Because they affect the same body portions, it can be difficult to distinguish between bone and muscle pain. The intensity of the pain may also be comparable. On the other hand, Bone pain is typically more intense, painful, and disabling than muscle pain.<\/p>\n
Unlike muscle pain, bone pain can continue for a long time and require more medical attention. On the other hand, muscle pain has a more “generalized” feeling and is more difficult to pinpoint.<\/p>\n
Anyone experiencing excruciating pain and discomfort that has lasted more than 48 hours should get medical attention from a professional. Orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons are both medical specialties that focus on the musculoskeletal system.<\/p>\n
Disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae or any combination of these can result in musculoskeletal discomfort. The most prevalent cause of pain is injury.<\/p>\n
Deep, piercing, or dull bone pain is common, and in most cases, it is the outcome of an accident. Osteomyelitis, hormonal imbalances, and malignancies are less prevalent causes of bone pain.<\/p>\n
However, myalgia, or muscle pain, can be just as debilitating as bone pain. Several different types of cramps and muscle spasms can cause a charley horse, such as those that occur in the calf (a persistent painful muscle contraction). Injuries, loss of blood flow to the muscle, infection, or tumors can all cause muscle pain. Chronic pain and stiffness in the upper and lower back, neck, and hips are all symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica.<\/p>\n
Unlike bone pain, tendon and ligament pain is usually far less severe. Swelling of the afflicted tendon or ligament might be described as “sharp” and is generally reduced by resting the affected area. Tendinitis, tenosynovitis, lateral epicondylitis or medial epicondylitis, and tendon injuries are common causes of tendon pain. When a ligament is injured, it’s the most prevalent source of discomfort (sprains).<\/p>\n
As with any other type of muscle pain, bursae pain can be caused by various factors. Around joints, bursae act as a cushioning sac filled with fluid. Pain is usually worse when the bursa is moved and is alleviated while the bursa is resting. The bursa may bulge if it is affected.<\/p>\n
Joint inflammation is not always the cause of joint pain, referred to as arthralgia (called arthritis). Arthritis can produce both pain and swelling, depending on the severity of the condition. Arthritis can be caused by various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, infectious arthritis, gout, autoimmune illnesses, vasculitic disorders (such as immunoglobulin A\u2013associated vasculitis) osteonecrosis, and damage to the part of a bone inside a joint.<\/p>\n
There are two types of arthritis-related pain: acute and chronic (chronic, for example, when caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis). Osteoarthritis pain usually worsens when the affected joint is moved, but it can also be felt even when it is not moved. There are occasions when nearby structures, including ligaments, tendons, and bursae, cause discomfort that appears to originate in the joint.<\/p>\n
Muscle, tendon, and ligament pain are all possible symptoms of fibromyalgia. In most cases, the pain is felt or produces sensitivity in various places, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source. Additionally, exhaustion and poor sleep are common among those with the disease.<\/p>\n
Compression of nerves occurs as a result of several musculoskeletal problems. Tunnel syndromes are one example of these conditions(carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and tarsal tunnel syndrome). When a nerve is irritated, pain radiates outward and excruciatingly hot. A tingling sensation, numbness, or both may accompany it.<\/p>\n
In certain cases, pain that appears to originate in the musculoskeletal system is caused by a disease in another system. So, for example, a lung, spleen, or gallbladder issue could be the source of shoulder pain. An abdominal aortic aneurysm, pancreatic inflammation, and pelvic problems induce back pain. A heart attack could be the source of arm pain (myocardial infarction).<\/p>\n
Doctors begin their procedure into musculoskeletal pain by determining:<\/p>\n
Identifying these elements provides crucial insights into what type of disease is causing the discomfort. Doctors do a physical exam to identify these and other variables that may point to the source of the patient’s pain.<\/p>\n
The sort of pain may indicate where the discomfort came from. A musculoskeletal issue, for example, is indicated by pain that intensifies with movement. Pain accompanied by muscle spasms indicates that muscle tissue is to blame (sometimes a chronic spinal cord injury).<\/p>\n
When a doctor palpates the area (for example, a joint, ligament, or bursa) or passively moves a joint, the position of swelling or tenderness often suggests the source of discomfort. However, these qualities of pain are not always indicative of the source or origin of the pain in question.<\/p>\n
The existence of other symptoms, physical examination findings, and results of laboratory testing and x-rays are typically used by clinicians to make a precise diagnosis. Joint pain and swelling and bull’s-eye-like rash are common Lyme disease symptoms, and blood tests demonstrate antibodies to the bacterium responsible for the condition. Pain, swelling, and redness in the big toe or other joints are hallmarks of gout attacks. When examined under the microscope, uric acid crystals are commonly found in joint fluid.<\/p>\n
Your musculoskeletal pain’s underlying cause will determine the course of your treatment. Standard therapies include:<\/p>\n