How is bone pain treated?
When the doctor has diagnosed the cause of the bone pain, they will start applying treatment to the underlying cause. They may advise you to rest the affected area as much as possible. They will likely prescribe you a pain reliever for moderate to severe bone pain.
If your doctor is unsure of the cause and suspects an infection, they’ll start you on antibiotics. Take the full course of the medication, even if your symptoms go away within a few days. Corticosteroids are also commonly used to reduce inflammation.
The treatment options for bone pain include:
Pain relievers
Pain relievers, although they don’t cure the underlying condition, are among the most commonly prescribed medications to reduce bone pain. Over-the-counter treatments such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used. Prescription medications such as Paracetamol or morphine may be used for moderate or severe pain.
Antibiotics
If you have a bone infection, your doctor may prescribe powerful antibiotics to kill the germ that is causing the infection. These antibiotics may include ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, or vancomycin.
Nutritional supplements
People who have osteoporosis need to restore their calcium and vitamin D levels. Your doctor will give you nutritional supplements to treat the mineral deficiency. Supplements are available in liquid, pill, or chewable form.
Cancer treatments
The treatment for bone pain caused by cancer is difficult. The doctor will need to treat the cancer to relieve the pain. Common cancer treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy (which can increase bone pain). Bisphosphonates are a type of medication that help prevent bone damage and bone pain in people with metastatic bone cancer. Opiate pain relievers may also be prescribed.
Surgery
You may need surgery to remove parts of bone that have died due to infection. Surgery may also be required to put together broken bones and remove tumors caused by cancer. Reconstructive surgery may be the method of choice in severe cases where joints can be replaced or substituted.
More Informations: Cancer Center
