Bone Diseases

"Bone diseases" is an umbrella for conditions that affect the bones directly — from metabolic (osteoporosis, rickets) to genetic (osteogenesis imperfecta) to cancer (bone cancers, metastases) to infections (TB of bone, osteomyelitis). Each has a dedicated page; this page gives the broad picture.

Main groups

• Metabolic bone disease — osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets (vitamin D deficiency), hyperparathyroidism, renal bone disease.
• Bone infections — osteomyelitis, TB of bone — see Bone Infections page.
• Genetic/inherited — osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones), achondroplasia, rare skeletal dysplasias.
• Cancers of bone — primary (osteosarcoma, Ewing) or metastatic (breast, lung, prostate, kidney, thyroid) — see Bone Cancer page.
• Avascular necrosis — loss of bone blood supply; hip commonly affected.
• Paget's disease — uncommon; abnormal bone remodelling.

India-specific points

• Vitamin D deficiency and low dietary calcium are extremely widespread — drive osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and rickets.
• Rickets in children — bow legs, wrist swelling, knock knees, delayed walking; preventable and treatable.
• Osteomalacia in adults — bone pain, muscle weakness, fatigue; often mistaken for fibromyalgia or arthritis.
• TB of bone/spine remains an important differential across ages.
• Sickle-cell-related bone issues in the tribal belt.
• Post-menopausal osteoporosis — affects a large share of Indian women, often silently until a fracture.

When to see a Health Expert

• Unexplained bone pain, especially at night.
• Fragility fractures (after minor falls).
• Height loss, stooped posture over time.
• Child with bow legs, delayed walking, frequent fractures, growth failure.
• Persistent back pain with systemic features (weight loss, fever, night sweats).
• Known cancer — new persistent bone pain.

Foundation steps for bone health

• Adequate calcium and vitamin D through life.
• Weight-bearing exercise + strength training.
• Don't smoke; moderate alcohol.
• Test and treat thyroid, coeliac, and other contributors.
• Fall prevention in older adults.
• DEXA scan at appropriate age (see Osteoporosis and Bone Density pages).