Bone Pain or Joint Pain? How to Tell the Difference

What is the difference between bone pain and joint pain?

The easiest way to compare bone pain and joint pain is to look at where the pain is felt, what it feels like and what other symptoms occur with it. These are clues, not a diagnosis. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

Sources: ^{[1, 2, 3, 6]}

What do bone pain and joint pain feel like?

What does bone pain feel like?

Bone pain is often described as a deep, dull ache that seems to come from within the bone. Pain caused by a fracture or significant injury may be sharper and more intense. ^{[1, 2]}

New bone pain should not be ignored simply because there was no obvious injury. Some causes are easy to identify after a fall or accident, while others are less obvious and need medical assessment. ^{[1, 2]}

What does joint pain feel like?

Joint pain is felt in or around a joint and may occur with stiffness, tenderness, swelling or warmth. Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. ^{[1, 3, 6]}

Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, the pattern of pain matters. A healthcare professional may ask when the pain started, whether it follows an injury, how long stiffness lasts, whether the joint is swollen or hot, and what makes the pain better or worse. ^{[1, 3, 6]}

What causes bone pain and joint pain?

What can cause bone pain?

Trauma and fractures are common causes of bone pain. Other causes include some bone conditions and infections and, less commonly, bone tumours or cancers affecting the bone. ^{[1, 2, 10]}

Osteoporosis itself usually causes no symptoms until a fracture occurs. This is why osteoporosis assessment may still be important for people at higher risk, even when they do not have symptoms. ^{[1, 5]}

What can cause joint pain?

Joint pain is more common than bone pain and may have many causes. Osteoarthritis develops when structures within a joint changes over time, which may cause pain and stiffness. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, injuries and joint infections. ^{[1, 3, 4, 6]}

How can you tell whether the pain comes from a bone or a joint?

You can use the location, feeling and accompanying symptoms as clues, but self-checking cannot reliably confirm the source. Pain can involve nearby muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and joints at the same time, and some conditions produce referred pain away from the exact problem area. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

A healthcare professional will usually consider your symptoms, medical history and examination findings. Imaging or other tests may be recommended if needed. ^{[1, 2, 7]}

When should you see a doctor about bone or joint pain?

Arrange a medical assessment if pain is new and persistent, keeps getting worse, affects sleep or normal activities, repeatedly returns, or does not improve with basic self-care. Persistent or worsening bone pain, particularly when there is no clear injury, should be assessed by a healthcare professional. ^{[1, 2, 10]}

Seek urgent medical care if you have any of the following: ^{[1, 6]}

• A hot, swollen joint with fever, chills or feeling generally unwell. ^{[1, 6]}
• Severe pain after a fall or significant injury, especially if you cannot walk, bear weight or move the affected area normally. ^{[1, 2, 6]}
• A joint or limb that looks out of place or deformed, or bone visible through the skin. ^{[1, 2, 6]}
• Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation after an injury. ^{[1, 6]}

How can you reduce the risk of bone and joint problems?

How does weight management support joint health?

Maintain a suitable weight. For people who are overweight or living with obesity, gradual weight management may reduce strain on weight-bearing joints, such as the knee and hips, particularly in osteoarthritis. ^{[1, 4, 7]}

What type of exercise is better for joint health?

Stay active. Regular movement and strengthening activities help maintain joint function, muscle strength and bone health. Lower-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, tai chi, water aerobics, or a low-impact aerobics class, may be easier for people with joint pain. Start slowly and adjust the activity to your symptoms and fitness level. ^{[1, 4, 7, 9]}

If an exercise repeatedly causes a marked increase in pain or swelling, reduce the intensity and ask a doctor or physiotherapist for advice rather than pushing through severe symptoms. ^{[1, 7]}

How can you support bone health?

Support bone health. Adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing and resistance exercise, avoiding smoking and limiting heavy alcohol use all contribute to bone health. A healthcare professional can advise whether supplements are appropriate for you and which exercises are suitable for your bone health. ^{[1, 5, 8, 9]}

How can a pharmacist help with bone or joint pain?

A pharmacist can help you choose suitable over-the-counter pain-relief options, consider your existing medicines and health conditions, and advise when medical assessment may be needed. ^{[1, 6]}

You may find your nearest CARiNG Pharmacy or learn more about CARiNG Pharmacy Services .

Bottom line

Bone pain and joint pain can feel similar, but they are not the same. Bone pain often feels deep and localised, while joint pain is more likely to involve stiffness, swelling or pain around a joint. The difference in sensation is only a clue. Bone and joint pain can have many causes, so persistent, worsening or severe pain should be assessed rather than diagnosed from symptoms alone. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

Useful resources

• NHS – Joint pain
• NIAMS – Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
• NIAMS – Calcium and Vitamin D: Important for Bone Health
• NIAMS – Exercise for Your Bone Health

Frequently asked questions about bone pain and joint pain

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