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Bones, Joints, and Muscles
Learn about bone, joint, and muscle health

It's not uncommon to have aches and pains in our bones, joints, and muscles. They may be caused by everyday wear and tear, overuse, or aging. Or they may be a result of injury or illness. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out exactly what's causing a muscle ache or joint pain. For example, sore muscles and aches could be the result of a hard workout routine, or they could be a sign of a more serious problem such as chronic pain or arthritis. It's important to know what is affecting you so you can treat it correctly.
Find out about your bone, joint, and muscle symptoms with topics such as:
- Acetaminophen
- Achilles Tendon Injury: Calf Squeeze Test
- Achilles Tendon Injury: Physical Therapy and Rehab
- Achilles Tendon Injury: Surgery or Immobilization
- Achilles Tendon Problems
- Active and Inactive Paget's Disease
- Acute Flaccid Myelitis
- Age-Related Foot Changes
- Anabolic Steroids
- Anesthesia: Malignant Hyperthermia Response
- Ankle Sprain
- Ankle Sprain Classification
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Surgery
- Arm Injuries
- Arm Problems, Noninjury
- Arthritis: Shots for Knee Pain
- Arthrocentesis for Temporomandibular Disorders
- Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Arthroscopy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Arthroscopy for Temporomandibular Disorders
- Aspiration of a Ganglion
- Aspiration of the Bursa
- Aspirin for Pain, Fever, and Inflammation
- Assistive Devices and Orthotics
- Assistive Devices for People With Disabilities
- Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis)
- Avulsion Fracture
- Back Pain in Children and Teenagers
- Back Problems and Injuries
- Back School for Low Back Pain
- Back Surgeries for Tumors and Infections
- Back to Work?
- Bacterial Infections of the Spine
- Baker's Cyst
- Bev's Story: Coping With Arthritis
- Blocked Tear Ducts: Infracturing
- Body Mechanics
- Bone Spur
- Botulinum (Botox) Injection for Low Back Pain
- Brace (Orthotic) Treatment for Scoliosis
- Broken Collarbone (Clavicle)
- Broken Nose (Nasal Fracture)
- Broken Toe
- Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorders
- Bunion Surgery
- Bunions
- Bursitis
- Calcium Deposits and Tendinitis (Calcific Tendinitis)
- Calf Muscle Injury
- Capsaicin
- Capsaicin for Osteoarthritis
- Caregiving: How to Turn Someone in Bed
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Activities to Limit
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Reducing Pain and Swelling
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Safe Posture and Movements
- Cast Care Tips
- Cemented or Uncemented Artificial Joints
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cerebral Palsy: Bathing and Grooming Tips
- Cerebral Palsy: Controversial Treatments
- Cerebral Palsy: Early Signs
- Cerebral Palsy: Help for Speech Problems
- Cerebral Palsy: Other Medical Problems
- Cerebral Palsy: Safety Tips
- Cervical Disc Herniation
- Cervical Spinal Fusion
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis
- Cervical Spondylosis
- Chiropractic
- Chronic Myofascial Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Chronic Pain Syndrome
- Classification of Juvenile Arthritis
- Classification of Osteoarthritis
- Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Clubfoot
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Pain Management
- Comparing Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
- Complementary Medicine for Arthritis
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Complications of Osteoarthritis
- Complications of Paget's Disease
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
- Congenital Torticollis
- Coping With Osteoarthritis
- Cosmetic Surgery and Procedures
- Craniosynostosis
- Crohn's Disease: Problems Outside the Digestive Tract
- De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
- Debridement for Rotator Cuff Disorders
- Decompressive Laminectomy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Dengue Fever
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
- Diagnostic Arthroscopy for Temporomandibular Disorders
- Diet and Gout
- Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)
- Discectomy or Microdiscectomy for a Lumbar Herniated Disc
- Discography for Low Back Pain
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Dupuytren's Disease
- Dupuytren's Disease: Surgery Complications
- Elbow Bursitis and Tendon Injury: Preventing Pain
- Elbow Injuries
- Elbow Pain: Other Causes of Pain
- Elbow Problems, Noninjury
- Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Pain
- Emergency Care for an Accidental Amputation
- Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Evaluating Low Back Pain
- Exercise and Fibromyalgia
- Exercise and Osteoarthritis
- Exercise for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Exercises for Heel Pain or Tightness
- Exercising With a Bunion
- Expert: Be Active to Help Your Back Heal
- Face-Lift (Rhytidectomy)
- Facial Injuries
- Facial Problems, Noninjury
- Femoral Hernia
- Fibromyalgia
- Fibromyalgia: Managing Fibro Fog
- Fifth Metatarsal Jones Fracture
- Finding Good Footwear
- Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries
- Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Noninjury
- First Aid for a Spinal Injury
- Fitness Machines
- Flatfoot (Pes Planus)
- Fontanelles and Sutures of the Infant Skull
- Foot Surgery for Athletes, Children, and People With Other Health Problems
- Fractured Rib
- Frozen Shoulder
- Fusion of a Toe Joint
- Ganglions
- Getting Help Around the House
- Getting In and Out of a Car Safely
- Getting Support When You Have Low Back Pain
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Golfer's Elbow
- Gout
- Groin Problems and Injuries
- Growing Pains
- Guidelines for Multiple Joint Replacements
- Hammer, Claw, and Mallet Toes
- Hamstring Muscles
- Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger
- Head Injury, Age 4 and Older
- Healthy Habits to Prevent or Reduce Problems From Osteoporosis
- Healthy Muscles
- Heat After an Injury
- Heel Bursitis or Tendon Injury: Preventing Pain
- Hip Bursitis or Tendon Injury: Preventing Pain
- Hip Fracture
- Hip Fracture Repair (Hip Pinning)
- Hip Fractures: What Increases Your Risk
- Hip Injuries, Age 11 and Younger
- Hip Injuries, Age 12 and Older
- Hip Problems, Age 11 and Younger
- Hip Problems, Age 12 and Older
- Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty
- How Common Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
- How Cystic Fibrosis Affects the Bones
- How Your Joints Work
- Ice for Heel Pain
- Ice Massage
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Improving Sleep When You Have Chronic Pain
- Inguinal Hernia
- Injury to the Tailbone (Coccyx)
- Interactive Tool: Should I Consider Surgery for My Low Back Problem?
- Interactive Tools
- Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) for Low Back Pain
- Jack's Story: Will I Need Surgery?
- Jaw Problems: Changing Your Diet
- Jaw Problems: Exercise and Relaxation
- Jaw Problems: Managing Stress
- Jaw Problems: Structural Problems and Injury
- Joint Replacement: Realistic Expectations
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Symptoms
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Adult Treatments That May Be Used in Children
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Balancing Rest and Activity
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Deciding About Total Joint Replacement
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Features of DMARD and SAARD Drugs
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Growth Problems
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Inflammatory Eye Disease
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Pain Management
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Range-of-Motion Exercises
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: School Partners
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Serial Casting
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Soft Tissue Release of Contracture
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Total Joint Replacement
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Treatment With Heat, Cold, or Water
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Vitamin D and Calcium
- Knee Bursitis and Tendon Injury: Preventing Pain
- Knee Problems and Injuries
- Knee Replacement Surgery
- Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
- Lab Tests for Fibromyalgia
- Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury
- Leg Amputation
- Leg Cramps During Pregnancy
- Leg Injuries
- Leg Problems, Noninjury
- Little Leaguer's Elbow (Medial Apophysitis)
- Living With More Than One Health Problem
- Log Roll Method for Safe Movement
- Lorna's Story: There's No Fast Cure
- Low Back Pain
- Low Back Pain: Easing Back Into Your Daily Activities
- Lumbar Herniated Disc
- Lumbar Spinal Fusion (Arthrodesis)
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
- Lumbar Spondylosis
- Lumbosacral Region of the Spine
- Lyme Disease
- Male Risk for Osteoporosis
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
- Medical Conditions That Increase the Risk of Osteoporosis
- Medical History for Osteoporosis
- Medical History for Paget's Disease
- Medicines for bone loss
- Medicines, Osteoporosis, and Fractures
- Meniscectomy for a Meniscus Tear
- Meniscus Repair
- Meniscus Surgery: Recovery Time
- Meniscus Tear
- Misdiagnosis of Lyme Disease
- Mitochondrial Diseases
- Monitoring During Anesthesia
- Morton's Neuroma
- Moving From Sitting to Standing
- MSA Process: Recovery After Injury
- Mucous Cyst Ganglions
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Multiple Sclerosis and Geographic Location
- Multiple Sclerosis Progression
- Multiple Sclerosis: Benefits of Exercise
- Multiple Sclerosis: Bladder Problems
- Multiple Sclerosis: Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
- Multiple Sclerosis: Medicines for Fatigue
- Multiple Sclerosis: Medicines for Muscle Stiffness and Tremors
- Multiple Sclerosis: Mental and Emotional Problems
- Multiple Sclerosis: Mercury Dental Fillings
- Multiple Sclerosis: Modifying Your Home
- Multiple Sclerosis: Other Treatments Under Study
- Multiple Sclerosis: Pain Medicines
- Multiple Sclerosis: Questions About What to Expect
- Multiple Sclerosis: Urinary Tract Tests
- Muscle Cramps
- Muscle Relaxants for Anesthesia
- Navicular (Scaphoid) Fracture of the Wrist
- Neck Pain
- Neck Problems and Injuries
- Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Bacteria)
- Needle Aponeurotomy for Dupuytren's Disease
- Neisseria Meningitidis
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Nose Injuries
- Nuclear Medicine Scan
- Occupational Therapy for People With Chronic Disease
- Office Ergonomics
- Olecranon Bursitis (Popeye Elbow)
- Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Open Inguinal Hernia Repair (Herniorrhaphy, Hernioplasty)
- Open-Joint Arthroplasty for Temporomandibular Disorders
- Opioids
- Orthopedic Surgery for Cerebral Palsy
- Orthotics for Foot Problems
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoarthritis: Heat and Cold Therapy
- Osteochondritis Dissecans of a Joint
- Osteopenia
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis in Men
- Osteoporosis Risk Factors
- Osteoporosis Screening
- Osteotomy and Paget's Disease
- Osteotomy for Osteoarthritis
- Other Conditions With Symptoms Similar to Spinal Stenosis
- Overuse Injuries
- Paget's Disease and Heart Failure
- Paget's Disease of Bone
- Pain Control for Paget's Disease
- Pain Management
- Pain Management Clinic
- Pain Relief for Fibromyalgia
- Paraffin Wax for Arthritis
- Parkinson's Disease and Speech Problems
- Parkinson's Disease: Classification
- Parkinson's Disease: Eating and Drooling Problems
- Parkinson's Disease: Levodopa Versus Dopamine Agonists
- Parkinson's Disease: Modifying Your Activities and Your Home
- Parkinson's Disease: Movement Problems From Levodopa
- Parkinson's Disease: Other Symptoms
- Partial Hip Replacement
- Patellar Dislocation
- Patellar Subluxation
- Patellar Tracking Disorder
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Patty's Story: Using Positive Thinking to Help Back Pain
- Pavlik Harness
- Percutaneous Discectomy for a Lumbar Herniated Disc
- Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
- Phalangeal Head Resection (Arthroplasty) for Toe Joint Deformities
- Phantom Limb Pain and Chronic Pain
- Physical Activity as You Get Older
- Physical Exam for Paget's Disease
- Physical Rehabilitation for ACL Injuries
- Physical Therapy
- Physical Therapy for Back Pain
- Physical Therapy for Knee Arthritis
- Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
- Physical Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Physical Therapy for Spinal Stenosis
- Physical Therapy for Temporomandibular Disorders
- Plantar Fascia Release
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciitis: Resuming Your Training
- Plica in the Knee
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Positional Plagiocephaly (Flattened Head)
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury
- Postoperative Problems
- Post-Polio Syndrome
- Posture: Standing and Walking
- Pregnancy: Changes in Feet and Ankles
- Pregnancy: Hand Changes
- Pregnancy: Pelvic and Hip Pain
- Pressure Injuries From Scuba Diving
- Pressure Injuries: Pressure-Relieving Devices and Supports
- Preventing ACL Injuries
- Preventing Falls in Older Adults
- Preventing Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems
- Preventing Foot Cramps
- Preventing Foot Problems: Training Techniques
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Prolotherapy for Low Back Pain
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Questions About Joint Surgery
- Quick Tips: Exercising Safely With Arthritis
- Quick Tips: Modifying Your Home and Work Area When You Have Arthritis
- Quick Tips: Using Backpacks Safely
- Radial Head Subluxation
- Ravi's Story: Coping With Back Pain and Depression
- Referred Shoulder Pain
- Rehabilitation Programs for Low Back Problems
- Rehabilitation Programs for Multiple Sclerosis
- Repetitive Motion Syndrome
- Resorption of a Herniated Disc
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)
- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Restless Legs Syndrome: What Conditions Can Cause It?
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Classification Criteria
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Finding the Right Medicine for You
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Finger and Hand Surgeries
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Neck Symptoms
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Other Causes of Joint Pain
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systemic Symptoms
- Risser Sign in Scoliosis
- Robert's Story: Getting and Staying Active
- Roomy Shoes
- Rotator Cuff Disorders
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Rotator Cuff Tendon Impingement
- Scoliosis In Adults
- Scoliosis in Children and Teens
- Scoliosis Screening
- Scoliosis Surgery: Anterior Approach
- Scoliosis Surgery: Posterior Approach
- Scoliosis: Spinal Instrumentation Without Fusion
- Scoliosis: Wearing a Brace
- Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy
- Self-Massage
- Severity of Back Injuries
- Shin Splints
- Shoe Inserts for Plantar Fasciitis
- Shoulder and Neck Massage
- Shoulder Bursitis and Tendon Injury: Preventing Pain
- Shoulder Problems and Injuries
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery
- Shoulder Separation
- Shoulder SLAP Tear
- Sickle Cell Crisis
- Sickle Cell Disease: Aplastic Crisis
- Sickle Cell Disease: Dactylitis (Hand-Foot Syndrome)
- Sickle Cell Disease: Pain Management
- Sickle Cell Disease: Preventing Problems and Staying Healthy
- Sjögren's Syndrome
- Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
- Small Joint Surgery for Osteoarthritis
- Spasticity
- Spina Bifida
- Spinal Cord Injury: Safe Transfers To or From a Wheelchair
- Spinal Curves in Scoliosis
- Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis
- Spinal Manipulation
- Splint Care Tips
- Splinting
- Spondyloarthropathies
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
- Sports Hernia
- Sports Training With Plantar Fasciitis
- Stages of Lyme Disease
- Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis
- Steve's Story: Coping With Arthritis
- Stopping Facial Bleeding
- Stress and Fibromyalgia
- Stroke: Preventing Injury in Affected Limbs
- Subacromial Smoothing and Acromioplasty for Rotator Cuff Disorders
- Surgery for an Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Surgery for Tennis Elbow
- Surgery Options for Patellar Tracking Disorder
- Surgical Removal of Ganglions
- Symptoms of Lyme Disease
- Synovectomy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Syphilis: Gummata
- Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
- Temporomandibular Disorders: Biofeedback
- Temporomandibular Disorders: Dental Splints
- Temporomandibular Disorders: Having Good Body Mechanics
- Temporomandibular Disorders: Hypnosis
- Temporomandibular Disorders: Problems With the Disc
- Temporomandibular Disorders: Treating Trigger Points
- Temporomandibular Disorders: Ways to Ease Pain
- Tendon Injury (Tendinopathy)
- Tennis Elbow
- Tennis Elbow: Stretches and Strengthening Exercises
- Testosterone and Osteoporosis
- Tetanus
- Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries
- Toe, Foot, and Ankle Problems, Noninjury
- Total Hip Replacement Surgery
- Trapped Finger, Toe, or Limb
- Treatment for ACL Injuries in Children and Teens
- Treatment for Stroke-Related Spasticity
- Trochanteric Bursitis
- Types of ACL Injuries
- Types of Bunion Surgery
- Types of Cerebral Palsy
- Types of Chest Injuries
- Types of Multiple Sclerosis
- Types of Osteoporosis
- Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome
- Umbilical Hernia in Children
- Upper and Middle Back Pain
- Use Heat or Ice to Relieve Low Back Pain
- Using a Cane
- Using a Walker
- Using Crutches
- Using Ice and Cold Packs
- Walking boot or cast for plantar fasciitis
- Water Exercise
- Weakness and Fatigue
- Weight-Bearing Exercises to Maintain Healthy Bones
- Whiplash
- Women and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
- Worried About Addiction to Opioids?
- Wrist Splint for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Wrist Tendon Injury: Preventing Pain
- Alkaline Phosphatase
- Arthrogram (Joint X-Ray)
- Arthroscopy
- Bone Biopsy
- Bone Density
- Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
- Bone Scan
- Calcium (Ca) in Blood
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Body
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Head and Face
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Spine
- Creatine Kinase
- Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies
- Extremity X-Ray
- Facial X-Ray
- Gallium Scan
- Joint Fluid Analysis
- Lyme Disease Test
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Knee
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Shoulder
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine
- Phosphate in Blood
- Phosphate in Urine
- Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
- Skull X-Ray
- Spinal X-Ray
- Vitamin D Test
- Acetaminophen for Low Back Pain
- Acetaminophen for Osteoarthritis
- Anesthetic or Corticosteroid Injections for Low Back Pain
- Anticonvulsants for Chronic Low Back Pain
- Muscle Relaxants
- Opioid Pain Relievers for Low Back Pain
- Opioid Pain Relievers for Osteoarthritis
- Tricyclic and Tetracyclic Antidepressants for Low Back Pain
- Achilles Tendon Rupture: Should I Have Surgery?
- ACL Injury: Should I Have Knee Surgery?
- Arthritis: Should I Have Hip Replacement Surgery?
- Arthritis: Should I Have Knee Replacement Surgery?
- Arthritis: Should I Have Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
- Bunions: Should I Have Surgery?
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Should I Have Surgery?
- Dupuytren's Disease: Should I Have Hand Surgery?
- Hammer, Claw, or Mallet Toe: Should I Have Surgery?
- Inguinal Hernia: Should I Have Surgery Now, or Should I Wait?
- Low Back Pain: Should I Have an MRI?
- Low Back Pain: Should I Have Spinal Manipulation?
- Low Back Pain: Should I Try Epidural Steroid Shots?
- Lumbar Herniated Disc: Should I Have Surgery?
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Should I Have Surgery?
- Meniscus Tear: Should I Have a Diagnostic Test (MRI or Arthroscopy)?
- Meniscus Tear: Should I Have Surgery?
- Osteoporosis: Should I Have a Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Test?
- Osteoporosis: Should I Take Bisphosphonate Medicines?
- Plantar Fasciitis: Should I Have Surgery for Heel Pain?
- Rotator Cuff Problems: Should I Have Surgery?
- Scoliosis: Should My Child Have Surgery?
- Temporomandibular Disorder: Should I Have Surgery for Jaw Pain?
- Tennis Elbow: Should I Have Surgery?
- ACL Injury: Exercises to Do Before Treatment
- Arthritis: Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Back Problems: Proper Lifting
- Chronic Pain: Using Healthy Thinking
- Foot Problems: Finding the Right Shoes
- Gout: Changing Your Diet
- Healthy Eating: Taking Calcium and Vitamin D
- Hip Dysplasia: Caring for Your Child in a Body (Spica) Cast
- Low Back Pain: Exercises to Reduce Pain
- Meniscus Tear: Rehabilitation Exercises
- Osteoarthritis: Exercising With Arthritis
- Patellar Tracking Disorder: Exercises
- Plantar Fasciitis: Exercises to Relieve Pain
- Rotator Cuff Problems: Exercises You Can Do at Home
- Sprained Ankle: Rehabilitation Exercises
- Sprained Ankle: Using a Compression Wrap
- Wrist Care: Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Current as of: October 9, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine