Symptoms:

There are no symptoms in the early stages. As bone damage worsens, you may have the following symptoms:

• Pain in the joint that may increase over time, and will become very severe if the bone collapses
• Pain that occurs even at rest
• Limited range of motion
• Groin pain, if the hip joint is affected
• Limping, if the condition occurs in or below the hips

Signs and tests:

Your health care provider will do a complete physical exam to find out if you have any diseases or conditions that may affect your bones. You will be asked questions about your symptoms and medical history. The questions might include:

• When did the pain start?
• Does the pain spread (radiate) anywhere?
• Is the pain constant, or does it get better at night or at rest?
• Have you noticed any difference in how much or how far you can move (your mobility)?
• Do pain relievers help?
• Are you taking any steroids now, or have you ever taken them?
• Do you drink alcohol? If so, how much?

Be sure to let your health care provider know about any medications or vitamin supplements you are taking, even over-the-counter medicine.

After the exam, your health care provider will order one or more of the following tests:

• X-ray
• MRI
• Bone scan
• CT scan