Our body has 206 bones. Diseases are specific to this part of the body. They are quite numerous, some rarer than others. Here are the most common.

The 9 most common bone diseases

The human body is made up of 206 bones. This group of bones forms the skeleton, which gives structure to the body and protects the organs. The ends of the bones are covered with cartilage. The latter is a flexible and resistant material, more elastic than bones.

Thus, the bone can experience many diseases. As a general rule, they are linked to rheumatism but can also follow trauma, result from aging or genetics. The main diseases that affect the bones of the human body are:

  • Osteoarthritis designates a chronic disease affecting the cartilage and adjacent tissues;
  • Fractures which occur when a bone is cracked or broken;
  • Hand diseases such as malunion : this is a consolidation in an abnormal position of a bone after a fracture;
  • Leg diseases such as femoral agenesis : this is a congenital developmental defect of the femur, it is often associated with malformations of the pelvis and lower limbs;
  • Osteoporosis causes a reduction in bone density and a modification of its architecture. The bone then becomes more fragile and the risk of fracture increases;
  • Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal deviation of the spine;
  • Osteonecrosis designates an abnormal and premature degradation of bone tissue, due to a vascularization defect;
  • Malignant tumors ;
  • Bone fibrous dysplasia is a rare, benign bone disease in which bone is replaced by fibro-osseous tissue. This leads to deforming bone damage.

Of course, this list is far from exhaustive. Diseases that affect bones are numerous and sometimes rare.

Some bone diseases are not preventable. This is the case, among others, for genetic diseases, fractures or scoliosis… But it is possible to take care of your bones on a daily basis, in particular to avoid osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Therefore, it is recommended to:

  • Exercise regularly;
  • Adopt a diet rich in nutrients beneficial to bones;
  • To avoid harmful lifestyle habits and excess weight;
  • To identify all risk factors;
  • Talk to your doctor if necessary.

You should know that over the course of life, bone mass changes. It is therefore important to discuss your pain with a healthcare professional. The latter will be able to guide you and prescribe a suitable treatment if necessary.

Florine Cauchie

Health journalist

June 13, 2024, at 2:54 p.m.

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