What Is Bone Sclerosis?
Bone sclerosis (BS) is a degenerative disease of the bones of the lower extremities. It is characterized by weakening or loss of strength in the bones of your legs, hips, and feet. The condition may affect any part of your body but most commonly affects your lower limbs. If left untreated it can lead to deformity and eventually amputation due to complications such as infection, gangrene, or vascular failure.
The cause of BSS is unknown but there are several theories. Some believe that it is caused by a combination of genetic factors, environmental factors, and/or injury. Others believe that it results from abnormal cell growth in the bones of your lower extremities. Still others think that it develops because of an underlying medical problem which causes damage to your bones. There have been no proven treatments for BSS and currently there is no cure available either.
Treatment consists of maintaining good nutrition and rest to prevent further deterioration.
Symptoms Of Bone Sclerosis Hip Or Lower Extremity Disease:
Weakness in one or both legs. Weakness in your arms. Limbs tend to become shorter than they would normally be. Your feet may feel like they are going through a series of tiny steps when walking. There may be visible bumps on your legs and arms.
Your legs and arms may feel numb. You may feel tingling and/or pain in your limbs.
What Is Sclerotic Lesion?
Sclerotic lesion is a disease that affects the bone. The word “sclerotic” means hard or rigid which is what happens to the bones in this condition. It is also sometimes called “bone hardening,” “bone sclerosis,” or “ossification.” In this condition your bones develop hard patches that are poorly vascularized. In other words, the hard areas do not have good blood supply and as a result do not receive nutrients as readily.
SCLEROTIC LESION SYMPTOMS:
Aching pains in the bones of your feet, legs, or arms. Pain is most commonly felt in the shins, hips, knees, and lower back. Pain may be constant or it may come and go. Pain may be sharp or dull in nature. Swelling of the bone.
Stiffness of the bones. Inflammation of the tendons or surrounding muscles. Skin sores or ulcers.
SCLEROTIC LESION DIAGNOSIS:
Your doctor may order a series of tests to help make a diagnosis. These may include blood tests, an ultrasound, a CT scan, an MRI scan, bone scans, and/or x-rays.
SCLEROTIC LESION TREATMENT:
At this time there is no known cure for sclerotic lesions. Treatment can help alleviate pain, slow the condition’s progression, and promote overall health. Treatment options may include physical therapy, exercise, taking medications, wearing orthotics, and/or changing your footwear. In more serious cases surgery or amputation of a limb may be required.
SCLEROTIC LESION PROGRESSION:
The condition is progressive and will continue to worsen over time. As sclerotic lesions progress, the hard patches may crack, causing bone fragments to come loose. These fragments can cause choking of blood supply or damage to surrounding tissues. Additionally, the bone fragments may puncture the skin causing an open wound. In some cases bone deterioration can lead to spinal cord or internal organ damage.
Disclaimer: The images of the sclerotic lesions presented in this medical description are graphic in nature and contain details about the condition and its progression. If you’d rather not read such content now, pass over this description. Please return when you have a free moment as this information is vital for your health and safety.
Worn Shoes:
You’ve obviously been wearing shoes that don’t properly fit your feet for quite some time now. Sores have developed in the spots where your bony protrusions have been rubbing up against your footwear. Even without sores, wearing shoes that are too small for extended periods of time puts you at risk for developing bone lesions.
SORE ON FOOT 1:
The first sore that you’ve developed is on the ball of your right foot. This is the notorious “Bunion” which is caused by repetitive stress and improper fitting footwear. The “Bunion” is actually caused by a misalignment of the big toe and foot which in turn causes the rest of the toes to curl into an improper position. As a result, weight and pressure is placed on the outside edge of the foot near the little toe. This can cause bone spurs to develop which in turn can lead to inflammation, pain and sores.
SORE ON FOOT 2:
You’ve also developed a sore on the inside edge of your foot below your smallest toe. This is caused by continued friction and pressure from your tight fitting shoes. If left untreated the friction caused by your foot in your shoe will lead to a corn, callus, or possibly a nail bed infection. If your shoes are not loosened or replaced you may experience sores, ulcers, or even necrosis if the skin begins to die.
BUNION:
Along the side of your right big toe you’ve developed a bone spur. The bone spur is caused by your toes being forced into an unnatural position which applies excess pressure on the bone causing it to thicken and grow outward. This puts stress on the surrounding skin and tissues causing sores and irritation. In extreme cases the stress on the bone can cause foot deformities.
