Symptoms of problems with your skeletal system can vary according to the specific condition and its cause. However, general and common symptoms of bone and joint disorders include:

• Pain and stiffness
• Inflexibility
• General fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Digestive disorders
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• General discomfort
• Numbness and tingling
• Changes in gait
• Bruising
• A dull ache
• Pins and needles.

Indications of more severe or worsening conditions include:

• Bowel or bladder disturbances
• Pain down both legs
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Sudden intense pains
• Skin redness, warmth and tenderness
• Irritability
• Muscular wastage
• Pain worse on lying down
• Steroid use (e.g. Pednisone tablets for asthma or arthritis).

*Patients aged 50 years and over should take particular care and should seek medical attention if experiencing any of these symptoms.