Why is My Bone Getting Bigger?

A bone getting bigger can be due to several reasons, ranging from normal growth processes to underlying medical conditions. Let's explore some possibilities:

During childhood and adolescence, bones naturally grow larger as part of normal development. This growth occurs at the growth plates, areas of cartilage near the ends of bones. As the cartilage grows and is replaced by bone, the bone lengthens. This process is described in the Bone Development & Growth - SEER Training resource (https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/skeletal/growth.html). Once growth plates close in adulthood, bone growth in length stops. However, bone thickness and density can continue to increase throughout life with proper nutrition and exercise as described in The muscle-bone connection - Harvard Health (https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-muscle-bone-connection).

Medical Conditions

Several medical conditions can cause abnormal bone growth, resulting in enlarged bones:

• Fibrous Dysplasia: This condition causes abnormal bone growth and swelling, making the affected bone enlarged, brittle, and warped. It can affect any bone but commonly affects the skull, face, thigh, shin, ribs, upper arm, and pelvis. This is detailed in the Fibrous dysplasia - Better Health Channel resource (http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fibrous-dysplasia).

• Benign Bone Tumors: Certain benign bone tumors, such as osteochondromas, can enlarge while the skeleton is still growing. These tumors are made up of cartilage and bone and grow outside the bone itself. Information on this is available in Benign Bone Tumors: Common Types, Symptoms & Treatment (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16775-benign-bone-tumors).

• Bone Cysts: Bone cysts can also cause bone enlargement. As a cyst grows, it can weaken the bone, increasing the risk of fractures. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, or a lump. This is explained in Bone cyst - NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bone-cyst/).

• Growth Plate Fractures: In children and adolescents, fractures involving the growth plate can disrupt normal bone growth, potentially leading to abnormal bone growth and size differences. Further details are available in Growth plate fractures - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/growth-plate-fractures/symptoms-causes/syc-20351979).

Aging and Bone Density

While bones don't generally get bigger with age, changes do occur. The NIH News in Health article on osteoporosis (https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/01/osteoporosis-aging) mentions that tiny holes within bones get bigger with age, and the outer layer thins. This makes bones weaker, not necessarily larger in overall size.

It is crucial to consult a doctor to determine the cause of bone enlargement. They can perform a physical exam, order imaging tests (like X-rays), and possibly other tests to reach a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.