Zygomatic Bone Tenderness: Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Ramakoteswara Rao K

Zygomatic bone tenderness refers to pain or discomfort in the cheekbone area. The zygomatic bone is located on both sides of the face and forms the prominence of your cheeks. Various conditions can cause pain in this area, including injuries, infections, or underlying health issues.

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Types of Zygomatic Bone Tenderness

There are different types depending on how the pain feels and how severe it is:

Mild Tenderness: Pain only when you press on the cheekbone.
Moderate Tenderness: Pain during chewing or facial movements.
Severe Tenderness: Constant pain that can limit jaw movement and daily activities.

Causes of Zygomatic Bone Tenderness

Zygomatic bone pain can occur due to:

Facial Trauma: Accidents, sports injuries, or falls can damage the bone.
Infections: Sinus or bone infections can cause swelling and pain.
Tooth Problems: Infections in the upper teeth can spread to the cheek.
Jaw Disorders: TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems may cause pain around the cheekbone.
Nerve Pain: Issues like trigeminal neuralgia may lead to sudden, sharp cheek pain.
Inflammation: Conditions like giant cell arteritis can affect blood vessels in the face.
Tumors: Though rare, tumors (benign or cancerous) can affect the zygomatic bone.

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Conditions That Cause Zygomatic Bone Tenderness

Several health issues can lead to this kind of pain:

Facial bone fractures
Sinusitis (sinus infection)
Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Dental abscess or upper tooth infection
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
Trigeminal neuralgia
Bell’s palsy (facial nerve inflammation)
Giant cell arteritis
Bone tumors

Symptoms of Zygomatic Bone Tenderness

Common signs you may notice include:

Pain: Localized or sharp pain in the cheekbone area.
Swelling: Swelling or puffiness in the cheek area.
Redness: Redness due to inflammation over the affected area.
Bruising: Discoloration on the cheek, often from trauma or injury.
Difficulty Chewing: Pain may increase when chewing or speaking.
Limited Jaw Movement: Pain or swelling that makes moving the jaw difficult.

When to See a Doctor?

You should consult a doctor if:

The pain is severe or does not go away.
You notice swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving your jaw.
There is redness or warmth around the cheekbone
You have a history of dental issues or facial trauma.

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Diagnosis of Zygomatic Bone Tenderness

To diagnose the cause of zygomatic bone tenderness, a doctor may:

Physical Exam: The doctor will check the painful area.
X-ray or CT Scan: To look for fractures or other problems in the bone.
Blood Tests: To check for their infections or inflammation.
Dental Exam: To rule out tooth-related issues.
Nerve Tests: If nerve damage is suspected.

Treatment and Management of Zygomatic Bone Tenderness

The treatment depends on the cause of the tenderness:

Painkillers: Medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce pain.
Cold Packs: Applying ice can reduce swelling.
Antibiotics: If the antibiotics can be used, pain is due to an infection.
Dental Treatment: Treating tooth infections can reduce cheek pain.
Rest and Soft Diet: Avoid chewing hard foods to rest the area.
Surgery: For fractures or tumors, if needed.
Physiotherapy: To improve jaw movement in TMJ cases.

Prevention of Zygomatic Bone Tenderness

Here are some ways to help prevent cheekbone pain:

Use protective gear during contact sports
Keep your teeth and mouth clean every day to avoid tooth and gum infections.
Get treatment for sinus or facial infections early
Avoid chewing hard food if you have TMJ problems
Protect your face from injury during risky activities

Lifestyle Changes for Zygomatic Bone Tenderness

Making small changes can help relieve and manage symptoms:

Eat soft, easy-to-chew food
Avoid chewing gum or talking too much during pain episodes
Use warm compresses to relax tense facial muscles
Avoid stress that may lead to jaw clenching
Sleep with your head raised a little by using an extra pillow to help bring down swelling in your face.

Home Remedies for Zygomatic Bone Tenderness

These simple home treatments can help with mild symptoms:

Use a cold pack to reduce the swelling and numb the pain.
Warm cloth on the cheek to ease stiffness or jaw tension
Saltwater rinse for relief if the cause is dental-related
Turmeric paste (if skin is not broken) for its anti-inflammatory benefits
Gentle massage around the cheek and jaw to ease tightness

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Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the underlying cause. While minor trauma may cause temporary tenderness, persistent pain could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention.

Yes, TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw and zygomatic bone area due to joint dysfunction, leading to tenderness and discomfort.

Seek medical attention if the tenderness persists, worsens, or is associated with swelling, fever, or trauma to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Yes, fractures to the zygomatic bone from trauma or accidents can cause significant tenderness, swelling, bruising, and pain in the cheek area.

While rare, severe trauma to the zygomatic bone may also affect the surrounding structures, including the eye socket, potentially causing vision issues.

Mild cases, especially from trauma or minor infections, may improve with rest and basic treatments. However, severe or persistent cases require medical attention.