Osteonecrosis causes pain in the joints. For example, pain in the hip area could be a sign of osteonecrosis. At first the pain might only occur when you put weight on the joint. In more severe cases the pain could be constant. X-rays and other scans can detect advanced osteonecrosis.
Some doctors also use surgery to test for osteonecrosis.
A healthy person can sometimes recover from osteonecrosis, especially if it was caused by an accident. The body can repair damaged blood vessels and rebuild damaged bone. If alcohol or steroid use causes osteonecrosis, you should stop using them. You can also reduce the weight you put on your joints. This is the opposite of treatment for osteoporosis.