Oral dosage forms of bisphosphonate compounds, such as zoledronic acid, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions. Although an oral dosage form with enhanced bioavailability with respect to the bisphosphonate compound can be used, the treatment can also be effective using an oral dosage form that includes a bisphosphonate compound, such as zoledronic acid, wherein the bioavailability of the bisphosphonate is unenhanced, or is substantially unenhanced.