Bone Spurs


An osteophyte, commonly known as a bone spur, is a smooth, bony growth that emerges from a bone. Over time, bone spurs form, typically close to joints (where two or more bones meet).

Although younger people can develop bone spurs, those 60 years of age or older are most likely to do so. Osteoarthritis (OA) patients have a substantially higher risk of developing bone spurs. As the cartilage that cushions your bones begins to deteriorate, "wear and tear" arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (OA), develops.

Osteophytes can develop from any bone, although they are more prevalent in the following bones −

  • Foot, particularly the big toe, ankle, and heel (calcaneal spurs)

  • Finger or hand

  • Hip

  • Knee

  • Neck

  • Shoulder

  • Spine

Bone Spurs: Causes

The main cause of bone spurs is OA joint deterioration. The hard, flexible tissue that cushions bones and makes joints more mobile is cartilage, and OA is a breakdown of this tissue. OA occurs with aging or following injury (like a sports injury).

The body produces new bone tissue as it attempts to mend the cartilage. Osteophytes are these fresh bony growths.

Bone spurs can also be brought on by ankylosing spondylitis. Spinal inflammation is a result of this unusual arthritis. The tiny spine bones gradually fuse or join as a result of ankylosing spondylitis (vertebrae). As a reaction, the body creates spinal osteophytes.

Bone Spurs: Symptoms

Several people might not even realize they have bone spurs. Spurs become problematic when they −

  • Irritate the neighboring nerves

  • Limit your mobility

  • Scuff up against other tissues or bones

You could experience some of the following −

  • Regions with bumps or ridges, particularly in the fingers or toes.

  • If the spine contains spurs, numbness, and weakness may be felt, especially in the legs, like heel pain, and discomfort close to the afflicted joint.

  • Smaller range of motion (how far the joint moves)

  • Stiffness

  • Tendinitis (swelling of a neighboring tendon)

  • Torn tendon (like a rotator cuff tear in the shoulder)

The majority of bone spurs are symptomless. When the growths are discovered on an X-ray taken for another ailment, you might not be aware that you have bone spurs. Nevertheless, bone spurs can occasionally result in joint discomfort and a reduction in range of motion.

Where the bone spurs are will influence the specific symptoms. Examples comprise −

  • Knee − Leg extension and flexion might be unpleasant if you have bone spurs in your knee.

  • Spine − Bone spurs might reduce the amount of room available for your spinal cord on your vertebrae. The spinal cord or its nerve roots may be pinched by these bone spurs, which may result in weakness or numbness in your arms or legs.

  • Hip  Even though you could feel discomfort in your knee, bone spurs might make it unpleasant to move your hip. Bone spurs may restrict the range of motion in your hip joint depending on where they are located.

Bone Spurs: Risk Factors

Those with arthritis have an increased chance of developing bone spurs.

Bone Spurs: Diagnosis

You could unintentionally find a bone spur via an X-ray or other examination for a different ailment if you don't have any symptoms.

Your healthcare professional will respond to your complaints of pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility by −

  • Querying you to list down your symptoms.

  • Inquiring about your medical history and that of your family.

  • Asking how uncomfortable you are.

  • Examining your physical condition.

  • Checking the strength and range of motion of your joint.

  • Placing an order for imaging tests, such as X-rays to check for arthritis and spurs or CT or MRI scans to find torn ligaments or tendons.

Bone Spurs: Treatment

Your doctor may quiz you about things like −

  • How bad is the pain?

  • Do you find it difficult to move the afflicted joint or joints?

  • Do your symptoms make it difficult for you to carry out your everyday tasks?

  • What, if anything, have you done thus far in terms of at-home remedies that have worked?

  • What kind of workout do you usually do?

Treatment is not necessary if bone spurs are present but there are no symptoms. If you experience numbness, stiffness, restricted motion, or joint discomfort, let your healthcare practitioner know.

Your doctor might advise using over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium if your bone spurs hurt.

Many lifestyle modifications and home cures might reduce osteophyte symptoms −

  • Ice will lessen swelling

  • Painkillers available over-the-counter, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen

  • Rest

  • Supportive footwear or insoles

  • Losing weight can lessen the strain on bones and joints

If such remedies are ineffective, your doctor may advise −

  • Exercises and stretches used in physical therapy can lessen discomfort, increase the range of motion, and strengthen the muscles that surround joints.

  • Prescription painkillers: If over-the-counter painkillers are ineffective, your doctor may recommend a stronger drug or a cortisone injection.

  • Surgery can be used to remove the bone spurs if symptoms persist after a year of therapy.

Bone spurs can be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter drugs to reduce pain and stiffness. Joint tension is decreased by wearing shoes that fit properly and losing weight. Call your healthcare professional if your symptoms become severe or uncontrollable.

Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle even if you have bone spurs. Avoid hurtful motions and behaviors. Instead of running, go for low-impact activities like walking.

Take preventative measures to lessen joint injury while you exercise: Always warm up and stretch, wear comfortable shoes, and focus on the perfect technique.

Bone Spurs: Prevention

Bone spurs cannot be entirely avoided. Yet by leading a healthy lifestyle, you can lower your risk of getting them −

  • Have a healthy body.

  • Consume a healthy, balanced diet.

  • To lessen the additional strain on bones and joints, maintain a healthy weight.

  • Keep optimal ergonomics and posture (proper positioning at your desk).

  • Stretching and employing secure workout methods might help you avoid joint issues. Don't go overboard.

  • Put on supportive, well-fitting shoes.

Conclusion

Smooth, bony growths known as bone spurs or osteophytes are typically seen close to joints. In individuals with arthritis or joint injury, they gradually become apparent. Bone spurs frequently form on the spine, hands, feet, and knees. Pain, stiffness, and limited mobility symptoms can be postponed by leading a healthy lifestyle. Surgery, physical therapy, and medication all could be helpful.

Bone spurs may have no symptoms at all or may have a significant impact on your daily activities. You can postpone or relieve symptoms with the use of natural therapies and lifestyle decisions. Ask your healthcare professional about other methods if you are unable to manage your pain or other symptoms on your own.

Dr. Durgesh Kumar Sinha
Dr. Durgesh Kumar Sinha

MBBS MS [ OPHTHALMOLOGY ]

Updated on: 13-Mar-2023

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