Bone spurs are extra bits of bone that can grow out of normal bone. They often happen because of arthritis or an injury, and they can show up anyplace in the body. They usually appear at places where bones meet, like in joints or along the spine.
Many times, bone spurs don’t cause any pain or problems. But sometimes, they can irritate nearby tissue and cause pain. They might rub against other tissues or bones, or wear them down over time, which can lead to pain.
Healthcare providers use X-rays to find bone spurs. Treatment depends on how much they bother you. Some bone spurs don’t need treatment at all. Others might need things like physical therapy, shots of corticosteroids, or even surgery to remove them.
What is it?
There are two main kinds of bone spurs. They are enthesophytes and osteophytes. Both types are extra bits of bone that grow from an existing bone, covered by a layer of fibrocartilage in the periosteum (a membrane that surrounds bones) from the cells. Changing growth element beta is involved in how bone spurs develop.
Enthesophytes and osteophytes are the same in that they both grow out from bones, but they form in different places and often have different reasons.
Enthesophytes are a type of bone spurs that grow where soft tissues like ligaments, muscles, and tendons attach to bones. These attachment sites are called “entheses.” Enthesophytes can be affected by tight tendons or ligaments, injuries, or inflammatory conditions like spondylarthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
Osteophytes can form on any bone but are most frequent in joints or where bones meet. Osteoarthritis, which causes stress or friction on bones, increases the chances of osteophytes forming.
Locations Where Bone Spurs Can Develop
Bone spurs can develop on any bone in the body, but they most commonly form in joints or along the spine. They are frequently found in areas such as the fingers, elbows, shoulders, heels, spine, knees, neck, and hips. Bone spurs can also arise during the healing process after an injury. Additionally, osteoarthritis, which leads to cartilage breakdown, can lead to the formation of bone spurs. When the body tries to repair damaged bone and replace lost cartilage, it may produce a bone spur.
While older adults are more prone to developing bone spurs, younger and active individuals can also experience them. Activities like dancing and sports can strain ligaments, muscles, and tendons, potentially triggering the growth of bone spurs. This highlights that bone spurs can develop in various scenarios, from natural aging processes to the strains of physical activity.
Symptoms
Bone spurs often don’t show symptoms, as noted in a 2016 review. But they can cause inflammation if they rub against or push on nearby bones or tissues like muscles or tendons, which can lead to pain.
When bone spurs happen in joints, they might limit how far the joint can move. For example, if they form in the heel, they could create corns or calluses that hurt. These symptoms can vary depending on where the bone spur develops in the body.
Causes
Bone spurs often happen because of osteoarthritis. In OA, the cushioning cartilage between bones wears away over time, which can make the bones rub together and get damaged. To repair this damage, the body triggers swelling and redness in the area. This inflammation can sometimes lead to the growth of extra bone, forming bone spurs.
Bone spurs can also form when the body tries to heal after a bone injury.
The chances of developing bone spurs go up with age, higher body weight, and how active a person is. These factors can increase the stress on bones and joints, which may contribute to the growth of bone spurs over time.
Diagnosis
Doctors can see bone spurs clearly on X-ray images. Often, these spurs are noticed when someone gets an X-ray for another health problem, like arthritis.
If someone feels pain, numbness, stiffness, or nerve pain, a healthcare provider might suggest an X-ray to look for bone spurs. This helps them understand if the spurs are causing the symptoms.
Treatment
Healthcare providers may suggest different treatments if a bone spur is getting pain or harming nearby bone or tissue. They might recommend:
- Resting the affected area.
- Taking anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce swelling and pain.
- Doing physical therapy exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
If these treatments don’t work well enough, healthcare providers might consider surgery to eliminate the bone spur. Sometimes, this surgery is part of a bigger operation to repair or replace a joint damaged by osteoarthritis.
Prevention
Since bone spurs often develop due to arthritis, taking care of your joints is important to prevent them. Here are some tips that can help:
- Wear good shoes and use the right technique during exercise to avoid getting hurt.
- Take breaks and rest enough during workouts to let your body recover.
- Keep your weight in a healthy range to lessen pressure on your joints and lower the risk of arthritis. Taking these steps can make a big difference in preventing bone spurs from forming.
When to contact a doctor
If someone experiences persistent pain, it’s important to consult a doctor, especially if they notice any of the following:
- A lump that doesn’t seem normal.
- Pain that comes with the lump.
- Weakness or pain in a joint.
- Pain that gets worse after exercise.
- Difficulty walking due to pain.
A healthcare provider can perform tests to figure out what’s causing these symptoms and recommend treatments to help manage them effectively. It’s essential to seek medical advice to address any concerns and improve overall comfort and mobility.
Summary
Bone spurs are extra bits of bone that can form in joints or along the spine, often due to osteoarthritis or injuries. They may not cause symptoms but can lead to pain and restricted movement if they irritate nearby tissues. Diagnosis typically involves X-rays, which can show these bony growths clearly. Treatment options range from rest, medication, and physical therapy to surgery if conservative methods fail. Prevention focuses on maintaining joint health through proper footwear, exercise techniques, rest, and managing body weight. If symptoms like persistent pain or joint issues arise, consulting a doctor for diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
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