Bone Spurs
Also known as
osteophytes, bone spurs are abnormal bony
outgrowths. They can form on any bone, but are
most often found along joints. Bone spurs
develop as a natural part of aging or may
develop as a result of other conditions.
Bone spurs are often associated
with osteoarthritis. Also known as degenerative joint disease,
osteoarthritis is
the most common form of "arthritis" (which means
joint inflammation). It mainly affects the
cartilage which is the slippery tissue over the
end of the bone in the joint. In the healthy
individual, this allows the bones to glide over
each other & acts as a shock absorber. When
osteoarthritis develops, this slippery layer
breaks down & wears away. There are however
nerves running through the bones & when the
bones of the joints rub together this leads
to pain, swelling & loss of motion. Eventually
the bone may develop bone spurs as a way to try
and protect the bone from further damage.
Another
common cause of bone spurs is plantar fasciitis,
which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is
the long ligament supporting the arch of
the foot. Over time this inflammation can
lead to the formation of a heel spur.
Despite their
name, bone spurs are not sharp and the bone
spurs themselves are not painful. It is when
they press on nerves, ligaments, tendons &
against other bone that pain occurs. Plantar
Bone spurs are
most commonly found on the spine, neck,
shoulders, knees, heels,
Bone spur
symptoms:
In many
individuals, bone spurs cause no pain at all.
Symptoms may include;
Other symptoms
vary depending on the location. Spurs located on
the spine can cause numbness and tingling.
Bone spur
treatment:
If the bone spur
isn't causing pain, no treatment is necessary.
Treatment of mild
to moderate bone spurs will vary depending on
the location but may include; anti-inflammatory
medications to relieve pain and discomfort.
Other treatments include rest, ice therapy,
physical therapy.
Severe cases of
bone spurs that affect your range of motion may
require surgery.
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