Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Bone Spurs

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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Bone Spurs

A bone spur (osteophyte) is a bony growth or projection that forms where bones meet each other –in your joints. The blog discusses about FAQs about bone spur.

Bone spurs refer to “bony projections” that build up along the edges of bones – most commonly around the joints of the foot, shoulder and spine. Generally, most cases of this condition cause no symptoms and may go undetected for years. Treatment options vary depending on the type and location of bone spurs. Multi-specialty healthcare centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer a wide variety of treatment options to reduce pain associated with bone spurs and improve function.

Here are the answers to some common questions related to symptomatic bone spurs –

What is a bone spur?

A bone spur (also called osteophyte) is a small, but sharp growth of bone that develops around the inflamed joints in the body. This condition normally develops when two bones rub together (most often due to osteoarthritis). The most common place a bone spur will occur is on a vertebra in the spine.

What causes bone spurs?

Joint damage or local inflammation from degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) or tendinitis is the most common causes of bone spurs. As inflammation from osteoarthritis breaks down the cushy cartilage that surrounds the ends of your bones, your body attempts to repair this loss by creating a bony prominence or spur near the damaged area. However, bone spurs can be caused by previous history of injury or physical trauma – like auto accidents or from contact sports. In addition, carrying excess weight, disc or joint degeneration, maintaining poor posture can also increase the risk of developing this condition.

What are the prominent symptoms?

Most cases of this condition do not have any specific signs and symptoms. In some cases, people experience pain and loss of motion in joints. The specific symptoms may depend on where the bone spurs occur. Common symptoms include – 

Pain in the neck/back

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Limited movement and radiating pain

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Numbness or weakness in the extremities

Where do bone spurs occur?

Bone spurs most frequently occur in the back or sole of the heel bone of the foot; in the spine adjacent to degenerated discs; and around joints that have degenerated cartilage. However, congenital types commonly arise around the growth areas of the shoulder and knee.

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How is this condition diagnosed?

As part of the diagnosis, a podiatrist may conduct a manual physical exam to identify the extent of pain associated with this condition. This may be followed by an X-ray, MRI scan or other imaging tests to view the joints and bones and to detect bony spurs to confirm the exact cause of your discomfort.

What are the treatment options?

In several cases, bony spurs may not involve symptoms, go undetected and require no specific treatment. On the other hand, the presence of osteophytes can result in pain and impair joint mobility in areas such as the knee, spine, hip, shoulder and fingers. Pain management centers combine several alternative treatment modalities to expedite your pain relief. Early treatment options include physical therapy, chiropractic adjustment, rehabilitation and exercises and spinal decompression. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) may help relieve pain. Epidural steroid injections deliver steroids into the joints, muscles, ligaments or around nerves to reduce inflammation. Surgery will be recommended only as a last resort, if the bone spurs seriously limit the patient’s range of motion and the pain does not resolve with nonsurgical therapies.

Is it possible to prevent bone spurs?

Following certain prevention strategies help to avoid or postpone the development of bone spurs thereby increasing overall spine health. Prevention steps include – 

Maintain a healthy body weight through regular exercise and nutritious diet.

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Follow a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium as this will result in strong and healthy bones.

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Do regular exercise to strengthen core muscles so that they can help support the body’s weight.

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Avoid repetitive body movement and be extra careful while indulging in high-impact sports.

Bone spurs may not be fully cured through alternative treatments. However, certain treatment modalities and healthy lifestyle modifications can help better manage symptoms and pain associated with the condition.

718-769-2521

www.hqbk.com

info@hqbk.com