Bone Spurs: What Causes Them and How Are They Treated?

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony growths that can develop on the edges of bones, particularly in joints. While they’re often painless, bone spurs can sometimes lead to discomfort or pain, especially when they press against nerves or restrict joint movement. They commonly occur in areas like the spine, hips, knees, feet, or shoulders, causing a variety of symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore what causes bone spurs, their common symptoms, and the different treatment options available, from conservative approaches to surgical interventions.

What Are Bone Spurs and How Do They Form?

A bone spur is an extra piece of bone that forms along the edges of bones, usually in response to chronic pressure, rubbing, or stress over time. They often develop as part of the body’s attempt to repair damage from conditions like osteoarthritis or as a result of aging. While they can form anywhere in the skeleton, bone spurs are most commonly found in areas that experience frequent movement or friction, such as the joints or along the spine.

Causes of Bone Spurs:

Osteoarthritis: The most common cause of bone spurs is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage that cushions the bones wears down. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones begin to rub against each other, prompting the body to form bone spurs in an attempt to protect the joints.
Aging: As people age, the cartilage that cushions the joints naturally wears down, increasing the likelihood of developing bone spurs over time.
Joint Injuries: Previous joint injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can increase the risk of bone spurs as the body repairs the injured area with extra bone growth.
Repetitive Stress: Prolonged pressure or repetitive movements, such as those involved in certain sports or activities, can lead to the formation of bone spurs, especially in the feet (heel spurs) or shoulders.
Other Conditions: Conditions like plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot) or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) can also contribute to the development of bone spurs.

Common Symptoms of Bone Spurs

In many cases, bone spurs don’t cause any symptoms and are discovered incidentally on X-rays taken for other reasons. However, when they press on surrounding tissues, nerves, or tendons, they can cause pain or limit movement.

Symptoms of Bone Spurs May Include:

Joint Pain: This is the most common symptom, especially in weight-bearing joints like the hips, knees, or spine.
Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion: Bone spurs in the spine or joints can restrict movement, leading to stiffness.
Nerve Compression: When bone spurs develop in the spine, they may press on spinal nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Swelling: Some individuals may experience swelling around the affected joint due to inflammation caused by the spur.
Pain in the Heel: Heel spurs, which are common in individuals with plantar fasciitis, can cause stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot, especially when walking or standing.

Diagnosis of Bone Spurs

If you’re experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or other symptoms related to bone spurs, your doctor will likely perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests to confirm the presence of bone spurs.

X-Rays: X-rays are the most common imaging test used to identify bone spurs. They provide a clear picture of the bones and can reveal the size and location of the spurs.
MRI or CT Scan: If the bone spur is pressing on nerves or soft tissues, your doctor may recommend an MRI or CT scan to get a more detailed view of the area and assess the extent of the damage.

Treatment Options for Bone Spurs

Treatment for bone spurs depends on the location of the spur and the severity of the symptoms. In many cases, conservative treatments are effective at managing symptoms, but more severe cases may require surgery.

Conservative Treatments:

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve joint mobility and strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, reducing pain and stiffness. Stretching exercises, in particular, can be helpful for spurs in the feet, knees, and spine.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with bone spurs. If the pain is more severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.
Corticosteroid Injections: In cases where inflammation is causing significant discomfort, corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief by reducing swelling and irritation around the affected area.
Orthotics or Supportive Devices: For bone spurs in the feet, custom orthotics or supportive shoes can help relieve pressure on the affected area, reducing pain and discomfort. Similarly, braces or splints can help support joints in the hands, knees, or spine.

Surgical Treatments:

When conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, or if the bone spur is causing severe pain or limiting mobility, surgery may be necessary.

Bone Spur Removal (Osteophytectomy): In this procedure, the surgeon removes the bone spur to relieve pressure on surrounding tissues and improve joint function. This is commonly performed in areas like the spine, shoulder, or feet.
Joint Replacement Surgery: In cases where osteoarthritis has severely damaged the joint, joint replacement surgery (such as hip or knee replacement) may be necessary to remove the damaged joint surfaces and replace them with artificial components.
Spinal Decompression Surgery: For bone spurs pressing on spinal nerves, decompression surgery may be recommended to remove the spurs and relieve pressure on the nerves.

Preventing Bone Spurs

While it may not be possible to prevent bone spurs entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, especially if you’re prone to joint issues.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess body weight puts added pressure on the joints, particularly in the hips, knees, and feet. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the wear and tear on these joints and lower your risk of developing bone spurs.
Stay Active: Regular exercise, especially low-impact activities like swimming or cycling, can help keep the joints flexible and strong. Avoiding repetitive stress on specific joints can also prevent overuse injuries that lead to bone spurs.
Wear Proper Footwear: If you’re prone to heel spurs or other foot problems, wearing well-cushioned, supportive shoes can reduce the risk of developing bone spurs in the feet.
Protect Your Joints: If you play sports or engage in activities that put stress on your joints, be sure to wear protective gear and practice proper techniques to avoid injuries that could lead to bone spurs.

Conclusion: Managing and Treating Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are a common condition, particularly in individuals with osteoarthritis or those who engage in repetitive joint activities. While they don’t always cause symptoms, bone spurs can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited movement if they press on nerves or surrounding tissues. Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options, ranging from physical therapy and medications to surgical intervention. At MSK Doctors, we specialise in diagnosing and treating bone spurs, helping patients find relief and improve their quality of life. If you’re experiencing joint pain or suspect you may have bone spurs, contact us for a personalised treatment plan.

FAQ Section:

What are bone spurs, and how do they form? Bone spurs are extra bony growths that form along the edges of bones, often due to conditions like osteoarthritis. They develop as a response to joint damage or inflammation, usually from aging or overuse.
What are the symptoms of bone spurs? Symptoms can include joint pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and in some cases, nerve compression leading to numbness or weakness. However, not all bone spurs cause symptoms.
How are bone spurs diagnosed? Bone spurs are typically diagnosed through X-rays, which reveal the bony growths. An MRI or CT scan may be used if the spur is pressing on soft tissues or nerves.
What are the non-surgical treatments for bone spurs? Conservative treatments include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and orthotics. These methods can help manage symptoms without surgery.
When is surgery necessary for bone spurs? Surgery may be required if the bone spur causes severe pain, restricts joint movement, or compresses nerves. Procedures like bone spur removal or joint replacement may be considered in these cases.
Can bone spurs be prevented? While not entirely preventable, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, wearing proper footwear, and protecting joints from injury can reduce the risk of developing bone spurs.