Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are small, bony lumps that grow along the edges of bones. They're sometimes called osteophytes. These growths frequently develop where bones connect, like in joints, or on the bones of your spine.

The most common reason for bone spurs is damage to joints, especially from a condition called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that wears down the cartilage in your joints. This damage can trigger the formation of bone spurs. Many people with bone spurs don't experience any problems. They may not even know they have them, and doctors might not discover them for a long time. In these cases, no treatment is needed.

However, if bone spurs do cause problems, the best treatment depends on exactly where they are and how they're affecting your body.

The image shows two hip joints. The healthy hip on the left looks smooth. The hip on the right, however, shows damage. Osteoarthritis has worn away the cartilage, and extra bone, called bone spurs, has grown.

This same process happens in the spine too. The discs between the bones of the spine get thinner, and bone spurs form.

Often, bone spurs don't cause any problems. You might not even know you have them until a doctor takes an X-ray for something else. But sometimes, these extra bits of bone can cause pain and make it harder to move your joints.

The pain and problems depend on where the bone spurs are.

• Knees: Bone spurs in the knee can make it hurt to straighten or bend your leg.

• Spine: Bone spurs on the small bones of the spine can narrow the space around the spinal cord and nerves. This pinching can cause weakness or numbness in your arms or legs.

• Hips: Bone spurs in the hip can make it painful to move your hip. The pain might feel like it's in your knee or thigh instead. These bone spurs can also limit how far you can move your hip. For example, you might not be able to bend your hip as much as usual.

If you're experiencing any of these health issues, it's a good idea to see a doctor for a checkup:

• Joint pain or swelling: This could be in one or more joints. If you're feeling pain or notice your joints are puffy, it's important to get it checked out. This could be a sign of arthritis, an injury, or another condition that needs treatment.

• Difficulty moving a joint: If you're having trouble bending, straightening, or otherwise using a joint, it's a sign something might be wrong. This could be caused by injury, inflammation, or other medical issues.

• Weakness or numbness in your arms or legs: If you're feeling weaker than usual in your arms or legs, or if you've lost feeling in these areas, it's crucial to see a doctor right away. This could indicate a nerve problem, circulation issue, or other serious health concerns. Numbness or tingling can also be a sign of a problem.

These are just some possible symptoms, and it's important to remember that this is not a complete list. If you have any concerns about your health, consult a healthcare professional.

Bone spurs are often a result of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition that wears down the cartilage, a smooth tissue that acts like a cushion between the ends of bones. When cartilage is damaged, the body tries to fix the problem. One way it does this is by growing extra bone, called bone spurs, near the damaged area.

People with arthritis are more likely to develop bone spurs.

Your doctor will examine you physically. They might touch or gently press on your joint to find exactly where the pain is. Sometimes, X-rays or other imaging tests, like MRIs or CT scans, are used to look at your bones and joints to see what's going on.

Bone spurs can be painful. If you have bone spurs that bother you, your doctor might suggest over-the-counter pain relievers. These include things like acetaminophen (often sold as Tylenol), ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin), and naproxen sodium (found in Aleve).

These medicines can help reduce the discomfort.

Physical therapy can also be very helpful. It works by strengthening the muscles around the affected joints. This also improves flexibility, which can lessen the pain and make it easier to move. A physical therapist can teach you specific exercises and stretches to help.

In some cases, surgery might be an option. This is usually only considered if other treatments haven't worked. Surgery could involve removing the bone spur or replacing a damaged joint. The best course of action depends on things like where the bone spur is located, how much pain it's causing, and how much it limits your movement. A doctor will carefully evaluate your situation to determine if surgery is the right choice for you.