What Are Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are small, bony projections that develop along the edges of bones. While they can form in various parts of the body, they are most commonly found in joints such as the spine, shoulders, hips, hands, knees, and feet. Bone spurs often develop as a result of joint damage from osteoarthritis. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide expert care for patients dealing with the symptoms of bone spurs, using both conservative and surgical treatments to restore comfort and mobility.
Bone spurs are extra growths of bone that typically form where bones meet at joints. They can also develop where tendons or ligaments attach to bones. Although bone spurs themselves are not painful, they can cause discomfort if they rub against other bones or press on nerves. In many cases, people may have bone spurs without even knowing it, as they may not cause any noticeable symptoms until they interfere with joint movement.
Bone spurs are usually associated with joint degeneration, particularly due to osteoarthritis, but they can also form as part of the body’s attempt to repair itself after joint injury or inflammation.
Causes of Bone Spurs
The primary cause of bone spurs is long-term joint wear and tear, most commonly due to osteoarthritis. As the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down over time, the body tries to repair the damage by forming new bone, which leads to the development of bone spurs. Other causes include:
- Aging: As people age, joint degeneration is a natural part of the aging process, and bone spurs are more likely to develop in individuals over 60.
- Osteoarthritis: This form of arthritis, which causes the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, is the most common cause of bone spurs.
- Spinal Conditions: Bone spurs can develop in the spine due to conditions such as degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis, where the space around the spinal cord narrows.
- Injury: Trauma or injury to a joint can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage, leading to bone spur formation as the body tries to repair the damaged area.
- Tight Ligaments: Chronic stress on ligaments, tendons, or muscles can contribute to the development of bone spurs, especially around the heel in cases like plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms of Bone Spurs
Bone spurs may not cause symptoms for many people, but when they do, symptoms typically depend on where the spurs develop and how they affect the surrounding tissues. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: Pain may occur when bone spurs rub against nearby bones, ligaments, or nerves. The pain is often worse with movement and can become chronic.
- Limited Range of Motion: Bone spurs can restrict movement in the affected joint, making it difficult to perform daily activities.
- Numbness or Tingling: Bone spurs pressing on nerves, particularly in the spine, can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, legs, or other areas of the body.
- Swelling and Inflammation: Inflammation in the affected joint may lead to swelling, tenderness, and discomfort.
- Visible Bumps: In some cases, bone spurs may cause a visible lump, especially in areas like the hands, feet, or shoulders.
Diagnosis of Bone Spurs
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing bone spurs begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. If bone spurs are suspected, imaging tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of joint damage:
1. Physical Examination: The doctor will examine the affected joint for signs of swelling, tenderness, or limited range of motion. They may also check for any visible or palpable bumps caused by bone spurs.
2. X-rays: X-rays are the most common imaging test used to diagnose bone spurs, as they provide a clear view of the bone and can show any abnormal bony growths.
3. CT Scan or MRI: In more complex cases, a CT scan or MRI may be necessary to assess soft tissue damage or nerve compression caused by bone spurs, especially in the spine.
4. Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): If nerve compression is suspected, an NCS may be performed to assess how well electrical signals move through the nerves.
Treatment for Bone Spurs
The treatment for bone spurs at Dr. Burke Orthopedics depends on the location and severity of symptoms. Conservative treatments are typically the first line of defense, but surgery may be required in severe cases.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by bone spurs.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy may be recommended to improve joint flexibility, strengthen muscles around the joint, and reduce pain. Stretching exercises can be particularly helpful in alleviating symptoms.
- Corticosteroid Injections: In cases where inflammation is severe, corticosteroid injections can provide relief by reducing swelling and pain in the affected joint.
- Orthotics: For bone spurs in the feet (such as heel spurs), custom orthotic inserts can help distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce pressure on the affected area.
2. Surgical Treatments: If conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include:
- Bone Spur Removal: In this procedure, the surgeon removes the bony growths to relieve pain and restore normal joint function.
- Joint Replacement Surgery: In cases of severe joint damage caused by osteoarthritis and bone spurs, joint replacement surgery may be recommended to replace the damaged joint with an artificial one, particularly in the hip or knee.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from bone spur treatment depends on the severity of the condition and whether surgery is involved. Non-surgical treatments can provide relief within weeks, allowing patients to gradually return to their normal activities with minimal downtime.
For patients who undergo surgery, recovery times vary based on the location of the bone spur and the type of surgery performed. Following surgery, rehabilitation through physical therapy is critical to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected joint. Dr. Burke Orthopedics provides individualized rehabilitation programs to help patients regain full function and prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Bone Spurs?
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer expert care for patients suffering from bone spurs. Our team of specialists provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific condition, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Whether through conservative management or advanced surgical techniques, our goal is to relieve pain, restore joint function, and improve quality of life for our patients. With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is dedicated to helping patients achieve a full recovery.