What are bone spurs?

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony growths that develop on the edges of bones. Although bone spurs can grow from any bone in the body, the most common areas are the back, sole or heel of the foot, knee, hip, shoulder, neck, and spine.

What are the causes of bone spurs?

The causes of bone spurs can vary depending on the location of the growth. Here are some common causes of bone spurs:

• As we age, our bones can develop wear and tear, leading to the development of bone spurs.
• Arthritis can cause inflammation and damage to the joints, which can lead to the development of bone spurs.
• Poor posture can put extra stress on certain joints, leading to the development of bone spurs.
• Overuse or repetitive stress on the joints due to activities such as running or playing tennis can cause bone spurs to form.

What are the symptoms of bone spurs?

Osteophytes are commonly harmless. You may not know you have one until you have an X-ray for another reason. However, they can cause issues if they rub on bone or muscle, impede movement, or put pressure on nerves.

Symptoms of bone spurs may include:

• Pain and stiffness
• Numbness and weakness
• Lumps on joints like fingers, ankles, and heel

How are bone spurs diagnosed?

Your doctor would first question your general health and symptoms before conducting a thorough physical examination. Diagnosis is made based on your reported symptoms, physical examination, and investigations.

Your doctor may request an X-ray or other imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.

How are bone spurs treated?

The appropriate treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms. Most cases of osteophytes only need treatment if they affect your daily activities.

Treatment options include:

• Rest to ease pain and inflammation.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen to manage pain and swelling.
• Steroid injection to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Physiotherapy or range of motion exercises can be done only after the acute pain and swelling have subsided.
• Surgery may be required if the options above do not relieve symptoms.

What happens if bone spurs are left untreated?

• Joint damage: When bone spurs are formed, they can rub against the cartilage and bones, causing damage and increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Limited mobility: Bone spurs can cause a decreased range of motion, making it more difficult to perform daily basic activities such as walking and going up and down the stairs.
• Nerve compression: In some cases, the bone spurs may compress nearby nerves causing pain and numbness.
• Tendinitis: Bone spurs can irritate and inflame nearby tendons, causing tendinitis.

How to prevent bone spurs?

Here are some recommended lifestyle practices that you can incorporate in your daily routine:

• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Include regular exercise.
• Wear proper footwear.
• Learn how to maintain a good posture.
• Maintain an ideal weight to reduce pressure on your joints.

Book an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Speak to your doctor to know more about bone spurs. A dedicated and expert team of Orthopaedic specialists at Pantai Hospital is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have concerns or questions regarding bone spurs. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.

Pantai Hospital has been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.