What are Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs are also known as osteophytes. They form where the joints come together. However, they also can appear on your spine. A bone spur usually is caused by osteoarthritis joint damage.
Bone spurs typically cause no symptoms and often goes unnoticed for years! And they may not even require treatment. Although if it’s necessary, it will depend on the location of the spurs and where they are located. In fact, bone spurs treatment is usually only considered if they are affecting your health.
What Causes a Bone Spur
As mentioned above, the most common cause of bone spurs is joint damage from osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease. With age, it’s normal for your spinal joints and bones to have wear and tear. Additionally, conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout can also damage your joints.
It’s common for a bone spur to occur after an injury to a joint or tendon. Since our body tries to fix damaged bone by adding extra bone to the injured area, bone spurs occur.
Additional causes are as follows:
- Injuries
- Overuse
- Genes
- Obesity
- Diet
- Spinal stenosis
- Hereditary bone problems
Bone Spur Symptoms
It’s common for bone spurs to have no symptoms at all. As a matter of fact, they may go unnoticed until x-rays are done. Although, in rare cases, they may cause pain and even loss of joint motion.
Symptoms occur in areas, such as:
Knee: When you experience a bone spur in the knee, extending the knee can become painful.
Spine: Sometimes, they narrow your spinal cord space. And can even pinch the spinal cord or its nerve roots. This will cause weakness and numbness in the legs or arms.
Hip: When you experience a bone spur, it can make it difficult to move your hip. Although you can feel pain or discomfort in the knee instead.
Treating the Condition
Sometimes, bone spurs may cause pain. Therefore, treatment may be necessary. First, try over the counter medications, such as Tylenol, naproxen, and ibuprofen for pain.
Your doctor might recommend a specialist. If you are looking for a spine specialist in Broward or Palm Beach County call us immediately at 888-409-8006.