What Are Bone Spurs?

Answer 1

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, tend to form as a direct result of damage and swelling in and around joints. Bone spurs most commonly arise due to the development of Arthritis, although other causes include injury, developmental abnormalities and joint degradation as a result of other conditions.

Do not confuse with...

Some people commonly confuse other conditions with bone spurs. Other phenomena that cause similar symptoms include enthesophytes, bony projections that occur as a result of tendon or ligament damage, or shin splints, which refer to muscle stress-related pains in the shins. Bone spurs typically only occur around the joints, whereas enthesophytes are found at the places where tendons or ligaments connect to the bone.

Causes

Some bone spurs, such as those found on the back of the spine, tend to gradually form as a natural side effect of aging and stress on the spine over the course of life and work. These are not considered a cause for concern, unless they are part of a larger problem. Bone spurs which develop on joints are most commonly the result of the functional surface area of the joint increasing through swelling, whether that swelling is caused by arthritis or other injury.

Bone spurs may not require immediate treatment. In recent years, medical researchers have found that treating asymptomatic cases, (that is, bone spurs that do not cause any immediate pain or loss in joint function), can sometimes cause more harm than good over the long term. When bone spurs are a problem

Bone spurs are problematic when they cause pain, swelling or a loss of joint function. Depending upon the severity of the symptoms, a physician may prescribe topical or oral pain relievers or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). More severe cases may require surgery.

Remain vigilant

Many companies and individuals promote numerous so-called "alternative" or "homeopathic" remedies for bone spurs and other types of joint pain. It is wise to remember that very few of these can offer solid, clinical proof that they actually work, no matter what the slick advertisements might claim. Fortunately, most of these dubious remedies are essentially harmless, although they are ineffective. However, some, such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), can prove quite dangerous indeed.

While bone spurs can result in very real problems with regard to pain and loss of joint function, there is no need to worry if bone spurs develop that do not cause any noticeable pain or loss of joint function. Many of these are completely normal side effects of aging or the body healing itself after injury. They are not a cause for alarm; usually it is best to simply leave them alone.