answersLogoWhite

0

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the cause of calcific spurs?

Bone spurs are caused by continuous pressure, rubbing, or stress on a bone in your body. It's a is a bony growth formed on normal bone. Bone spurs are commonly found on feet, hands and knees.


What are neurocentral osteophytes?

bone spurs


Can you get bone spurs in your hip?

Yes.


What does osteophytic lipping and spurring mean?

Bone Spur


What is evidence posterior osteophytes?

There are bone spurs on the back of the bone being studied.


Can bone spurs be prevented?

Maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing stress on one's joints are steps individuals can take to reduce the chance of bone spurs.


What are bone spurs and how do they affect people?

A bone spur is a bony growth formed on a normal bone, or what is sometimes called an "extra bone". They affect you by causing mild soreness to extreme discomfort. How the effect people depends on the location. Bone spurs on the knees and shoulders can effect the range of motion of the joint. Bone spurs on the spine can cause pain and numbness to travel down the legs or arms.


Little painful pieces of bone chips on bottom of your foot?

You may have bone 'spurs'.


What type of arthritis is degenerative and creates bone spurs?

Degenerative arthritis is another name for Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis will create bone spurs but then so will other forms of arthritis.


Is cancer caused by bone spurs?

Nobody really knows what causes cancer, but probably not bone spurs. They are fairly common and most people only have pain and inflammation from them.


Where are bone spurs located?

Anywhere with venerable bone areas that have been broken or have been weakened. Since most bone spurs are caused by osteoarthritis or calcification of tendons and ligaments they are usually found around joints.


Are bone spurs hereditary?

no Some health conditions such as various forms of arthritis can lead to bone spurs have a hereditary predisposition to them.