Bone Spurs Definition
Bone spurs pertain to bony protrusions or projections around the edges of the bones. Also called osteophytes, bone spurs are not necessarily painful on their own but may rub against surrounding nerves and bones, thus causing pain.
Bone Spurs Diagnosis
The presence of bone spurs may be confirmed through x-ray exams and other imaging tests, such as computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Bone Spurs Treatment
There's no treatment that specifically targets bone spurs. Asymptomatic cases do not require treatment at all. When treatment is necessitated, it is mostly focused on dealing with the underlying problem as well as preventing further damage to the joints. Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be prescribed to manage pain. In cases where bone spurs limit the patient's range of motions, surgical removal of the bone outgrowths may be recommended.
Bone Spurs Symptoms and Signs
In most cases, bone spurs are asymptomatic. However, some bone spurs may cause joint pain and even loss of motion in affection joints. Other symptoms depend on the location of these bony outgrowths. Bone spurs growing in knees may cause pain when extending and bending the leg. Bone spurs in the spine may push against the nerves, put pressure on the spinal cord, and produce pain and numbness elsewhere in the body. Cervical bone spurs may protrude inward, causing swallowing or breathing difficulties. Bone spurs in the shoulder may restrict the arm's range of motion. On the fingers, bone spurs may appear as painful, hard, disfiguring lumps under the skin.
Bone Spurs Causes
Bone spurs are commonly caused by an underlying disease, most frequently by osteoarthritis. The latter weakens the cartilage of the joints, and the body compensates by attempting to repair the loss. As a result, new areas of bone are created along the edges of existing bones. Other conditions which can cause bone spurs are: diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH); plantar fasciitis; spondylosis; and spinal stenosis.
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