Preventing Bone Spurs

Bone spurs, medically known as osteophytes, are newly created bony projections that form along the joints of the skeleton. This usually occurs after some damage to a joint, as the body attempts to increase the surface area of the joint. Ideally, this would help to distribute the weight across the damaged joint. In reality, bone spurs can be painful and restrict movement along the joint. One of the most common reasons for formation of bone spurs is arthritis. This condition occurs as our body progresses in age and the cartilage between our joints begins to wear down. Once the cartilage is gone, the bones at the joint rub against each other, causing inflammation and stress, leading to the formation of bone spurs. In arthritis, these bone spurs are usually seen in the joints of the spine and feet. Another common cause is tendonitis, where the tendons (elastic tissue connecting muscles to bone) are inflamed.

Other than age-related causes, bone spurs can also be formed due to prolonged stress of particular joints. For example, feet can be affected by dancing, running, obesity, or poorly fitted footwear. In women, wearing high heels can put pressure on the back of the heel, leading to bone spurs called ‘heel spurs’. Another joint that can be frequently damaged is the shoulder, which has a very complex structure. The set of muscles that allow us to lift and rotate our arms are called the ‘rotator cuff’ and are attached to the arm bones by tendons. These tendons can run against the surrounding bones, causing a condition called ‘rotator cuff syndrome’. The symptoms include bone spurs with irritation, stiffness, and pain; in extreme cases the tendon may even tear.

Bone spurs are usually treated to provide relief from the symptoms, particularly pain and inflammation. Physicians usually prescribe common anti-inflammatory medications along with painkillers. In addition, patients may be asked to follow a regime of physical therapy. However, this cannot remove the bone spurs, only help to reduce their effect. The therapy is designed to relieve the symptoms, reduce the stresses on the joints, and strengthen the muscles. All this helps in increasing the range of motion in the affected joints. This therapy can range from simple stretching exercises, massages, and ice packs at home, to more intensive workouts for difficult cases. In case of bone spurs caused by the pressure of an overweight body, a healthy diet and exercise are recommended.