The extra bone or growth is diagnosed with the help of an X-Ray. An X-ray is usually taken only if the growth causes problem. Ordinarily one would not take an X-ray to spot a spur if it isn’t causing some physical discomfort.
Typically the treatment for bone spurs involves treating the reason for the discomfort the bone spur is causing rather than directly operating on that additional bone growth. Usually one of the main causes of pain is excess weight that can lead to additional pain on the joint. So remedying the weight might help reduce the pain.
Another common treatment is resting the joint, icing the joint and elevating the joint. Popularly known as RICE, this treatment often works well to reduce the pain and swelling. Another treatment used is the use of over-the-counter painkillers. NSAIDs or steroids can be given to reduce or control pain. Physical therapy can also be used to treat the pain caused by bone spurs. Physiotherapy is used if the muscles surrounding this bone are weak. The therapy helps the bones strengthen. The strong muscles in turn help use the joint better despite the bone spur.
Occasionally a cast might also be provided for support. The support, known as orthotics, can always help. Special boots and heel cups can also be provided to make it easier to walk and exist with the extra growth. If the pain persists and continues to aggravate and increase, it’s important that you seek a proper treatment or else you could damage a nerve permanently. If all these treatments do not provide any relief then surgery might be considered to remove this additional growth and set the bone right. Long term complications also include arthritis, osteoarthritis and spine issues.
Reference:
- http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Bone-Spurs-Osteophytes.aspx
answered by A S