Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony projections that form along joints, and are often seen in conditions such as arthritis. Bone spurs are largely responsible for limitations in joint motion and can cause pain.
The reason for bone spur formation is the body is trying to increase the surface area of the joint to better distribute weight across a joint surface that has been damaged by arthritis or other conditions. Unfortunately, this is largely wasted effort by our
body as the bone spur can become restrictive and painful.
TOE SPUR
Removing a toe spur involves making only a small skin incision. A tiny power rasp (similar to a dental burr) or a special file is inserted to smooth the bone. After surgery, your foot will be bandaged, but you can walk on it right away. In some cases, you may
need to wear a surgical shoe for a few weeks.
HEEL SPURS
The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot and absorbs the most amount of shock and pressure. A heel spur develops as an abnormal growth of the heel bone. Bone spurs can form on other parts of the foot besides the heel, such as beneath the toenail,between the toes, or on the top sides of the toes and several other areas of the foot. Calcium deposits form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel area, causing a bony protrusion, or heel spur to develop.
Causes
As osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage in your joint, your body attempts to repair the loss. Often this means creating new areas of bone along the edges of your existing bones.
Your body may also create bone spurs to add stability to aging joints.
Bone spurs are the hallmark of other diseases and conditions, including:
· Spondylosis. In this condition, osteoarthritis and bone spurs cause degeneration of the bones in your neck (cervical spondylosis) or your lower back (lumbar spondylosis).
· Spinal stenosis. Bone spurs can contribute to a narrowing of the bones that make up your spine (spinal stenosis), putting pressure on your spinal cord.
Symptoms
Back or neck pain is the most common sign of bone spurs. The joint becomes inflamed (swollen and tender) and the back muscles become tender.
Common symptoms are:
· Burning or tingling (pins and needles in the hands or feet)
· Dull pain in the neck or lower back when the person stands or walks
· Loss of coordination in a part of the body
· Muscle spasms or cramps
· Muscle weakness
· Numbness
· Radiating pain in the buttocks and thighs (if the affected bone is in the back or lower back)
· Radiating pain into the shoulders or headaches (if the affected bone is in the neck)
Bone Spurs Treatment
Non-surgical treatment for bone spurs causing nerve impingement include Read real testimonials from real patients medications such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers and pain medications. Cortisone injections can provide temporary relief. Physical therapy
and exercise can strengthen the muscle around the area but typically does not provide relief from the pain.
Typical surgical treatments involve massively invasive surgery, requiring many months of recuperation and a less than 50% chance of success.