Bone spur

Bone spur or osteophyte is a bony growth formed on normal bone. Most people think of a spur as something sharp, but a bone spur is just extra bone. It’s usually smooth, but it can cause wear and tear or pain if it presses or rubs on other bones or soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, or nerves in the body. Common places for bone spurs include the spine, shoulders, hands, hips, knees, and feet.

Causes

A bone spur forms as the body tries to repair itself by building extra bone. It typically forms in response to pressure, rubbing, or stress that continues over a long period of time. Some bone spurs form as part of the aging process. As we age, the slippery tissue called cartilage that covers the ends of the bones within joints breaks down and eventually wears away (osteoarthritis). Also, the discs that provide cushioning between the bones of the spine may break down with age. Over time, this leads to pain and swelling and, in some cases, bone spurs forming along the edges of the joint. Bone spurs can also form on the feet in response to tight ligaments, to activities such as dancing and running that put stress on the feet, and to pressure from being overweight or from poorly fitting shoes.

Symptoms

Most bone spurs cause no symptoms and may go undetected for years. They may not require treatment. Decisions about treatment depend on where spurs are situated and how they affect your health. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, and loss of motion in your joints.

Treatment

Treatment is directed at the causes and symptoms. Non-surgical treatments include pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, orthotics, and corticosteroid injections. If the bone spur is in your foot, changing footwear or adding padding or a shoe insert such as a heel cup or orthotic can help. If the bone spur is causing corns or calluses, padding the area or wearing different shoes can help. If the bone spur continues to cause symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery.

See also

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Pseudogout