ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Bone spurs

What is Bone spurs?

17:13 - 1 December , 2023

Disease

These are abnormal, protruding bone growths that form on bone structures, usually on the feet, hands, shoulders, knees, hips, and spine.

Osteophytes or bone spurs usually do not cause pain, unless they compress or rub on nerves, tendons, or ligaments. In these cases, they will require treatment to relieve symptoms or surgery to eliminate them.

The factor that causes most bone spurs is osteoarthritis and the joint injuries it produces. By damaging the cartilage that serves as a shock absorber for the bones, bone spurs begin to appear as a replacement for the lost cartilage.

Signs and symptoms Bone spurs

  • Shoulder:
    • Swelling.
    • Stiffness.
    • Lack of strength.
    • Pain.
    • Tendon tears.
  • Knee:
    • Pain.
    • Movement limitations.
    • Swelling.
  • Spine:
    • Numbness of upper and lower limbs.
    • Weakness.
    • Hip:
    • Pain.
    • Movement limitations.
  • Feet:
    • Plantar fasciitis.
    • Heel spur.
    • Pain.
    • Swelling.
    • Movement limitations.

Diagnosis and treatment Bone spurs

Once the doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination, in which they will observe the painful areas in search of protuberances. They will ask you to perform various movements to determine your dynamic limitations.

If found, they will request imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis, such as:

  • X-rays.
  • MRI.
  • Computed tomography.

Most bone spurs have no symptoms and do not require treatment unless they cause problems. In that case, treatment consists of:

  • Anti-inflammatories.
  • Painkillers.
  • Weight loss.
  • Physical therapy.

When conservative treatment does not work, surgery will be necessary to remove bone spurs.

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the musculoskeletal system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

Fuentes:

  • cigna.com
  • orthoinfo.aaos.org
  • traumatologomadrid.es
  • mayoclinic.org.
  • medilineplus.gov
  • cun.es
  • topdoctors.es
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com

How can we help you?

    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.