Bone Spurs – Symptoms and Causes
What Are Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are extra bone growths that develop along the edges of bones. They typically form in joints where bones connect with each other, and they can also appear on the spine.
The most common cause of these bony projections is osteoarthritis, which damages joints over time. As joint cartilage wears down, the body tries to repair itself by creating new bone tissue.
Many people with bone spurs experience no symptoms at all. You might have bone spurs without knowing it until they show up on an X-ray or scan done for another reason.
Not all bone spurs require treatment. Healthcare providers usually recommend treatment only when spurs cause pain or affect your movement or health in some way.
Signs and Problems
Bone spurs often don’t cause any problems. Many people discover they have them only when they get X-rays for other reasons. However, some people experience pain and limited movement in their joints due to bone spurs.
The problems you might face depend on where the bone spurs are located:
- Knee area: Bone spurs here can make bending and straightening your leg painful.
- Back: Spurs on spine bones can narrow the space for your spinal cord, possibly pinching the cord or nerves. This might cause weakness or numbness in your arms or legs.
- Hip region: Movement can become painful when bone spurs affect this area. Sometimes the pain feels like it’s in your knee or thigh instead. Your hip might not move as freely as before.
When to Visit a Healthcare Provider
Make an appointment with a healthcare provider if you notice:
- Pain or swelling in any of your joints
- Difficulty moving a joint normally
- Weakness in your arms or legs
- Numbness or unusual sensations in your limbs
These symptoms might indicate bone spurs or other health issues that need medical attention.
Causes
Bone spurs typically develop as a result of joint damage caused by osteoarthritis. When osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage that cushions bone ends, the body attempts to repair itself.
This natural healing process triggers the formation of extra bone tissue near damaged areas. These bony growths, known as spurs, represent the body’s effort to fix joint damage.
Risk Factors
People with arthritis face a higher chance of developing bone spurs. These bony growths often form as the body tries to repair damage to joints. Several factors may increase your risk:
Age-Related Factors:
- Natural joint wear and tear as you get older
- Decreased joint fluid and cartilage thickness
Medical Conditions:
- Osteoarthritis (most common risk factor)
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
Lifestyle Factors:
- Jobs requiring repetitive movements
- High-impact sports or activities
- Poor posture over time
- Excess body weight that stresses joints
Bone spurs themselves don’t always cause problems. Many people have them without symptoms. Pain typically occurs when these growths press on nerves, rub against other bones, or restrict joint movement.
Early treatment of arthritis may help reduce the formation of bone spurs or minimize their effects on daily activities. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and proper body mechanics can help protect your joints.
