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