Most bone spurs don’t cause any signs or symptoms. Patients might not even be aware that they have bone spurs until an X-ray for another condition reveals the abnormal growths. However, in some cases bone spurs can lead to pain and loss of motion in the joints.
Symptoms will vary depending on where the bone spurs form.
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Knee. Bone spurs in the knee can lead to pain when extending and bending the leg.
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Spine. Bone spurs that form on the vertebrae can narrow the space that contains the spinal cord, leading to pinching of the spinal cord or its nerve roots and causing weakness or numbness in the arms or legs.
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Hip. Bone spurs can cause pain when moving the hip, although some patients might feel the pain in their knee. Depending on the exact location of the bone spurs, they can reduce the range of motion in the hip joint.
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The most common cause of bone spurs is joint damage from osteoarthritis. As osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage cushioning the joints, the body attempts to repair the loss by creating bone spurs near the damaged area. The risk of developing bone spurs is higher in people with arthritis.
Bone spurs may be identified with an X-ray scan or other imaging tests that show the joints and bones. If patients are experiencing pain, their doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium.
At Westcare Clinics, patients seeking treatment for bone spurs may benefit from pain management techniques, joint and soft tissue injections, and occupational medicine. The right treatment option will depend on the patient’s unique condition and pain level.
Symptoms of bone spurs can be treated with pain management techniques, such as cold and heat therapy, physical therapy, therapeutic massage, gentle exercise, biofeedback, mind-body techniques, music therapy, and occupational therapy. Each patient will receive personalized recommendations for pain management techniques according to their needs.
Another treatment option for bone spurs offered at Westcare Clinics is a joint and soft tissue injection. Depending on the patient’s condition, joint and soft tissue injections include epidural injections (interlaminar and transforaminal), piriformis injection, sacroiliac joint injections, and trigger point injections. The type of soft tissue injection best for the patient will depend on the type, severity, and location of their pain.
Westcare Clinics offers occupational medicine to support patients diagnosed with bone spurs. Our team of healthcare practitioners is available to train employers to adapt the workplace and worker responsibilities to the physical limitations of their employees.
Patients suffering from bone spurs may need further treatment to manage and treat their condition. Advanced treatment options may include surgery, physical therapy, chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, and other forms of rehabilitation. The Westcare Clinics team is happy to answer any questions patients may have about obtaining advanced treatment for bone spurs.
