Bone Spurs

Symptoms

Bone spurs (also known as osteophytes) are bony projections that develop on the surface of the bone, and are often the result of osteoarthritis. They often pop up in the joints — the places where two bones meet.

The most common cause of bone spurs is joint damage from osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. They also often form after an injury to a joint or tendon. When a body thinks a bone is damaged, it tries to fix it by adding bone to the injured area.Other causes include overuse, genes, diet, obesity and stenosis.

Causes

Bone spurs until might not be noticed until there is an X-ray to look for another condition. They only create issues when they press on nerves, tendons, or other structures in the body. When this happens pain or stiffness may occur when bending or moving the affected joint. Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arm can happen if the bone spur presses on nerves in the spine. Symptoms might become worse with exercise.

Treatment

Treatment can include medication, physical therapy and rest. If those don’t work, surgery may be needed.