Could You Have a Bone Spur and Not Know It?

A bone spur, also called an osteophyte, is a benign bony outgrowth that forms along the edges of a bone.

Bone spurs can form on any bone in the body, but they are most commonly found at joints, which are where two or more bones meet.

It's also common for bone spurs to form where muscles, tendons, and ligaments connect to bones.

Bone spurs form in areas of the body where bone rubs against bone the most.

By forming a new bone, the body attempts to repair worn-down cartilage and bone loss.

Other risk factors for bone spurs, aside from arthritic conditions, include being overweight, having poor posture, having broken a bone, and wearing ill-fitting shoes.

When symptoms do appear, they vary depending on where the bone spur is located.

If the bone spur is in a joint, the range of motion in that joint may be limited.

The location of the bone spur determines the symptoms.

Depending on where a bone spur is located in the hip, it can limit the range of motion of the hip joint, making movement painful.

The bones and tendons that allow the knee to bend and extend freely are affected by bone spurs.

A doctor will perform a physical exam and feel around the affected joint to diagnose a bone spur.

X-rays can reveal whether or not a bone spur exists and is causing symptoms.

Other imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be used if necessary to determine if there are any complications to surrounding structures affected by the bone spur.

One or more of the following treatments are commonly used to relieve the pain and inflammation caused by a bone spur:??

Surgical removal of a bone spur that has greatly reduced your range of motion or is pressing on nerves may be required in severe cases.

Read the original article "Could you be suffering from a bone spur and be completely unaware of it?" at https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-bone-spur-2552215