Ankle Bone Spurs

Bone spurs, known as osteophytes in medical terms, are abnormal growths that are generally formed in the damaged or arthritic bones. They usually develop around the bone joints or tendons. Bone spurs are actually the result of our body's attempt to repair certain damage. When the body senses any damage or deterioration in a bone, it begins to create extra bone tissue in that area to strengthen the bone. The extra tissue around the bone then hardens to form bone spurs and can interfere with the natural range of motion of the joint. It may also pinch the nerves surrounding the bone and can result in trapped nerves. Let us see what is ankle bone spur and how it is formed.

What is Ankle Bone Spur
Bone spurs can be formed along any bone in the body. However, spine, elbows, shoulders and ankles are highly prone to develop bone spurs. A lot of wear and tear happens at the ankle joint and hence it is a common place for the formation of bone spurs. An ankle bone spur is a small outgrowth, smooth or pointed, that occurs on the ankle joint. It can develop along the bottom edge of the tibia or on the upper surface of the talus.

Ankle bone spurs are commonly caused by the condition known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage that is responsible for protecting the bone. As a result the cartilage wears off and over a period of time the smooth surface of the cartilage may become rough causing friction between the bone and the cartilage resulting in the formation of a bone spur. It can also be caused on account of an injury to the ankle. The body creates extra tissue to mend the damaged bones, eventually forming a bone spur.

Ankle bone spurs may be formed as a result of tight ligaments that put pressure on the feet. People who wear shoes that are too tight may develop bone spurs in the ankle. The long ligament that is present at the bottom of the foot becomes stressed and pulls on the heel. This causes the ligament to become inflamed and in the body's attempt to mend this damage, a spur can develop at the bottom of the feet. Sometimes, the attachment of ligaments and tendons to the bones becomes calcified which may result in the formation of a bone spur around the Achilles tendon.

Ankle Bone Spurs Symptoms
Most bone spurs do not cause any symptoms and hence go unnoticed. However, they are associated with pain, numbness, tenderness, swelling or inflammation in the area where the bone spur is present. If the bone spur is pressing on muscles or other bones, it can cause the tissues in that area to break causing swelling and pain in that area. Sometimes, an extra tissue develops, which tends to pad the existing bone spur. This results in the formation of corns and calluses.

Ankle Bone Spurs Surgery
This condition, formed due to arthritis can cause problems for the patient and can be very painful. In such cases, ankle bone spur surgery is commonly recommended to remove the bone spur and relieve the pain caused by it. Surgeons perform this surgery with an arthroscopic procedure that involves insertion of a tiny camera through a small incision. Some physical therapy may be recommended after the surgery for complete recovery.

This was all about ankle bone spurs. Hope you found all the information you were looking for!