Bone Spur Treatment

Bone spur is an extra growth of bone at the edges of the bones. These bony projections are not painful in themselves. However, they rub against the nerves in that particular area and cause pain. They are usually developed at the joints and in the areas where the ligament and the tendons meet the bone. Apart from these areas, the spine can also develop a bone spur. The common body parts in which it develops are hands, feet, hips, knees and spine. Many a time, it shows no symptoms and thus, is not detected for years.

Treatment

The heel bone spurs are located at the bottom of the heels. It is a hook-shaped, small, abnormal bone growth outside the bone. The plantar fascia ligaments are attached to the heel bones and this is where the bone spur usually grows, but not always. It can grow inside the heel bone also, and does not cause any pain. However, the heel bones irritate the soft tissues around the heel and can cause an inflammation.

Heel bone spur requires immediate treatment. Surgery is not always recommended in this case. The best treatment is to minimize the pull of ligaments that is experienced and this is where the heel pain originates. Proper footwear and shoes that support the heel are recommended for sports and other daily activities. The tension of the ligaments is supported using insoles. The pressure on the heels is relieved by using heel pads and heel cushion. Ice massage is also one of the effective treatments. The ice massage helps to reduce the inflammation in the tissue and tendons. Lastly, a night splint can be used to maintain the length of the tight muscles.

The treatments for bone spur in shoulders, wrists, elbows and spine are somewhat the same as that for the heel. The main treatment which is recommended for every spur is rest. Rest and only rest can relieve you from the pain. Muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications are recommended to relieve the muscle strain and inflammation. Cortisone injections are given in the affected area. Lastly, when the bone spurs cannot be controlled by non-surgical treatments, they are treated by a surgery. The ones that are found in the spine are usually treated with a surgery. The spinal spurs are mainly caused due to arthritis. There are two types of surgeries performed viz., cheilectomy and arthrodesis. The cheilectomy is performed to remove the bone spur.

These were the surgical and nonsurgical methods of bone spur treatment. The main thing to remember is to take rest, as rest can relieve the throbbing pain.