What Causes Bone Spurs

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bone outgrowths that are usually found to develop in the joints, i.e., where one bone connects with another. They can also be found in those areas where ligaments or tendons meet the bones. Bone spurs are usually caused by the inflammation or rubbing of bone against each other. Like any other body tissue, bones are also subject to constant wear and tear due to pressure, rubbing or stress, and they are also renewed almost every five years. But sometimes in this process, extra bones are built on the edges of the existing bones. Though bone spurs can occur in any bone, they are more commonly observed in the places like the spine, shoulder, hands, hips, feet and knee. Here is a more in-depth account of what causes bone spurs.

What Causes Bone Spurs?
Several factors can play an important role in the formation of bone spurs. Sometimes, bone spurs can be a result of the natural aging process, while at other times they can be associated with certain diseases or conditions like osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a common disease among elderly individuals, which causes breakdown of the cartilage of the joints. The cartilage is a type of connective tissue that covers the edges of the bones in a joint. It prevents rubbing of the bones against each other. But, when the cartilage gradually wears away due to osteoarthritis, the bones start to rub against each other. Our body tries to form new bones in response to this stress, leading to the formation of bone spurs or osteophytes.

Another condition associated with bone spurs is planter fasciitis. Planter fascia is the long ligament located at the bottom of the foot. An inflammation of this connective tissue is known as planter fasciitis, which is generally caused by activities that put excess stress on the feet. Sometimes, wearing too tight shoes can also lead to this condition. An irritation or inflammation of the planter fascia often results in the formation of bone spurs. Spondylosis, a degenerative arthritis, causes deterioration of the bones of the neck and lower back region. It is also one of the most important causes of bone spurs, especially in the neck or lower back regions.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) can cause bone spurs in the ligaments of the spine. Sometimes, osteophytes may not be related to any disease, instead, can be caused due to the natural aging process. They have been found in certain older individuals even in the absence of osteoarthritis. Perhaps they are formed by our body to provide more stability to the aging joints, or to prevent damage to the cartilage.

Symptoms of Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are usually smooth and they do not cause any symptoms. But one can experience pain and swelling, if they are pressed or rubbed against other bones or tissues. Depending on the location, the symptoms of bone spurs can vary considerably. You may find a lot of difficulties in bending and extending your legs along with knee pain, if bone spurs are formed in your knee. They can restrict the movement of the hands, if occur on the shoulder. On the other hand, if osteophytes have developed in the neck region, they can make both swallowing and breathing quite difficult.

Treatment for Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are usually detected in X-rays done for other conditions. Treatment is generally required only when pain and swelling are present. In such cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often recommended to ease the pain and inflammation. Sometimes, losing weight can also help, if they are mainly caused by the increased pressure on the joints due to excess body weight. In certain instances, bone spurs have been observed to get dislodged from the edge of the original bones. Such separated bone spurs can float in the joints and cause joint locking. If joint locking is severely restricting movements of an individual, then surgery may be required. It can be done by either open surgery or arthroscopy.

Hopefully by now you must be having a fair idea of what causes bone spurs, as well as the complications involved. Though normally they do not cause any major problem, they can severely limit motion by causing joint interlocking. In order to prevent such a complication, it is better to remain vigilant against the disease by avoiding activities that place more pressure and stress on the joints.