Home » Natural Cures » What is a Bone Spur?

What is a Bone Spur?

A bone spur is a bony growth formed on normal bone. While most people think of something sharp when they hear the word "spur," a bone spur is just extra bone, and is usually smooth. Common locations for bone spurs include the spine, shoulders, hands, hips, knees and feet.

Because most bone spurs cause no symptoms, many people have them without ever knowing it. But when they press or rub against other bones or soft tissue --such as ligaments, tendons, or nerves -- bone spurs can be painful. When that happens, they can break down nearby tissue, resulting in swelling, pain or tearing. Spurs in the foot can also cause corns and calluses, as tissue builds up to provide added padding over the growth of bone.

A bone spur is really the end product of chronic tendon inflammation. Over time, calcium builds up within the tendon and becomes calcified. The secret to prevention is to keep inflammation in check. As an example, consider the foot – the area where the foot joins the heel it is a common site for bone spurs. After exercise, or when your feet hurt, give yourself -- or better yet, con a friend into giving you -- a foot massage. Applying ice to the area for about thirty minutes will also decrease inflammation. Motrin or Naprosyn helps as well. Custom-made ortheses -- devices that are worn to correct or support the function of a limb -- are better yet. Consider having an orthotic device prescribed if you have regular stress on a limb, or foot, or hand.

Here are some suggestions to help blunt the pain of heel spurs:

* For a chronic problem, apply heat. Keep inflammation at bay with daily heat applications.
* Get help from over-the-counter-drugs. Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can reduce pain.
* Don’t wear flat shoes. These provide little to no heel support or control, and can stretch the ligaments on the bottom of the feet.
* Try massage. Gently massaging the heel can help to circulate extra blood through the affected area, further reducing inflammation.
* Strenuous activity aggravates the pain; rest is advisable.

If necessary, bone spurs can be surgically removed, either on their own or as part of surgery to repair or replace a joint, such as when osteoarthritis has caused considerable damage and deformity.