You may be exercising one day and experience a painful feeling that wasn’t there before. Some in a particular joint irritates you, perhaps following an injury or from overuse. You might dismiss the pain as temporary and apply a treatment to help you recover, but the discomfort may be a sign of a more persistent problem: bone spurs.
What Are Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs, as the name suggests, are small outgrowths of bone that form on the edges of existing bones. Spurs tend to develop on joint bones like the hands and feet, but are commonly found in the neck area. Spurs may be caused due to injury or gradual joint damage due to age or illness. Some bone spurs can go undetected for a long time, discovered only during an examination or X-ray.
Do Bone Spurs Hurt?
The actual spurs are not likely to hurt you on their own. However, when the spurs interfere with the joints and nerves, you may experience discomfort or pain. If left untreated, bone spurs can contribute to limited range of motion in the affected joints. If the spurs are located on your vertebrae, they can constrict your spinal cord and lead to issues like numbness in your limbs.
Can Bone Spurs Be Treated?
Depending on the severity of your spurs, your treatment will vary. A physician may recommend an over the counter medication or prescription. If the spurs have contributed to increased damage in the joints, you may need surgery to have them removed.
Do You Have Bone Spurs?
If you suspect bone spurs, the physicians at Bon Secours Virginia Orthopaedic and Spine Specialists are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our minimally invasive treatments for joint pain, fractures, and arthritis.