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Heel Spurs & Foot Bone Spurs

The formation of osteophytes, or what you probably know as Bone Spurs, are ridges that can form near the edges of your bones (even the ones that make up your spine).

Bone spurs are a result of damage to the joints which is usually associated with the presence of osteoarthritis. A majority of bone spurs come with no symptoms and go unnoticed for a number of years. Sometimes treatment isn’t needed at all. However, Most bone spurs cause no symptoms and can go undetected for years. They might not require treatment. Depending on where the spurs are located in your body and how it is affecting your health, treatment will be determined if needed.

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Symptoms:

You may experience specific symptoms depending on where your bone spurs are located. A few examples may include the following:

  • Knee: Bone spurs can reside in your knee thus making it very painful to stretch or bend your legs
  • Spine: Bone spurs can also form on your vertebrae. The spurs can restrict the space where your spinal cord resides. As the spurs form here, the spinal cord or the roots of the nerve are pinched thus creating a feeling of weakness or numbness in your legs or arms.
  • Hip: As bone spurs form on your hip, you may actually find it not only painful to move your hip but also your knee as well. Considering the placement of the spur, the ability to freely move your hip joint can be significantly limited.

Treatment

  • Medication: Anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxers are recommended but only under doctor prescription. If you have questions, you should consult your primary care physician.
  • Rest: Limiting physical activity can help with the inflammation of your bone spur.
  • Injections: Performing a spinal injection procedure can help with decreasing pain and inflammation.
  • Surgery: Various surgeries such as bone spur removal surgery can be option utilized to offer relief.

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