Joint Damage Common Cause of Bone Spurs; Relief Available

DAVENPORT – (Oct. 9, 2018) Joint damage from an injury or osteoarthritis is the most common cause of bone spurs, which is actually a smooth, bony growth that forms, usually in the foot and ankle area, over time.

As arthritis breaks down the cartilage cushioning the edges of your bones, your body attempts to repair the loss by growing bone spurs in the damaged area. Other potential causes and risk factors include overuse of a joint, obesity, genetic bone problems, conditions like gout or lupus, and narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis).

A bone spur on its own does not cause pain,” says Narmo Ortiz, D.P.M. a foot and ankle physician with the Heart of Florida Physician Group in Davenport. “However, depending on the size and location of the spur, it can interact with nearby structures like tendons, nerves or other bones, which can result in pain and loss of mobility.”

Many bone spurs – or osteophytes, as they are formally known – cause no symptoms at all, and you may not know you have one until it shows up during a routine imaging study. The condition is quite common, and can occur in any one of several areas of the body.

Treatments for bone spurs are as varied as the potential causes and affected body parts. The most immediate treatment is typically the application of rest and anti-inflammatories, either via over-the-counter oral medications or injections. If these steps don’t relieve the discomfort, your physician may suggest a local steroid injection and physical therapy to improve joint strength and increase mobility. If eligible and appropriate, patients may be referred for surgery to remove the spur.

If a bone spur is causing you aggravation, the type of specialist best suited to treat you will depend on the location and nature of the spur.

The best path is to work with your primary care physician (PCP), who will order the appropriate imaging tests to locate and define the spur. He or she will then refer you as needed to a orthopedist, podiatrist or spine specialist to ensure the best care for your specific condition. If you need to be connected with a PCP, orthopedist or podiatrist, visit HeartofFloridaPhysicianGroup.com, or call Call844-634-DOCS (3627) to schedule an appointment with one of our primary care physicians. Same-day appointments are often available.