Bone spur or osteophytes are basically a kind of smooth bone that grows near the joints in all patients who suffer from arthritis and joint damage. The hands, feet, and spinal cord of a person are the most common regions wherein these bone spurs grow.
This bony lump comes off a bone and develops over a period of time. It is commonly found in people who are 60 and above. This is a common form of arthritis that happens when the cartilage breaks down and the cushion comes out of the bones to form lumps.
This is a serious health condition that can be only cured with the help of a healthy lifestyle and physiotherapy. The parts of the body which are prone to this form of illness are mainly the feet, hands, hips, knees, necks, and shoulders.
Let us understand the reason why they appear on the body and therefore cause inconvenience to the persons.
What causes bone spurs?
Joint damage is considered to be the biggest reason behind the occurrence of bone spurs. Usually, cartilage acts as a cushion in the bones that helps to provide the required elasticity to the bones so that they can move easily.
This cartilage basically breaks down due to aging or the imposition of excessive force. Once this cartilage breaks down, the body tries to repair this cartilage and create a new type of bone material which is referred to as osteophytes.
The excessive production of osteophytes may cause bone spurs. They cause spinal inflammation and this inflammation reaches the vertebrae and thereby causes excessive swelling.
This swelling pushes the bone outside the lining of the materials.
What are the symptoms of bone spurs?
This problem basically produces different types of symptoms. The list of the symptoms has been discussed in the following way:
- Excessive pressure applies to the nerves.
- The movement of the joints is restricted to a great extent.
- The tissues and the bones basically rub against each other.
- The fingers and toes enlarge thereby causing inconvenience in making movements.
- It causes excessive stiffness as well.
- There is a swelling around the tendons as well
What is the best way to diagnose bone spurs and bumps?
If any person experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above, then it is always advisable to visit a doctor at the earliest possible instance. The doctors will immediately get one X-rayed and hence try to discover the exact problem.
According to the gravity of the problem, a diagnosis will be prescribed at your end. Therefore, in light of these developments, there is a need to ensure that the issues are treated at once. The doctors can basically recommend any of the following treatments.
- Application of ice on the swollen parts in order to reduce the extent of swelling.
- Usage of over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDS like ibuprofen.
- Taking adequate rest so that excessive pressure is not imposed on the body parts of the individual.
- Wearing only supportive shoes which do not impose excessive pressure on the feet.
- Losing weight so that the amount of pressure exerted on the joints is reduced to the greatest possible extent.
In addition to the treatments which have been mentioned above, the health care providers can also prescribe the aforesaid mentioned treatments. The list of the same has been given in the following way:
- Physical Therapy: The doctors can also recommend exercises and stretching in order to reduce the extent of pain and even improve the range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the joints.
- Prescription pain medications: These are the different types of painkillers that help a vital role to mitigate the pain to the greatest possible extent. These painkillers are usually used in combination with exercises so that quick effects could be observed over a period of time.
Conclusion
With all of this information, it would be easier to understand the ways through which this serious illness could be controlled over a period of time.
This is one of the most amazing aspects that must be taken into accord if one actually wants to cure this illness in the minimum possible time.
