Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones, often where bones meet at joints. They typically form in response to joint damage from osteoarthritis, repetitive stress, or aging, as the body tries to repair itself. While bone spurs themselves are not always painful, they can cause discomfort if they press on surrounding nerves, ligaments, or tendons. Common areas for bone spurs include the spine, shoulders, hands, hips, knees, and feet.
The effects of bone spurs vary depending on their location and size. In joints, they can limit range of motion, cause stiffness, or contribute to swelling and inflammation. When they press on nerves, especially in the spine, they can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness along the affected nerve pathway. Treatment often focuses on managing symptoms through physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, injections or in severe cases, surgical removal. Maintaining joint health through exercise, proper posture, and avoiding repetitive stress can help reduce the risk of developing bone spurs.
