Bone spurs are growths on existing bones caused by the body’s attempt to heal itself. They can be caused by disease, aging, trauma, or self-induced activities such as running or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Bone spurs can be beneficial for aging joints, but can also be painful and lead to weakened shoulders.
Bone spurs are a bone growth on existing bone. Known medically as osteophytes, bone spurs occur when the body attempts to heal itself. The joint condition, which can often be painful, usually develops as a way to deal with the pressure or rubbing that builds up in the body over the years. Causes of bone spurs include disease, the natural aging process, and trauma.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a person’s joints weakens and the body tries to strengthen itself. As the cartilage gradually breaks down, the smooth surfaces around it harden. This causes bone to press against another bone. As the body attempts to repair the internal damage, the result is often new bone growing on previously existing bone.
Other diseases, often associated with the spine, are another example of what causes bone spurs. Spondylosis is a condition that causes the bones in the neck and lower back to break. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperotosis, known as DISH, produces bony growths on the ligaments of the spine. Spinal stenosis is a condition in which bone spurs are a factor in the strengthening of the bones in the spine which leads to pressure on the spinal cord.
As individuals age and joints slowly erode, bone spurs often develop in the body. Commonly bone spurs will develop in the feet and spine. However, in the elderly, bone spurs may actually be beneficial. The condition helps strengthen aging joints and cartilage.
An injury caused by trauma or inflammation of the cartilage or tendon can produce bone damage, which is another example of what causes bone spurs. Often injured areas of the body where bone spurs can grow include the heel and discs in the spine. As the body tries to repair the damage or inflammation, new bone grows in the area.
Sometimes, bone spurs are self-induced. Activities that tighten the ligaments and put pressure on the feet, including dancing and running, can lead to the development of bone spurs. A condition known as plantar fasciitis, in which a ligament in the bottom of the foot pulls on the heel, which is another example of what causes bone spurs. Bone spurs can also develop from the pressure placed on your feet by being overweight. Women who wear high-heeled shoes that don’t fit properly can form bone spurs in the heels.
The shoulder is a place where bone spurs also develop. Doing repetitive movements where the shoulder is positioned above the head, such as those used by athletes and performers, can cause bone spurs. The constant overhead movements cause the tendons to rub against the bones. As a result, bone spurs are produced which compress the rotator cuff, causing irritation and leading to a weakened shoulder.
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