Bone spurs are a growth of bone on top of existing bone that can cause pain and reduced motion in joints. Common locations include the back, shoulders, hips, knees, and feet. Symptoms vary depending on the location and can be similar to other conditions, so medical help should be sought.
Known medically as osteophytes, bone spurs are a growth of bone on top of existing bone. Because bone spurs usually occur during the aging process or with repetitive motion, a person may not show any symptoms and may not be aware that they have the condition. In cases where bone spurs become sharp and abrade against bones, ligaments, tendons, or nerves, bone spur symptoms are often characterized by pain or reduced motion in the joints.
Common locations for bone spurs include the back, shoulders, hips, knees, and feet. The pain is often limited to the area of the body where the bone spur is located. Bone spur symptoms often include pain that is more pronounced during activity. The pain usually subsides when the individual stops being active.
A symptom of bone spurs in the shoulder and knee includes limited range of motion. In the shoulder, bone spurs can press against a person’s rotator cuff, which is responsible for shoulder motion. This limited movement can lead to tendonitis and tears in the rotator cuff. Bone spurs can affect the tendons around the knee, making it difficult and painful to extend and flex the joint.
Depending on the location, bone spur symptoms can vary. In the fingers, symptoms include pain and swelling under the skin. The inflammation causes the fingers to appear disfigured. In the neck, bone spurs often project inward. Common symptoms of bone spurs in the neck include occasional swallowing or breathing problems.
In the spine, common bone spur symptoms include a sharp pain when an individual walks or stands up. Bone spurs can protrude against nerves in the spine, a condition called radiculopathy. When this occurs, other parts of the body can be affected; radiculopathy can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in an individual’s limbs. Common symptoms of bone spurs in the back can also include headaches and shoulder pain.
In severe cases, bone spurs in the spine can affect the spinal cord. When the spinal cord is compressed or damaged, it is called myelopathy. Symptoms include weakness and balance problems.
A person experiencing increased pain in their joints or experiencing decreased range of motion should seek medical help, especially if the pain is severe. Bone spur symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, including muscle strain, diabetes, and spinal tumors. A doctor should be able to make a diagnosis and offer treatment.
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