Tennova Healthcare Offers Tips for Treating Bone Spurs
9/13/2018
Podiatrists discuss symptoms and solutions for foot pain
If you’ve ever had a bone spur, you know how annoying it can be. While most people think of a bone spur as a sharp bone, it’s really a smooth, bony growth or a collection of bony growths on or near the joint.
But what causes bone spurs—particularly on the tops and bottoms of your feet—and what can be done to heal the pain? Tennova Healthcare has the answers.
Bone spurs (also called “osteophytes”) form over a long period of time. The majority of bone spurs develop in areas of injury or inflammation near tendons and cartilages. The most common location for a bone spur is the heel or sole of the foot. They can also appear on the top of the foot as well as in the spine and around the knees and shoulder.
“A bone spur on its own does not cause pain,” said R. Brent Harbin, D.P.M., a podiatrist with Tennova Foot and Ankle. “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 acute pain and loss of motion.”
According to Dr. Harbin, joint damage from osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of bone spurs. “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 spinal stenosis,” he said.
Many bone spurs cause no pain or discomfort and do not require any treatment. But symptoms depend on the size and location of the growth—and for some patients can have a significant impact on mobility and quality of life. For example, bone spurs in the knee can make it stiff and painful to extend or bend your leg; and bone spurs on the bottom of the foot can make it difficult to stand or walk for any period of time.
“Keep in mind that bone spurs resulting from the natural wear and tear of age-related arthritis may not be avoidable,” said David Harrison, D.P.M., a podiatrist with Tennova Foot and Ankle. “Diagnosing and treating arthritis early is the best way to prevent the damage that leads to bone spurs, along with the general loss of mobility associated with the condition.”
There are other steps you can take at all stages of life to help slow the bone-related aging process. A diet rich in calcium and a daily practice of weight-bearing exercises will build and protect strong bones.
“Keeping an active, healthy lifestyle and being in good physical condition can help reduce the symptoms associated with bone spurs,” Dr. Harrison said. “Also, maintaining a healthy weight can ease the burden on the joints, which may help in avoiding the development of bone spurs, particularly in the feet. I also encourage my patients to wear properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box, good arch support, and enough cushion to pad each step.”
Treatments for bone spurs are as varied as the potential causes and affected body parts. The most immediate treatment is typically rest and over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve). In some cases, a physician may suggest a steroid injection to relieve inflammation, and physical therapy to improve joint strength and increase mobility. If non-conservative bone spur treatments do not show improvements in your symptoms, surgery may be required.
The team at Tennova Foot and Ankle suggests the following tips for treating foot bone spurs:
- Use an icepack: Applying an ice pack on the affected joint four to five times per day may help reduce inflammation. You can also try a heating pad if icepacks are not working for you. Some people find that taking alternate hot and cold baths also address inflammation.
- Lose weight: Some people find that once they drop weight, it takes the pressure off the bones and pain diminishes. Maintaining a healthy weight is particularly helpful if you suffer from osteoarthritis.
- Change your footwear: Making adjustments, such as ensuring your shoes are fitting properly and using shoe inserts, may help improve the condition.
- Pamper your feet: It’s important not to overlook treating corns or calluses on the foot. Treatment can help ease the pain associated with bone spurs.
Most importantly, don’t write off foot pain as something you just have to live with. Talk with a healthcare provider about any issues that send you to the medicine cabinet regularly for managing pain, or that restrict your level of movement and quality of life.
Tennova Foot and Ankle has four convenient locations in East Tennessee: Knoxville, LaFollette, Maryville and Powell. For more information or to find a doctor, call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) or visit TennovaMedicalGroup.com.
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