What are bone spurs and how do they affect joints. How can osteoarthritis lead to osteophyte formation. What treatment options are available for managing bone spur pain. When should you seek medical attention for joint pain and stiffness.

Understanding Bone Spurs: Formation and Prevalence

Bone spurs, medically known as osteophytes, are smooth projections that extend from bones, often occurring where two bones meet in a joint. Despite their name, these bony outgrowths are not always painful or problematic. The formation of bone spurs, a process called osteophytosis, becomes increasingly common as we age, particularly after 60 years old. However, younger adults are not immune to developing these bony protrusions.

Are bone spurs always symptomatic? Interestingly, most bone spurs are small and asymptomatic. In fact, only about 40% of individuals over 60 experience bone spur symptoms severe enough to warrant medical attention. You might notice bone spurs if they form around your finger joints, giving them a slightly knotted appearance. However, their presence doesn’t necessarily indicate a need for treatment.

Common Locations and Symptoms of Bone Spurs

While bone spurs can form in various parts of the body, certain locations are more prone to their development. Understanding where bone spurs commonly occur and their associated symptoms can help in early detection and management.

Knee Bone Spurs

When bone spurs develop in the knee, you may experience difficulty straightening your leg. This limitation in range of motion can significantly impact daily activities and mobility.

Shoulder Bone Spurs

Bone spurs in the shoulder can irritate the rotator cuff, leading to pain and swelling. This can affect arm movement and make certain activities challenging.

Hip Bone Spurs

In the hip, bone spurs can cause pain and restrict movement. This can impact walking, running, and other activities that involve hip rotation.

Spinal Bone Spurs

The spine is one of the most common sites for bone spur growth. When spurs form on the inside of a vertebra, they can press against the spinal cord or its nerve roots. This compression can result in not only pain but also numbness in your back, arms, and legs.

When should you seek medical attention for potential bone spurs? If you experience pain or stiffness in a joint that persists for more than a day or two, it’s advisable to consult your doctor. While the symptoms could be due to bone spurs, they might also indicate other conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment can help limit potential damage and manage symptoms effectively.

The Connection Between Osteoarthritis and Bone Spurs

Osteoarthritis is by far the most common cause of bone spur formation. This type of arthritis results from long-term wear and tear on your joints. While osteoarthritis typically develops in older adults, it can occur earlier if a joint has been damaged by a sports injury, accident, or other trauma.

How does osteoarthritis lead to bone spur formation? In a joint affected by osteoarthritis, the cartilage at the end of your bones wears out. Cartilage is the flexible tissue that connects and cushions the bones in a joint. As the body attempts to repair the damaged cartilage, new bone material emerges in the form of bone spurs.

In the spine, the process is slightly different. Soft, springy disks cushion each vertebra. As these disks wear down and become thinner over time, the spine becomes more susceptible to bone spur formation. This natural aging process contributes significantly to the development of spinal osteophytes.

Risk Factors for Bone Spur Development

Understanding the risk factors associated with bone spur development can help individuals take preventive measures and seek early intervention when necessary. Here are some key factors that increase the likelihood of developing bone spurs:

• Age: Aging is the most significant risk factor for bone spurs. Over time, all joints experience some degree of wear and tear, even without obvious injuries.
• Structural abnormalities: Individuals born with structural problems, such as scoliosis (a curved spine), have a higher risk of developing bone spurs.
• Poor posture: Maintaining poor posture over extended periods can increase the risk of bone spur formation, particularly in the spine.
• Genetics: There may be a hereditary component to bone spur development. You’re more likely to develop them if you have a parent with bone spurs.
• Previous joint injuries: Joints that have been damaged by sports injuries, accidents, or other traumas are more susceptible to bone spur formation.

Diagnosing Bone Spurs: Medical Imaging and Physical Examination

Diagnosing bone spurs often requires a combination of medical imaging techniques and physical examination. While you may be able to feel or see a lump under the skin in some cases of bone spur-related joint pain, many instances require professional evaluation for accurate diagnosis.

X-ray Imaging

X-rays are typically the first-line imaging technique used to look for changes in bone structure associated with bone spurs. These images can reveal the presence and location of osteophytes.

MRI Scans

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests provide detailed views of soft tissue, such as ligaments and cartilage. This can be particularly useful in assessing the impact of bone spurs on surrounding structures.

CT Scans

Computed Tomography (CT) scans can provide more detailed images of bones and other tissue than X-rays. This imaging technique is valuable for complex cases or when planning surgical interventions.

Physical Examination

In addition to imaging, your doctor will evaluate your medical history, listen to a description of your symptoms, and perform a physical exam. For example, if a bone spur is suspected in your knee, your doctor will have you move your knee while feeling for any abnormalities in the joint.

How does the diagnostic process help in treatment planning? By combining imaging results with a thorough physical examination and medical history, doctors can accurately diagnose bone spurs and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and symptoms.

Treatment Options for Bone Spurs: From Conservative Approaches to Surgery

The treatment for bone spurs depends on the severity of symptoms and the impact on your quality of life. Here’s an overview of various treatment options, ranging from conservative approaches to surgical interventions:

Conservative Treatments

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: For mild pain that occurs occasionally, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter painkillers to manage discomfort.
2. Steroid injections: A steroid shot can be helpful in temporarily reducing swelling and inflammation. Typically, you can have up to three steroid injections in the same joint within a year.
3. Physical therapy: This can be beneficial in strengthening the muscles around your affected joint, including the spine. Physical therapy can also help you learn movements that avoid nerve pressure.

Surgical Interventions

In cases where bone spurs are pressing on a nerve or significantly limiting your range of motion, surgical treatment may be necessary. The type of surgery depends on the location and severity of the bone spur:

• Spinal surgery: For bone spurs in the spine, a type of “spacer” can sometimes be placed in the affected vertebra to prevent the osteophyte from pressing on a nerve.
• Arthroscopic surgery: Bone spurs in the shoulder or knee can sometimes be removed using arthroscopic surgery, which uses special tools to reach the joint through very small incisions.

How do doctors determine the most appropriate treatment? The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the location and size of the bone spur, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health and lifestyle. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that best addresses your specific condition and needs.

Managing Bone Spur Pain: Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Strategies

While medical treatments play a crucial role in managing bone spur pain, there are several lifestyle changes and self-care strategies that can complement these interventions and improve overall joint health:

Weight Management

If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can significantly reduce the burden on your joints. This is particularly important for weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.

Proper Footwear

Wearing shoes that offer good foot support can help cushion your feet and other joints. This is especially important if you have bone spurs in your feet or ankles.

Exercise and Stretching

Regular, low-impact exercises and stretching can help maintain joint flexibility and strengthen supporting muscles. Activities like swimming, cycling, and yoga can be beneficial.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat or cold to affected joints can help manage pain and inflammation. Heat can help relax muscles and increase blood flow, while cold can reduce swelling and numb pain.

Ergonomic Adjustments

Making ergonomic adjustments to your work and home environments can help reduce stress on your joints. This might include using supportive chairs, adjusting your desk height, or using assistive devices.

How can these lifestyle changes complement medical treatments? By incorporating these self-care strategies into your daily routine, you can potentially reduce the frequency and severity of bone spur symptoms, enhance the effectiveness of medical treatments, and improve your overall quality of life.

Preventing Bone Spurs: Proactive Measures for Joint Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent bone spurs, especially those related to aging, there are several proactive measures you can take to promote joint health and potentially reduce your risk of developing symptomatic bone spurs:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Keeping your weight within a healthy range reduces stress on your joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine.

Practice Good Posture

Maintaining proper posture, especially when sitting for long periods, can help prevent undue stress on your spine and other joints.

Stay Active

Regular, low-impact exercise helps keep your joints flexible and strengthens the muscles that support them. Activities like swimming, cycling, and yoga are excellent options.

Protect Your Joints

Use proper techniques and protective gear when engaging in sports or activities that put stress on your joints. This can help prevent injuries that may lead to bone spur formation.

Maintain Proper Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supports bone health. Consider talking to your doctor about supplements if you’re at risk for osteoporosis.

Regular Check-ups

Regular medical check-ups can help detect early signs of joint problems, allowing for timely intervention and management.

Can these preventive measures guarantee you won’t develop bone spurs? While these strategies can’t completely eliminate the risk of bone spur formation, especially as you age, they can significantly contribute to overall joint health and potentially reduce the likelihood of developing symptomatic bone spurs.

The Future of Bone Spur Treatment: Emerging Therapies and Research

As medical science advances, new approaches to treating and managing bone spurs are being explored. These emerging therapies and ongoing research offer hope for more effective and less invasive treatments in the future:

Regenerative Medicine

Stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are being studied for their potential to promote healing and reduce inflammation in joints affected by bone spurs.

Targeted Drug Delivery

Researchers are exploring new methods of delivering pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications directly to affected joints, potentially reducing systemic side effects.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Improvements in imaging technology may allow for earlier detection and more precise treatment of bone spurs before they cause significant symptoms.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

Ongoing development of minimally invasive surgical procedures may offer more options for removing or treating bone spurs with less recovery time and fewer complications.

Bioengineered Cartilage

Research into bioengineered cartilage could potentially lead to new ways of repairing or replacing damaged joint surfaces, potentially slowing or preventing bone spur formation.

How might these advancements change the landscape of bone spur treatment? As these therapies continue to be developed and refined, they may offer more targeted, effective, and less invasive options for managing bone spurs and related joint problems. However, it’s important to note that many of these treatments are still in the research phase and may not be widely available for some time.

In conclusion, while bone spurs can be a challenging condition, understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatment options empowers individuals to take proactive steps in managing their joint health. From lifestyle modifications and conservative treatments to surgical interventions and emerging therapies, there are various approaches to addressing bone spurs and their associated symptoms. By working closely with healthcare providers and staying informed about the latest developments in joint health, individuals can navigate the challenges of bone spurs and maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle.

Bone Spurs (Osteophytes): Causes, Symptoms, and More

Overview

Despite their painful-sounding name, bone spurs often have no symptoms. They’re actually smooth projections that extend from your bones, frequently where two bones meet in a joint. The formation of bone spurs, called osteophytosis, is much more common after the age of 60. But younger adults can develop bone spurs, too.

If you have osteoarthritis, a risk factor for bone spurs, you should know what symptoms to look for and when treatment may be necessary.

Most of the time, bone spurs are small and cause no painful symptoms. You may notice them if they form around your finger joints, because they may make your fingers look a little knotted. Only about 40 percent of people 60 and older will experience bone spur symptoms painful enough to require medical attention.

When bone spurs, also called osteophytes, form in the knee, you may find it painful to straighten your leg. Bone spurs can also form in the shoulder, which can irritate your rotator cuff and cause pain and swelling there. In the hip, bone spurs can also be painful and limit movement.

One of the most common sites for bone spur growth is the spine. If spurs form on the inside of a vertebra, they can press against the spinal cord or its nerve roots. This can cause not only pain, but also numbness in your back, arms, and legs.

If you have pain or stiffness in a joint that does not get better within a day or two, see your doctor. It could be bone spurs or any number of conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment of bone spurs can limit the damage they cause. If you notice pain and swelling in a joint that doesn’t subside with ice and rest, talk to your doctor about the possibility of osteophytosis.

By far the most common cause of bone spurs is osteoarthritis. That’s the type of arthritis caused by long-term wear and tear on your joints. Osteoarthritis tends to develop in older adults, but it can begin earlier if a joint has been damaged by a sports injury, accident, or other cause.

In a joint with arthritis, the cartilage at the end of your bones wears out. Cartilage is the flexible tissue that connects and cushions the bones in a joint. As part of the body’s attempt to repair the damaged cartilage, new bone material emerges in the form of bone spurs.

In the spine, a soft, springy disk cushions each vertebra. As the disks wear down and become thinner over time, the spine becomes more susceptible to bone spur formation.

Aging is the biggest risk factor for bone spurs. Over time, all your joints suffer at least a little wear and tear. This is true even if you have no obvious injuries. Your risk is also higher if you were born with structural problems, such as scoliosis (a curved spine). Poor posture can also put you at greater risk for bone spurs.

There may be a hereditary factor, too. You’re more likely to get them if you have a parent with bone spurs.

If you have joint pain caused by bone spurs, you may be able to see or feel a lump under the skin. In many cases, though, you won’t be able to identify the source of your pain.

Your doctor will likely use X-rays to look for changes in bone structure. Other imaging tests may be used, too. These include MRI tests, which provide detailed views of soft tissue, such as ligaments and cartilage, and CT scans, which can provide more detailed images of bones and other tissue than X-rays.

Your doctor will also evaluate your medical history, listen to a description of your symptoms, and perform a medical exam. If the suspected bone spur is in your knee, for example, your doctor will have you move your knee while he feels for any abnormalities in the joint.

If a bone spur causes only mild pain and is only noticeable once in a while, then your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter painkiller. A steroid shot may also be helpful in temporarily reducing swelling and inflammation. You can usually have up to three steroid injections in the same joint in one year.

Physical therapy may help if it focuses on strengthening the muscles around your affected joint, including the spine. It can also help you move in a way that avoids nerve pressure.

If the bone spur is pressing on a nerve or significantly limiting your range of motion, you may need to have it treated surgically. If the bone spur is in the spine, a type of “spacer” can sometimes be placed in the affected vertebra to keep the osteophyte from pressing on a nerve. A bone spur in the shoulder or knee can sometimes be removed with arthroscopic surgery, which uses special tools to reach the joint through very small incisions.

Tips for pain management

Take the following steps to help control your bone spur pain:

• Lose weight, if you’re overweight or obese, to relieve the burden on your joints.
• Wear shoes that offer good foot support to cushion your feet and other joints when you walk.
• Start physical therapy to learn exercises that will strengthen the muscles around the joint and stabilize it, too.
• Maintain proper posture when standing or sitting to help preserve back strength and keep your spine properly aligned.
• Use over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen, when inflammation and pain flare up because of a bone spur. Ask your doctor before taking an anti-inflammatory drug.

Arthroscopic surgery is an outpatient procedure with a much faster recovery time than open surgery. However, it can still take several weeks before the surgically treated joint feels normal again. Surgically treated vertebrae can also leave you pain free after a few weeks.

If you don’t have surgery, but opt for physical therapy and pain medication (either in the form of pills or steroid injections), understand that the bone spurs will still be a part of you and may cause discomfort in the future.

If you know what exercises to do and how to maintain good posture, you may be able to minimize the impact bone spurs have on your quality of life.

Treating a Bone Spur | New York, NY

A bone spur (osteophyte) is a bone outgrowth that forms at the end of a bone, usually in a joint with inflammation due to injury or another condition like osteoarthritis and tendonitis. It is the body’s way of attempting to heal damage. The “repair” procedure results in the formation of bone lumps because your body thinks your bone is damaged, so it tries to fix it by adding more bone to the area.

Bone spurs typically form on hands, elbows, shoulders, the neck, spine, hips, knees, ankles and heels, because those are the most often used joints.

Bone Spur Causes and Symptoms

Bone spurs are a frequent side effect of aging (wear and tear). Other causes include overuse, obesity, diet and genetics.

Many people live with bone spurs unknowingly for years before they cause any pain or joint dysfunction. When there is pain, it is caused by friction against adjacent bones, muscles, tendons or nerves. When there is joint dysfunction, it could be a mild stiffness, moderate restricted movement or total loss of mobility.

In addition, bone spurs can break off and become loose bodies, which can lock up a joint, making it difficult to move.

Other symptoms include:

• Weakness, numbness or tingling (caused by a bone spur pressing on nerves in your spine)
• Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps
• Bumps under your skin (commonly seen in the hands and fingers)
• Trouble controlling your bladder or bowels (very rare)

Your symptoms may worsen when you move the affected joint or exercise.

Bone Spur Prevention

You cannot completely prevent bone spurs, but you can take these precautions to avoid things that cause them. For example, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive footwear and eating nutritious foods high in calcium and Vitamin D are all great ways to prevent conditions that lead to bone spurs.

Low-impact exercises like swimming and bicycling are great for joint health, and weight-bearing workouts like stair climbing keep bones strong. In addition, you may prevent damage that leads to bone spurs if you catch arthritis early on by visiting Shoulders & Knees Orthopedics in NYC or Westchester if you have any signs of joint trouble.

Bone Spur Treatment

Treatment or surgery can bring relief when bone spurs cause pain or inhibit function. Non-invasive options include cortisone injections and physical therapy. However, if those methods are ineffective, you may require arthroscopic (“keyhole”) surgery to remove the bone spur(s) and/or loose bodies.

The surgery is minimally invasive. It requires only a tiny incision to access the joint and remove whatever is causing joint aggravation. Afterward, you will need physical therapy to regain joint strength and range of motion.

Dr. Struhl is a respected orthopedic surgeon who offers bone spur treatment. Contact Shoulders & Knees Orthopedics to schedule a consultation today.

Treatment Heel “spur” – Orthopedics Ruslana Sergienko

A heel spur is the result of plantar fasciitis, the main symptom of which is pain in the heel that occurs or worsens with exercise. In most cases, the pain syndrome is caused by inflammatory and degenerative changes in the plantar (plantar) fascia.

Plantar fascia is a tough tendon plate, woven from a huge amount of microfibers, which is attached to the calcaneus and metatarsal heads, creating a kind of protective cover for the plantar surface of the foot.

As can be seen from the figure, the plantar fascia is stretched like a bowstring between the bones, the so-called arch of the foot. Imagine that with every step this kind of bowstring is pulled, holding this arch, preventing the bones of the foot from “parting”.

Constant load of body weight, overload during hard work, changes in posture due to diseases of the back lead to the appearance of microdamages in the places of attachment of the plantar fascia to the bones. As can be seen from the figure, the place of attachment of the “string” to the metatarsal bones is divided into five points, while on the heel there is only one point of attachment. The load is 5 times more on the heel, so the disease starts from the heel.

There is a microdamage (tear or rupture) of one of the many thin fibers of the plantar fascia. The body reacts in a standard way – inflammation develops. Inflammation leads to the formation of edema, abnormal germination of microvessels and small nerve branches into the damaged fascia, and pain occurs. The pain is especially severe after a night’s sleep and rest, the so-called “starting pain”.

The fibers of the plantar fascia that have remained intact begin to work instead of the broken ones, experiencing an increased load, and are also damaged.

Inflammation and pain progress, forcing to reduce the load. Human activity is reduced, new fibers are not damaged. The inflammatory process subsides, scars form at the site of the damaged fibers, and then bone growths that are visible on the x-ray and have a characteristic “spur” appearance.

That is why this disease is called “heel spur”, although the “spur” itself is already the result of long-term plantar fasciitis.

Who is more likely to suffer from heel spurs?

Heel spurs mainly affect people over 40 years of age, and women are more predisposed to this disease. The likelihood of developing heel spurs is increased by excess weight, problems with the spine, arthritis, flat feet, diseases of the large joints of the legs, injuries of the calcaneus, gout, circulatory disorders in the legs. Also, the heel spur is found in athletes with prolonged loads in the heel area.

What are the symptoms of a heel spur?

The leading symptom of heel spurs (plantar fasciitis) is pain in the heel region that occurs or worsens with exercise. Pain is more pronounced in the morning. In most cases, the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is sufficient to analyze the patient’s complaints, physical examination and X-ray, which reveal the presence of a heel spur. The absence of radiological signs of a heel spur in combination with heel pain requires a differential diagnosis with systemic inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter’s syndrome, etc.), which can also debut with heel pain. In this case, the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis can be established using an ultrasound examination.

What is the treatment for heel spurs?

First, get rid of overloads.

This does not mean completely abandoning any movement. This means that a painless range of motion should be performed. For example, you have noticed that it is worth standing for 2 hours, the pain increases. Try to stand for 2 hours with breaks, for example 15 minutes. Or you walk 4 kilometers and experience pain. Try to walk 2 kilometers or the same 4 kilometers, but at a slow pace. Sports doctors have proven that continuing exercise in a “sparing mode” has a greater effect on the result of treatment than refusing to exercise at all.

Stretching and strengthening.

The stretching and strengthening program plays an important role in the treatment of the disease, as it can effectively relax cramped calf muscles or strengthen weak foot muscles. Why stretching or “stretching” is effective? It loosens the tension and reduces the risk of breaking the “bowstring”. A less taut plantar fascia is not damaged as much. Do these exercises at home.
The easiest way to stretch is using a support wall: Or steps: Another effective stretching method is to use footrests that can be used in the workplace, such as under a desk or in the kitchen, thus increasing the time for such “on-the-job” activities. . The use of “rocking chairs”, widely used to prevent salt deposits, is a type of “dynamic stretching” of the plantar fascia. For the same purpose, you can use a tennis ball or an iron can: Before getting out of bed, it is useful to perform a massage in the sole area to reduce pain:
or stretching with a towel: Strengthening the small muscles of the foot.
By performing 2 simple exercises, you can achieve a significant increase in strength in the small muscles of the foot, which will lead to unloading of the plantar fascia.

1. Pull up towel. The patient sits on a chair, the towel lies on the smooth floor in front of him. The patient puts his toes on the towel and, without taking his heel off the floor, bending his toes, pulls the towel towards him.
2. Finger up. The patient sits on a chair, the foot is placed on the floor, the toes are raised up. First, the thumb is placed on the floor, and the rest remain raised. Then the thumb is raised and remains in this position, and the rest are lowered and placed on the floor.

About 35% of patients achieve regression of symptoms only with the help of stretching and muscle strengthening.

Shoes.

It is not uncommon for plantar fasciitis to develop after wearing uncomfortable, especially tight shoes or shoes with excessively hard soles. People who suffer from plantar fasciitis may find that wearing sneaker-type shoes with soft, springy soles and an insole that hugs the arch of the foot significantly reduces pain. This is not surprising. The springy outsole absorbs impact when walking, while the arch-fitting insole supports it and transfers the load directly to the bones, bypassing the plantar fascia.

It should also be noted that over time, the properties of the polymeric materials from which shoes are made change, so such shoes need to be changed in a timely manner.

Insoles.

As far as insoles are concerned, it can be said that only custom-made devices, made on the basis of modern equipment based on the footprint, can help in the treatment of fasciitis. The insoles do not act on the fasciitis itself, but by correcting violations of the arch of the foot, for example, with flat feet. Incorrectly selected insoles can worsen the patient’s condition.

Night immobilizing dressings.

The purpose of immobilization bandages is to keep the ankle joint in a neutral position. It is noted that the vast majority of people sleep with outstretched socks. In this position, the places of attachment of the plantar fascia to the bones come together, which causes it to shorten over time. This is what causes morning pain in the foot. The person spent the whole night with outstretched socks, and in the morning he gets on his feet, sharply stretching the inflamed plantar fascia. The immobilizing bandage keeps the bones from coming together, and the plantar fascia does not contract overnight, which reduces morning pain.

An overnight immobilizing dressing can be made from plaster or polymeric bandages, or you can buy ready-made ones from those sold in a pharmacy.
An example of a nightly immobilizing bandage: Of course, sleeping in a cast is not very comfortable, but studies have shown that this method is effective in 80% of patients. Night immobilizing dressings are especially effective in patients with a long period of the disease (about 12 months or more).

Anti-inflammatory treatment of heel spurs.

Anti-inflammatory treatment of heel spurs includes ice, NSAIDs, electrophoresis and hormonal injections.

Ice is used in the form of ice massages, ice baths or ice packs.
Ice massage: the patient takes an ice cube, places it over the area of ​​pain and performs circular movements with slight pressure for 5 to 10 minutes.

Ice bath: fill a shallow container with ice water, place only the heel in it and hold for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not lower other parts of the foot into the water to avoid hypothermia.

Ice pack: Place crushed ice in a plastic bag, wrap in a towel and apply to the heel for 15 to 20 minutes. Instead of crushed ice, you can use a bag of frozen food.

Ice is applied after completion of exercise or after a working day.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg diclofenac or nimesulide).

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been studied for plantar fasciitis with conflicting results. Therefore, they are recommended only in case of increased pain, given the side effects of these drugs, which include gastrointestinal bleeding, gastritis, damage to kidney tissue.

Electrophoresis.

Electrophoresis is a physiotherapy procedure that uses the properties of low voltage electrical impulses to deliver corticosteroid (hormonal) drugs deep into tissues. Studies of the effectiveness of this treatment method showed that within 2-3 weeks after the end of the procedure, the therapeutic effect decreases.

Corticosteroid injections.

Corticosteroid injections are effective in up to 70% of patients, but are known to rupture the plantar fascia in up to 10% of patients. It is known that the introduction of corticosteroids into any tissue leads to its death at the injection site. Therefore, this method of treatment should be used with extreme caution.

Shock wave therapy is a highly effective non-surgical method of treating heel spurs, approved by the equivalent of the US Department of Health as the main one for this particular disease, based on the action of acoustic shock waves. The method of shock wave therapy has been used for a long time to crush stones in the urinary tract. This is the so-called intracorporeal (conducted inside the body) shock wave therapy. Unlike devices for crushing kidney stones (lithotripters), in devices for extracorporeal (used on the surface of the body) shock wave therapy, the acoustic wave is much less powerful. Its action is based on the stimulation of regenerative processes in areas of chronic tendon inflammation and nonunion fractures.

Shock wave therapy does not break up heel spurs as is commonly believed. It sharply enhances regeneration at the site of damage to the plantar fascia, stops long-term inflammation, thereby, on the contrary, preventing the development of heel spurs. The shock wave in orthopedics does not destroy, but restores.

The effectiveness of shock wave therapy is comparable to surgical treatment, since more than 93% of patients report a pronounced and persistent clinical effect. However, unlike surgical treatment, shock wave therapy is a painless method of treatment that does not require anesthesia and the patient’s stay in the hospital.
Shock wave therapy is a safe method of treating heel spurs, it has a complex effect and eliminates the cause of the heel spur.
Effects of shock wave therapy:

• reduction of pain and inflammation
• improvement of blood circulation and nutrition of damaged tissues
• destruction of calcifications, bone “growths”
• accelerate the healing of damaged tissues
• increased mobility in the injured area of ​​the body
• increasing the resistance of tendons, ligaments and muscles to physical stress and injury

Advantages of shock wave therapy:

• high clinical efficiency – up to 93% of patients have a clinical effect
• rapid onset of clinical effect – reduction of pain, swelling, improvement of mobility
• stable clinical effect of the course lasts up to 1 year
• patient safety – no complications or side effects
• convenience of treatment for the patient – the session lasts 5-10 minutes, the frequency of the procedure is 1 time per week, 5-7 sessions are enough for a complete recovery
• reduction in the need for drugs or complete elimination of them
• is an optimal replacement for surgery and injections.

It is recommended to support the effect of shock wave with stretching and muscle strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory treatment in the form of ice and electrophoresis, as well as modification of the load regimen.

TRUST YOUR HEALTH CARE TO REAL PROFESSIONALS!

Bone spurs – Humanitas

Bone spurs are spiny growths that form along the edges of bones. Bone spurs or osteophytes usually form where bones meet, i.e. at joints. Bone spurs can also occur in the spine.

The main cause of the disease is the wear and tear of the joints associated with osteoarthritis. In most cases, bone spurs do not cause any symptoms and may go unrecognized for many years. Not all cases require treatment. The decision on whether to treat the disease is made based on where the spur is located and what threat to health it poses.

Symptoms

In most cases, bone spurs do not cause any signs or symptoms. Often the patient is unaware that they have a bone spur until they have an X-ray taken for some other reason. However, cases are known when bone spurs cause pain and limit the mobility of the joint.

Specific symptoms depend on which bone is affected. For example:

Knee joint. With bone spurs in the knee joint, flexion and extension of the knee can cause pain. Bone growths can interfere with the normal movement of bones and tendons, impairing mobility.
Spine . Due to bone spurs in the vertebrae, a narrowing of the space in which the spinal cord is located can occur. Spurs can pierce the spinal cord or its nerve roots, resulting in weakness and numbness in the arms and legs.
Hip joint . Bone spurs can cause pain in the hip joint, although this pain sometimes radiates to the knee. Depending on the location, bone spurs can also limit the mobility of the hip joint.
Shoulder joint. Bone spurs can create friction with the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that move the shoulder. This in turn can cause swelling (tendonitis) and rotator cuff tears.