Bone Spurs in the Back: A Brief Guide: Pinnacle Pain and Spine: Interventional Pain Medicine Physician

Back pain can be a significant hindrance to daily life and is often frustrating to deal with. It can be even more frustrating when the cause is unknown. Pain could stem from something simple like posture, improper exercise, or even sleeping funny. However, pain can also be a sign of a physical problem. Swelling, loss of motion, weakness and numbness in arms and legs can all be symptoms of bone spurs in the lower back.

Bone Spurs in the Lower Back

Bone spurs grow along bone edges and can appear anywhere in the body, but they are mostly common in joints. Bone spurs in the lower back can be particularly troublesome because they may appear in the space between the vertebrae, which protects the body’s most vital and most dense collection of sensitive nerves, the spinal cord. This extra growth cramps the already small area surrounding the spinal cord and can pinch the nerves that run vital information to and from the rest of the body. This often leads to back pain and leaves arms and legs feeling numb or weak.

What is a Bone Spur?

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are growths of extra bone that the body produces to replace worn or damaged bone parts. They occur mostly in joints or areas where bones regularly move against each other. A doctor will be able to suspect bone spurs from asking a few questions and performing a physical exam that assesses joint pain and flexibility. An X-ray, MRI, CT or bone scan will visibly reveal the extra growth.

What Causes Them?

Typically, a thick layer of cartilage surrounds the friction joints between bones. This layer protects bones from rubbing against each other and causing damage. However, conditions like osteoarthritis (commonly known as arthritis) breaks down this protective cartilage. This leaves bone endings exposed and susceptible to damage. When this happens, new bone, or a bone spur, will sometimes grow to try to repair the worn-down bone.

Bone spurs are very common, especially in people with arthritis. They can often go unnoticed unless the extra growth begins to press on sensitive nerves. This extra pressure will cause painful inflammation and swelling in the affected nerves. If they do not press, bone spurs are simply a bit of harmless extra bone in the body.

Do They Go Away?

Once a bone spur is grown, it will not disappear or reabsorb. There is no way to get rid of a bone spur besides cutting it off, but this is typically not recommended, unless the spur is critically compressing a nerve or the spinal cord, causing weakness. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of bone spur growth. Keeping physically fit will help reduce the amount of pressure on vulnerable areas like the lower back and knees and will hopefully minimize the amount of damage arthritis allows to these joints.

Treatments for Bone Spurs in the Lower Back

Bone spurs may be permanent, but there are ways to alleviate the pain and stress they cause to the joints and body. This can be particularly hopeful news for those suffering with back pain, as this vital and sensitive area is particularly susceptible to stress and pressure. Once diagnosed, there are several practical treatments for bone spur pain in the lower back, including exercises and physical therapy, medications, injections, and surgery.

Back Exercises – Physical Therapy

Exercising, stretching, and physical therapy are excellent ways to keep joints and muscles relaxed and improve smooth movement. There are several stretches that will specifically help alleviate pressure between vertebrae. For instance, hip twists for abdominal strengthening, and butt lifts both focus on supporting and strengthening the muscles in the lower back. The prayer stretch or child’s pose opens the spine in a natural curve, opening the areas between vertebrae where bone spurs to expand and give more room to the restricted nerves. Even stretching your hamstrings can help alleviate the pain as affected nerves often run through the back of the legs. Although stretching and exercise will not reduce bone spurs, it can shift and alleviate the pressure that typical activity places on them.

Medications

There are no medicines to cure bone spurs, but over-the-counter pain medications can alleviate the soreness they cause. These medications are easily accessible and can help soothe the inflammation caused by bone spurs. Acetaminophen or naproxen sodium (the common ingredient for Tylenol® or Aleve®, or their generic counterparts) are the most common medications recommended for treating this pain. However, these solutions may provide only temporary relief and may need to be taken regularly up to several times a day. They can also have serious systemic side effects when taken daily for an extended period, so they should only be taken regularly under the supervision of a physician.

Injections

If over-the-counter prescriptions aren’t enough to alleviate bone spurs in the lower back, a spinal cortisone injection may be recommended. In this minimally invasive treatment, soothing corticosteroids are injected directly to inflamed nerves through a needle. Steroid injections will often provide longer lasting relief than over-the-counter medications, and have far less risk of systemic side effects. The injection is only administered one to three times over the course of a few weeks, but the relief can last up to a few years afterwards.

Surgery

Surgery is a last resort for alleviating lower back bone spur pain. If the growth pain is beyond reasonable management, or if a spur is compressing the spinal cord, or if motor strength loss is detected, a doctor may want to remove these growths all together. This would involve opening the back and lumbar muscles to completely cut off the affected areas of bone. The surgery is a highly invasive procedure, and it comes with standard surgical risks as well as a long recovery time. However, removing bone spurs often provides the longest period of relief and a significant improvement in quality of life.

Treat Bone Spurs at Pinnacle Pain

Bones spurs are often harmless growths that can appear between worn down joints. However, bone spurs in the lower back can be particularly painful as they can press against the especially sensitive nerves in the spinal column. The pain from this can affect not only nerves in the back, but ones that extend to the legs and arms as well. This pain can often limit movement and hinder daily activities. Thankfully, Pinnacle Pain and Spine can help alleviate that pain with their wide variety of minimally invasive pain management and spine treatment options.

Read more about treating back pain with our guide on Using Spinal Injections for Back Pain!

Bone Spurs Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention

When it comes to your feet, you want to be comfortable. Foot pain makes everyday errands take longer and become more difficult. If you are having problems standing and putting pressure on your feet, see your doctor. You may have bone spurs.

What Are Bone Spurs?

Bone spurs are extra bone growths that are prone to appear in feet. Bone spurs may develop from an injury to the foot, ill-fitting shoes, or even obesity. Sometimes, bone spurs are a result of osteoarthritis.

What causes the growths is the deteriorating cartilage between bones. Bone spurs are a result of your body attempting to compensate for the lack of cartilage. Unfortunately, this process can sometimes come with pain.

Symptoms of Bone Spurs

Sometimes, though not always, people with growing bone spurs will experience no symptoms. Other times, however, people may feel the following symptoms:

• Pain on the top of their mid-foot
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Limited joint mobility
• Difficulty standing or walking

All of these symptoms lead to discomfort. If you aren’t sure that your symptoms mean you have a bone spur, visit a podiatrist, or foot doctor, for a diagnosis. A doctor will examine your foot and take an X-ray or another type of imaging test to identify the problem.

Treatment Options for Bone Spurs

Bone spurs do not disappear on their own, so you may want to change your routine and try some home treatments to ease your pain.

Weight loss. One treatment would be to lose weight. Because bone spurs form from pressure on the bones, losing weight helps reduce that force. Exercise, portion control, and healthy eating can all affect your feet.

Proper footwear. Tight-fitting or even lose-fitting shoes can contribute to the unnecessary duress your foot endures. Invest in some well-fitting shoes with extra padding if needed. If you find it is still too painful to walk, try using a walking boot to take the pressure off the area. These boots are especially useful if you decide to get surgery; they can be worn before and after the procedure.

Pain relief. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever will also help by reducing the swelling around the site. Heat and ice also help with swelling. Using a heating or cooling pack for 15 minutes throughout the day can ease stiffness and inflammation. If you still are experiencing pain, see your doctor about a cortisone injection.

Prevention

While treatments can help an affected site, they can also prevent bone spurs, namely by wearing proper shoes. Wearing padding in your shoes and avoiding shoes that are too tight can help you fight the process of a growth spur. Losing weight may also help you avoid the problem. However, if you have arthritis, be aware of the risks and speak to your doctor if you notice any symptoms.

Be Comfortable

Bone spurs, if painful enough, keep you from walking and being comfortable. If you know the symptoms, treatment, and prevention methods for avoiding bone spurs, you will stay more comfortable and your routine will not be hindered by the pain and disruption of a bone spur.

If you think you may have a bone spur or are experiencing regular foot pain, give our office a call today and we’ll help you come up with a treatment plan.

Spinal Bone Spur | Precision Spine Care – Spine Center in Tyler Texas with Locations Across East Texas – Back Pain, Neck Pain and Neurological Spine Specialists

A bone spur, or osteophyte, is a projection of bone that develops and
grows along the edge of joints. Bone spurs are fairly common in people
over the age of 60. It is not the bone spur itself that is the real
problem; pain and inflammation begin to occur when the bone spur
rubs against nerves and bones.

Causes

As
we age, the discs in our spine naturally degenerate and lose some
of their natural shock-absorbing ability. Factors that contribute
to and accelerate this process include stress, injury, poor posture,
poor nutrition, and family history.

It
is not uncommon for people with osteoarthritis to get bone spurs.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which joint cartilage
begins to wear down, causing bone to rub against bone. As a result,
the body may begin to produce new bone to protect against this,
which is how a bone spur forms.

Symptoms

• Back
  and neck pain
• Pain
  radiating through an arm and/or leg
• Prominent
  lumps on the hands, feet or spine
• Numbness
• Burning
• Muscle
  cramps

Diagnosis

Outlined
below are some of the diagnostic tools that your physician may use
to gain insight into your condition and determine the best treatment
plan for your condition.

• Medical
  history: Conducting a detailed medical history helps the doctor
  better understand the possible causes of your back and neck
  pain which can help outline the most appropriate treatment.
• Physical
  exam: During the physical exam, your physician will try to
  pinpoint the source of pain. Simple tests for flexibility and
  muscle strength may also be conducted.
• X-rays
  are usually the first step in diagnostic testing methods. X-rays
  show bones and the space between bones. They are of limited
  value, however, since they do not show muscles and ligaments.
• MRI
  (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a magnetic field and radio
  waves to generate highly detailed pictures of the inside of
  your body. Since X-rays only show bones, MRIs are needed to
  visualize soft tissues like discs in the spine. This type of
  imaging is very safe and usually pain-free.
• CT
  scan/myelogram: A CT scan is similar to an MRI in that it provides
  diagnostic information about the internal structures of the
  spine. A myelogram is used to diagnose a bulging disc, tumor,
  or changes in the bones surrounding the spinal cord or nerves.
  A local anesthetic is injected into the low back to numb the
  area. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is then performed. A dye
  is injected into the spinal canal to reveal where problems
  lie.
• Electrodiagnostics:
  Electrical testing of the nerves and spinal cord may be performed
  as part of a diagnostic workup. These tests, called electromyography
  (EMG) or somato sensory evoked potentials (SSEP), assist your
  doctor in understanding how your nerves or spinal cord are
  affected by your condition.
• Bone
  scan: Bone imaging is used to detect infection, malignancy,
  fractures and arthritis in any part of the skeleton. Bone scans
  are also used for finding lesions for biopsy or excision.
• Discography
  is used to determine the internal structure of a disc. It is
  performed by using a local anesthetic and injecting a dye into
  the disc under X-ray guidance. An X-ray and CT scan are performed
  to view the disc composition to determine if its structure
  is normal or abnormal. In addition to the disc appearance,
  your doctor will note any pain associated with this injection.
  The benefit of a discogram is that it enables the physician
  to confirm the disc level that is causing your pain. This ensures
  that surgery will be more successful and reduces the risk of
  operating on the wrong disc.
• Injections:
  Pain-relieving injections can relieve back pain and give the
  physician important information about your problem, as well
  as provide a bridge therapy.

Treatment

The
goal when treating bone spurs is to minimize pain and prevent any
additional joint damage. Treatment methods may include weight loss,
stretching and physical therapy, rest and ice. Injections can reduce
inflammation long enough to relieve symptoms. Medications such as
ibuprofen or injections may be administered for pain. Bone spurs
can be surgically removed in the case of serious damage and deformity.

FAQs

How
can osteoporosis impact the spine and cause a bone spur?

Osteoporosis
can have extremely serious consequences on the spine. It is a degenerative
condition in which joint cartilage can begin to wear down, causing
bone to rub against bone. As a result, the body may begin to produce
new bone to protect against this, which is how a bone spur forms.

How
can I tell if I have a bone spur?

Bone
spurs can generally be detected through X-ray, which can provide
a visual of any bony deposits.

Do
I need surgery to treat a bone spur?

Because
bone spurs are usually evidence of an underlying problem, this main
problem should be addressed first. This can include treatment methods
for degenerative disc disease, arthritis and osteoporosis. These
conditions can often be successfully treated with nonsurgical methods.

Precision Spine Care is the only spine center in East Texas to be included in Spine Center Network, an exclusive national listing of credentialed spine centers of excellence. Click here to learn more.

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Do Bone Spurs Always Need Surgery?

You may have noticed a bump on the top of your foot or the back of your heel bone and wondered what it is – and if it’s anything to worry about. 

It’s likely a bone spur, which is often found in the foot but can also develop in the hip, back, spine, shoulder or knee. 

Bone spurs are small projections of bone that develop along the edge where two or more bones meet, or where a tendon or ligament attach to a bone.  

When your bones are under repetitive stress, new bone can form in response. Your body responds to joint deterioration and cartilage loss by trying to stabilize the joint by creating more bone. These newly formed bone protrusions are generally smooth and stay attached to the bone, but occasionally can break off and can get stuck in a joint, causing a locking sensation. 

Bone spurs also can form where a tendon attaches to a bone, primarily because of tendon degeneration, like where the Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel bone. 

Why Do Bone Spurs Form? 

Contributing factors that cause bone spurs to form include: 

● Aging. The normal aging process stresses tendons and ligaments. Similarly, wear and tear to cartilage can cause osteoarthritis, the primary condition linked to bone spur development.

● Prolonged joint stress and impact. This is frequently seen in runners and athletes who jump in their sport, putting repetitive stress on joints and strains on tendons.

● Heredity. Inherited physical conditions can predispose you to bone spur development.

● Injury. Most frequently, this is caused by a sports-related injury or injury from motor vehicle accidents or falls.

● Skeletal problems. This can be the result of poor posture, inadequate shoe support or a shift in gait. 

Bone Spurs Are Painful – Or Not

One misconception associated with bone spurs is that they always cause pain. In fact, many times a bone spur will go undiscovered until seen on an X-ray for a different issue. Even if a bump is visible, the spur is often asymptomatic. 

In some instances, bone spurs can cause pain. If there’s a bone spur at the top of the foot, the pressure from shoes — especially if the top of the shoe is not flexible or soft — can be painful. Bone spurs at the back of the heel can also be painful. 

Treating Bone Spurs 

Treatment focuses on relieving discomfort and tackling the underlying cause of the bone spurs. Recommendations might include: 

● Relieving stress on the affected joint by reducing activity or impact.

● Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

● Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation of tissue next to the spur (not recommended for tendon-related spurs).

● Exercise or physical therapy to strengthen and stretch surrounding muscles and improve range of motion. 

In most instances, removing the spur is not required to alleviate the discomfort, but when necessary, a surgical solution called an osteophytectomy (bone to bone connection) or exostectomy (tendon to bone connection) may be performed. This is when a small incision is made and the bone spur is shaved down or cut off. This procedure is frequently done in conjunction with other medical procedures aimed toward correcting the originating cause. 

Preventing Bone Spurs 

Because bone spurs are usually the byproduct of bigger issues, trying to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis and injury from exercise is a good place to start. Consider: 

● Wearing shoes with a good arch support and enough cushion to pad each step. Thicker socks can prevent shoes from rubbing and irritation. Avoid tight-fitting shoes.

● Eating a healthy diet rich in bone-protecting calcium and vitamin D, and inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids.

● Doing lower-impact exercise, such as yoga, swimming and biking.

● Keeping your weight within healthy BMI levels. The stress on your joints just from walking amounts to one-and-a-half times your total body weight, and it increases to four or five times your body weight when you run or jump. Losing weight reduces the stress on your joints, which cuts your risk of developing bone spurs. 

If your bone spur causes discomfort or begins to affect your quality of your life, see an orthopedic food and ankle specialist to determine the best steps to get relief.

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Bone Spurs – Elite Spine & Orthopedics

A bone spur is exactly what it sounds like – an outgrowth developing along a bone’s edge. The formal name for a bone spur is osteophyte. A bone spur may occur anywhere, but they are most often found in joints, or anywhere tendons, muscles or ligaments become attached to the bone.

Bone spurs on the spine are also common. If you experience pain and/or changes in a joint’s range of motion, an Elite Spine & Orthopedic physician can provide a diagnosis and treatment.

Bone Spur Causes

Arthritis is the major cause of bone spurs. Over time, wear and tear results in degeneration.
Bone spur can be hereditary too, so people with a family history of osteophytes are more likely to suffer from them. In women, bone spurs tend to appear after menopause.

While most risk factors for bone spurs are beyond a patient’s control, a few measures can reduce the odds of bone spur development. These include:

• practicing good posture

• maintaining a healthy weight

• avoiding high impact sports

Bone Spur Symptoms

Many people have bone spurs and no symptoms. However, when bone spurs do cause pain, they can hinder mobility. Bone spur symptoms depend on their location. For example:

Fingers – in the fingers, bones spurs appear as knobby lumps

Heel – bone spurs in the heel are often associated with plantar fasciitis, a painful condition
affecting the ligament running along the sole and connecting at the heel

Hip – in the hip, bone spurs make movement painful and reduce the range of motion

Knee – bone spurs in the knee can make leg bending and extension difficult

Neck – along with pain, bone spurs may trigger headaches

Shoulder – bone spurs in the shoulder often affect the rotator cuff, resulting in pain and movement limitation

Spine – bone spurs in the spine usually cause neurological symptoms, such as weakness, tingling, and numbness

Generally, bone spur pain increases after physical exertion, and improves to a degree after the patient rests. Overall, bone spur symptoms include swelling and movement issues. Patients experiencing these symptoms should visit a doctor to get to the bottom of their joint and/or mobility problems.

Diagnosing Bone Spurs

In some cases, the doctor can feel the bone spur during a physical examination. In general, bones spurs are diagnosed via X-ray. Other tests include electromyography, or EMG. Through these tests, the level of nerve injury is discerned.

Other conditions with similar symptoms are ruled out via an EMG. An MRI or CT scan reveals the depth of nerve compression and changes in the spine.

Bone Spur Treatment Options

The conservative approach, such as over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for pain relief, is the first line of treatment for most bone spurs.

The doctor may recommend physical therapy, which can help with range of motion issues while not actually affecting the bone spur itself.

If the pain does not subside, a steroid injection into the affected area can bring long-term relief. If conservative treatment fails, or the pain is severe and neurological symptoms are involved, surgery for bone spur removal may prove necessary. A laminectomy removes bone spurs impinging on nerves, resulting not only in pain relief but a return to neurological functioning.

Contacting A Spine Surgeon

If you suspect you have bone spurs or any other spinal issue, contact us at Elite Spine & Orthopedics today and make an appointment for an examination. (855) 77-SPINE

Diagnosis, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Surgery for bone spurs

Conservative treatment is usually enough to manage bone spurs in most people. This includes pain medications and steroid shots for temporary pain relief. Physical therapy exercises help to restore joint flexibility and strength. This reduces pressure on the nerves and relieves the symptoms of bone spurs.

However, if bone spurs are causing serious pain, limitation of motion, or pressure upon nerves, they may need to be removed surgically. The surgery can be performed in a minimally invasive manner (keyhole surgery). During this type of procedure, the surgeon removes pieces of bone through a small incision. Open surgery may be required if the surgeon wishes to remove the entire bone spur.⁴

How long does it take to recover from bone spur surgery?

The recovery time for bone spur surgery depends on the type of surgery and the site of surgery. In general, recovery is faster after minimally invasive surgery compared to open surgery. Full recovery from bone spur removal in the spine can take anywhere from 10 days to a few weeks.⁵ Severe osteoarthritis and bone spur formation in the knee may require total knee replacement. This can take up to 1 year of recovery time.⁶ Recovery from a heel bone spur removal takes about 3 months. During the recovery period, you may need to be non-weight-bearing on the affected leg with crutches or a cane. You may need to wear a cast, splint, or walking boot for a few weeks. ⁷

Can bone spurs be prevented?

The most common cause of bone spurs is osteoarthritis. This is natural wear and tear that occurs with age and cannot be prevented. However, you can do certain things to prevent bone spur formation, such as:^2,3

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with enough calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for healthy bones.
• Keep your bones strong by doing regular weight-bearing exercises.
• Reduce stress on your joints by strengthening the surrounding muscles.
• Maintain a healthy body weight. Excess weight puts pressure on your joints, causing the cartilage to break down faster, leading to the formation of bone spurs.
• Wear well-fitted and well-cushioned shoes with good arch support. Your shoes should not rub against your feet when you walk or run. The toe box should be wide enough to be comfortable.

Diagnosis of bone spurs

Your family doctor may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation if you have symptoms of a bone spur. The specialist could be an orthopedic doctor (bone and muscle specialist) or a rheumatologist (joint specialist). The doctor will perform a physical examination to feel around the joint for the source of your pain. They may order imaging studies like an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan to see if a bone spur is in fact causing your symptoms. Sometimes, the specialist may order an electroconductive test to measure electrical signals in your nerves. This test can show whether a bone spur has caused damage to the nerves in your spinal canal, for example.³

When to see a doctor about a bone spur

In most cases, exercises can help to ease your symptoms from a bone spur. However, you should make an appointment to see a doctor if you have severe pain, swelling in the joint, or difficulty moving the joint.³

Treat your bone spurs the natural way

Bone spurs can be very painful and can lead to a significant reduction in joint mobility. This can reduce your ability to perform various daily tasks and recreational activities. Fortunately, you can slow the progression of osteoarthritis and bone spur growth with physical therapy exercises.

The Injurymap app has a range of exercises for every part of the body. This includes all the parts of the body that can potentially develop bone spurs. You can use the app to perform stretching and strengthening exercises to relieve the pressure on your joints. The app shows you how to do each exercise with the correct form and technique. You can work out in the comfort of your home with little to no equipment.

Remember, osteoarthritis and bone spurs progress over time, so prevention is important. The earlier you begin exercising, the more successful you will be in reducing the pain from bone spurs. Try the Injurymap app today to ease your bone spur pain.

Start your 14-day free trial of the Injurymap app today!

Bone Spurs Treatment South Bend, Elkhart

Overview

A bone spur, or osteophyte, is a projection of bone that develops and
grows along the edge of joints. Bone spurs are fairly common in people
over the age of 60. It is not the bone spur itself that is the real
problem; pain and inflammation begin to occur when the bone spur
rubs against nerves and bones.

Causes

As
we age, the discs in our spine naturally degenerate and lose some
of their natural shock-absorbing ability. Factors that contribute
to and accelerate this process include stress, injury, poor posture,
poor nutrition, and family history.

It
is not uncommon for people with osteoarthritis to get bone spurs.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which joint cartilage
begins to wear down, causing bone to rub against bone. As a result,
the body may begin to produce new bone to protect against this,
which is how a bone spur forms.

Symptoms

• Back
  and neck pain
• Pain
  radiating through an arm and/or leg
• Prominent
  lumps on the hands, feet or spine
• Numbness
• Burning
• Muscle
  cramps

Diagnosis

Outlined
below are some of the diagnostic tools that your physician may use
to gain insight into your condition and determine the best treatment
plan for your condition.

• Medical
  history: Conducting a detailed medical history helps the doctor
  better understand the possible causes of your back and neck
  pain which can help outline the most appropriate treatment.
• Physical
  exam: During the physical exam, your physician will try to
  pinpoint the source of pain. Simple tests for flexibility and
  muscle strength may also be conducted.
• X-rays are usually the first step in diagnostic testing methods. X-rays
  show bones and the space between bones. They are of limited
  value, however, since they do not show muscles and ligaments.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a magnetic field and radio
  waves to generate highly detailed pictures of the inside of
  your body. Since X-rays only show bones, MRIs are needed to
  visualize soft tissues like discs in the spine. This type of
  imaging is very safe and usually pain-free.
• CT
  scan/myelogram: A CT scan is similar to an MRI in that it provides
  diagnostic information about the internal structures of the
  spine. A myelogram is used to diagnose a bulging disc, tumor,
  or changes in the bones surrounding the spinal cord or nerves.
  A local anesthetic is injected into the low back to numb the
  area. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is then performed. A dye
  is injected into the spinal canal to reveal where problems
  lie.
• Electrodiagnostics: Electrical testing of the nerves and spinal cord may be performed
  as part of a diagnostic workup. These tests, called electromyography
  (EMG) or somato sensory evoked potentials (SSEP), assist your
  doctor in understanding how your nerves or spinal cord are
  affected by your condition.
• Bone
  scan: Bone imaging is used to detect infection, malignancy,
  fractures and arthritis in any part of the skeleton. Bone scans
  are also used for finding lesions for biopsy or excision.
• Discography is used to determine the internal structure of a disc. It is
  performed by using a local anesthetic and injecting a dye into
  the disc under X-ray guidance. An X-ray and CT scan are performed
  to view the disc composition to determine if its structure
  is normal or abnormal. In addition to the disc appearance,
  your doctor will note any pain associated with this injection.
  The benefit of a discogram is that it enables the physician
  to confirm the disc level that is causing your pain. This ensures
  that surgery will be more successful and reduces the risk of
  operating on the wrong disc.
• Injections: Pain-relieving injections can relieve back pain and give the
  physician important information about your problem, as well
  as provide a bridge therapy.

Treatment

The goal when treating bone spurs is to minimize pain and prevent any
additional joint damage. Treatment methods may include weight loss,
stretching and physical therapy, rest and ice. Injections can reduce
inflammation long enough to relieve symptoms. Medications such as
ibuprofen or injections may be administered for pain. Bone spurs
can be surgically removed in the case of serious damage and deformity.

FAQs

How
can osteoporosis impact the spine and cause a bone spur?

Osteoporosis
can have extremely serious consequences on the spine. It is a degenerative
condition in which joint cartilage can begin to wear down, causing
bone to rub against bone. As a result, the body may begin to produce
new bone to protect against this, which is how a bone spur forms.

How
can I tell if I have a bone spur?

Bone
spurs can generally be detected through X-ray, which can provide
a visual of any bony deposits.

Do
I need surgery to treat a bone spur?

Because
bone spurs are usually evidence of an underlying problem, this main
problem should be addressed first. This can include treatment methods
for degenerative disc disease, arthritis and osteoporosis. These
conditions can often be successfully treated with nonsurgical methods.

Heel spur treatment

A heel spur is a bone growth, an osteophyte in the area of ​​the calcaneus, namely in the lower or lateral part of it. Usually, this growth has the shape of a beak, thorn, tubercle, hook and is determined on an x-ray. Contrary to popular belief, this bone defect is not only a problem for the elderly, but young and middle-aged patients turn to the doctor with it.

Causes of heel spur

The calcaneal spur is a direct consequence of plantar fasciitis, an inflammatory process in the soft tissues where the plantar aponeurosis (a broad tendon plate that protects the muscles of the foot) attaches to the heel bone.Against the background of inflammatory changes, the aponeurosis coarsens, contracts, injuring the periosteum covering the calcaneal tubercle. Irritation of the periosteum leads to stimulation of local growth of bone cells (bone growth in width is carried out at the expense of the cells of the periosteum), the marginal growth of the bone (osteophyte), otherwise called the heel spur, is formed.

The most common developmental factors are degenerative-dystrophic processes in the musculoskeletal system that develop with age. Their appearance in young and middle-aged people is facilitated by factors such as anatomical features, irritation of the heel bone periosteum during exercise (running, walking using the wrong technique, on a hard surface, prolonged static standing position, high arch of the foot, overweight, narrow uncomfortable shoes etc.), micro-tears of the plantar fascia.

There is a high risk of heel spur formation with existing foot deformities (planovalgus deformity, longitudinal and transverse flat feet), with chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system – ankylosing spondylitis, gout, arthritis, as well as with specific sports loads.

Symptoms of the heel spur

The main symptom is pain in the heel that appears at the beginning of walking (“starting” pain) after sitting or lying for a long time, for example, after a working day in a sitting position, when getting out of bed after sleep. As you move, the pain subsides somewhat. Over time, heel pains acquire a constant exhausting character, are observed not only during movement, but also at rest, significantly limit motor activity, and reduce the quality of life.

Depending on the prevalence of the inflammatory process and the extent of bone growths, pain can be burning and sharp (patients describe them as a “nail in the heel”) or “spread” over the entire heel and be moderate. Due to constant discomfort, patients try not to step on the heel, therefore, gait changes significantly.

Sometimes heel spurs do not give any symptoms and do not give a person any anxiety.

Diagnosis of heel spur

The listed symptoms are the reason for contacting a surgeon, orthopedist, traumatologist.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of the results of X-ray and ultrasound: the actual bone growths are visible on the X-ray, ultrasound examination of the soft tissues of the foot shows the presence of an inflammatory process.

Heel spur treatment

For pain relief, reduction of edema and inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used – for oral administration and local application, but it is not always possible to achieve a pronounced analgesic effect. This is due to the high density of the tissues of the sole and their poor blood supply, which makes it difficult for drugs to penetrate. Injection of hormonal agents (cortisone, hydrocortisone, diprospan, phlosterone) is practiced – heel blockade, but this method of treatment should be combined with physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic methods of influence with a heel spur are recommended in the first place, since they are highly effective and, in combination with other measures (exercise therapy, drugs, orthoses), provide the patient with the safety of motor activity.

Among the listed methods, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), phonophoresis, laser therapy, magnetotherapy are currently recognized as the most effective for heel spurs.

ESWT is performed with a confirmed diagnosis of a heel spur (radiographically). The method is based on the action of acoustic shock waves with high amplitude and short pulse duration. The procedure is painful, but at the end, a pronounced analgesic effect is observed, and the full course contributes to a significant improvement in the patient’s condition, since the shock wave effect leads to the destruction of calcifications, tissue regeneration and a decrease in the inflammatory process.In some cases, the procedure provokes an increase in pain, therefore, it is necessary to combine ESWT with blockades or other methods of physiotherapy.

Laser therapy is also indicated for a heel spur. Various pulsed laser emitting heads (of several spectra) are used, some of which operate in the mode of drug administration (lasertophoresis). High-intensity laser therapy (HIL), which has not yet become widespread (due to the high cost of equipment and the need for personnel training), is especially effective.

Phonophoresis is the administration of drugs using ultrasound. More often, hydrocortisone ointment is used, distributing it over the site of the pathological process with a sensor similar in appearance to the sensor of an ultrasound machine. After the end of the procedure, the foot is isolated for a while with a plastic wrap for the final absorption of the ointment. The technique is absolutely painless.

Local magnetotherapy (low-frequency alternating magnetic field) has a variety of positive effects: primarily analgesic, anti-inflammatory, decongestant.Due to the increased blood flow and metabolic processes in the area of ​​influence, the symptoms of the heel spur decrease from the very first procedures. The advantage of the method is the ability to carry out therapy at home (in contrast to the others above). A pronounced therapeutic effect can be achieved by a combination of magnetotherapy with the use of other methods of physiotherapy, drugs, and special gymnastics.

If the above treatment methods are ineffective, shortwave X-ray therapy is used.Focused X-ray radiation has a pronounced analgesic effect, but it carries a certain radiation load.

Surgical treatment

With the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment methods and increased symptoms, surgical intervention is possible. Basically, minimally invasive operations are performed (endoscopic removal of the heel spur under X-ray control, percutaneous removal, using a laser, etc.). Such interventions are successful in the overwhelming majority of cases, relieve pain, but it is often difficult for patients to decide on an operation.

Remedial gymnastics

Special exercises are recommended to improve circulation to the affected area and stretch the plantar fascia. Performed regularly and in accordance with the methodology, the exercises help to improve the patient’s condition, expand the possibilities of movement.

As a result of medical gymnastics, the fascia stretches and becomes more elastic and strong, the likelihood of ruptures and the development of microinflammation decreases.This becomes the basis for pain relief and prevention of plantar fasciitis and heel spur in the future.

Orthoses

Orthopedic devices, including night orthoses, frame and special silicone insoles, heel cushions, tapes, help to find the foot in a certain position (while walking, resting, sleeping), prevent further development of the pathological process. When choosing orthoses, the help of an orthopedic specialist is needed.

Prevention

Prevention of the development of a heel spur is considered to be compliance with the general requirements:

• leading an active lifestyle;
• Getting rid of excess weight and other factors that negatively affect the condition of the foot;
• timely treatment of joint diseases;
• correction of foot deformities and movement prevention (exercise therapy).

There are no specific preventive measures. External use of ointments, creams and other drugs with medicinal or biologically active substances does not prevent the development of pathological changes in the musculoskeletal system of the foot.

X-ray of the foot in Nizhny Novgorod at the Tonus clinic

For the diagnosis of flat feet, the method of plantography, the podometric method of Frinland, is also used, however, an X-ray of the foot gives a more informative result.

What pathology can be diagnosed using foot radiography:

• Traumatic injuries: fractures, cracks, dislocations, subluxations;
• Arthritis, synovitis, arthrosis, gout of the joints of the foot;
• Degenerative changes in bone tissue, joints;
• Differentiation of ossification points to determine bone age in children;
• Osteophytes (calcaneal spur)
  – single or multiple limited bone growths;
• Endocrine and metabolic diseases accompanied by osteoporosis and bone deformity;
• Flat feet;
• Differential diagnosis for Morton’s neuroma
  – thickening of the common digital nerve of the foot (to exclude the consequences of injury or tumor).

X-ray of the foot makes it possible to assess the structure and function of the osteoarticular formations of the foot, make a diagnosis, carry out differential diagnostics and, most importantly, choose a treatment strategy that will give positive results and save the patient from the manifestations of the disease.

Depending on what complaints the patient is presenting and what is the diagnostic purpose of the study, X-rays of the foot can be performed in different projections, with or without exercise.

In which projections the foot X-ray can be performed:

• The lateral foot exposure is taken without load or with load.
  For a study with a load, it is necessary that the patient stands on one leg (the one to be examined). By comparing the picture with and without load, the specialist receives information about the functionality of the feet;
• An anteroposterior foot shot is taken when the feet are in contact with each other;
• Oblique shot.
  The foot and lower leg are installed on the apparatus cassette in the 45 degree deflection position towards the inner side;
• Dorsal-plantar image of the foot.
  In this case, the foot is installed on the apparatus cassette, then the lower leg deviates slightly backward, and the X-ray beam is directed in a strictly vertical direction.

Exercise foot X-ray is a special form of examination that provides detailed information about the structure and function of the osteoarticular apparatus of the foot. Therefore, this type of X-ray of the foot is actively used for diagnostics by surgeons, orthopedists and traumatologists.

Preliminary preparation of an X-ray of the foot does not require.Items of clothing, shoes, metal jewelry are removed before the X-ray of the foot.

X-ray of the foot in Nizhny Novgorod

Make X-rays of the foot in Nizhny Novgorod can be done at the medical center “Tonus”. Our clinic uses modern high-precision equipment. The specialists are highly qualified and have many years of experience in the field of radiation diagnostics!

PYATKASHPOR GEL-CREAM FOR FOOT 15ML

Heel spur – causes, symptoms and treatment – Medical compass

Heel spur – microtrauma of the sole of the sole of the chronic type. In its appearance, it represents a sharp-pointed growth in the form of bone growth (thorn), the latter squeezes the foot under load. A characteristic symptom of pathology is a painful pain syndrome.

Symptoms of the disease

• The feeling of a “nail in the heel” is the best description of the acute pain syndrome with a heel spur.It intensifies when resting on the heel, and later on without load
• Syndrome of “starting pain” that occurs when getting out of bed or after other long breaks without motor activity
• Change in gait due to the desire to relieve the heel area is manifested by a shift in the center of gravity on the forefoot and the outer edge of the foot, resulting in transverse flat feet.

Causes of the disease

The factors provoking the development of a heel spur are:

• Flat feet, due to which there is a high load on the heel area
• Intensive training
• Injuries and their complications
• Overweight
• Pathologies of organs and systems ( rheumatism, gout, vascular disorders, diseases associated with nerve damage)
• Age-related disorders (therefore, the disease develops mainly in the elderly).

Diagnostics

To diagnose pathology, a specialist listens to complaints and makes an anamnesis. The complaints are usually typical: pain after long walking and running, pain in the heel after sleep, periods of rest and rest. In addition, local soreness occurs when pressing on the inflamed area.

On examination, the diagnosis does not end: the data are confirmed by X-ray examination, ultrasound.

To exclude ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and Reiter’s syndrome, additional procedures are performed.Not superfluous measures are a blood test (biochemical, which allows you to detect specific rheumatoid factors) and magnetic resonance imaging of the foot.

The size and presence of a heel spur, the nature of the disease can be determined using an X-ray examination.

Complications

The main complication of the disease is partial loss of mobility, which makes it impossible to lead a normal (normal) lifestyle. In addition, the following can form:

• Destroyed fascia
• Suppuration
• Tissue necrosis.

A heel spur “grown” up to 2 cm, due to which movement is possible only when using crutches or other supports, is especially dangerous.

Treatment of the disease

Heel spur therapy involves the use of the following methods and recommendations:

• Topically applied corticosteroids
• Mineral baths and warm foot baths
• Use of orthopedic insoles
• Massage
• Ultrasound therapy
• X-ray therapy 900
• Physiotherapy exercises
• Drug blockade
• Drug treatment with drugs with anti-inflammatory and absorbable pharmacological actions
• Surgical intervention
• Shock wave therapy, which is a highly effective method and is based on washing out 900 loose calcium deposits from the body together with bloodstream 83
• Radiation therapy
• Laser treatment.