What are bone spurs and how do they form. How can bone spurs be diagnosed and treated effectively. What preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing bone spurs.

Understanding Bone Spurs: Formation and Common Locations

Bone spurs, medically known as osteophytes, are smooth, hard protrusions of extra bone that develop on the ends of existing bones. These bony outgrowths typically form in joints where two bones meet. While they can occur in various parts of the body, some common locations include:

• Spine
• Shoulders
• Hips
• Knees
• Feet
• Hands

It’s important to note that not all bone spurs cause problems. In fact, many individuals may have bone spurs without experiencing any symptoms. However, when these bony projections rub against other bones or press on nerves, they can lead to pain and stiffness.

Underlying Causes of Bone Spur Development

The formation of bone spurs is often associated with various factors and conditions. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and management strategies.

Osteoarthritis and Joint Damage

The most common cause of bone spurs is joint damage resulting from osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. As we age, the cushioning between joints and the bones of the spine can wear down, leading to the formation of bone spurs as the body attempts to repair and stabilize the affected area.

Other Contributing Factors

Several other conditions and factors can contribute to the development of bone spurs:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Gout
• Joint or tendon injuries
• Repetitive stress from activities like running or dancing
• Genetic predisposition
• Diet
• Obesity
• Congenital bone disorders
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine)

Recognizing Bone Spur Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

Bone spurs can remain asymptomatic for years, often discovered incidentally during X-rays for other conditions. However, when they start causing problems, various symptoms may manifest.

Common Symptoms of Problematic Bone Spurs

When bone spurs press on nerves, tendons, or other structures in the body, they can cause:

• Pain in the affected joint
• Stiffness or limited range of motion
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in arms or legs (if pressing on spinal nerves)
• Muscle spasms or cramps
• Visible bumps under the skin, particularly in hands and fingers

In rare cases, bone spurs in the spine may cause difficulty controlling bladder or bowel functions. These symptoms often worsen with exercise or movement of the affected joint.

Complications: Loose Bodies

Can bone spurs break off and cause additional problems? Yes, in some cases, a bone spur can break off and become lodged in the joint lining. This is known as a “loose body” and can cause joint locking, making movement difficult and painful.

Diagnostic Approaches for Bone Spurs

Accurate diagnosis of bone spurs is crucial for effective treatment. The diagnostic process typically involves a combination of physical examination and imaging tests.

Medical Specialists Involved

Which medical professionals are best equipped to diagnose bone spurs? While initial evaluation may be conducted by a primary care physician, referral to specialists is common. These may include:

• Rheumatologists: Specialists in joint problems
• Orthopedic doctors: Experts in the musculoskeletal system

Diagnostic Tools and Procedures

How are bone spurs diagnosed? The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Physical examination: The doctor will palpate the joint to check for bumps or tenderness.
2. X-rays: These provide clear images of bone structures and can reveal the presence and location of bone spurs.
3. CT scans: More detailed than X-rays, CT scans can provide a comprehensive view of the affected area.
4. MRI: This imaging technique uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues and bones.
5. Electroconductive tests: These measure nerve signal speed and can reveal damage caused by bone spurs in the spinal canal.

Treatment Options: From Conservative Approaches to Surgical Interventions

The treatment of bone spurs depends on their location and the severity of symptoms. A range of options is available, from non-invasive methods to surgical procedures.

Conservative Treatments

What are the first-line treatments for bone spur-related pain? Initial treatment often focuses on pain relief and reducing inflammation:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium can help manage pain and inflammation.
• Rest: Allowing the affected area to rest can help reduce irritation and pain.
• Steroid injections: These can provide targeted relief by reducing inflammation in the joint.
• Physical therapy: Exercises to improve joint strength and increase mobility can be beneficial.

It’s important to note that long-term use of pain relievers may have side effects, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for prolonged use.

Surgical Interventions

When is surgery considered for bone spurs? If conservative treatments fail to provide relief or if the bone spur significantly affects movement, surgical removal may be necessary. The specific surgical approach will depend on the location and size of the bone spur.

Preventive Measures: Reducing the Risk of Bone Spur Formation

While it may not always be possible to prevent bone spurs, especially those resulting from natural aging processes, several steps can be taken to reduce the risk of their formation.

Lifestyle Modifications

How can one minimize the risk of developing bone spurs? Consider the following preventive measures:

• Wear properly fitted shoes with good arch support and cushioning
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D for bone health
• Engage in regular weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints
• Seek prompt medical attention for joint problems to prevent further damage

Early Intervention

Why is early detection of joint problems important? Identifying and treating arthritis or joint injuries early can potentially prevent the damage that leads to bone spur formation. Regular check-ups and addressing any persistent joint pain or stiffness promptly can make a significant difference in long-term joint health.

Living with Bone Spurs: Management Strategies for Daily Life

For individuals diagnosed with bone spurs, adopting certain strategies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Adaptive Techniques

How can one adapt daily activities to accommodate bone spur-related limitations? Consider the following approaches:

• Use ergonomic tools and equipment to reduce joint stress
• Practice proper posture and body mechanics
• Incorporate regular stretching and low-impact exercises into your routine
• Use assistive devices when necessary to reduce strain on affected joints

Pain Management Techniques

What are some non-pharmacological methods for managing bone spur pain? In addition to prescribed treatments, consider:

• Heat and cold therapy
• Gentle massage
• Relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Acupuncture (consult with your healthcare provider first)

Remember, the effectiveness of these techniques may vary from person to person, and it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized management plan.

Future Perspectives: Advancements in Bone Spur Treatment

As medical research continues to evolve, new approaches to treating and managing bone spurs are being explored.

Emerging Therapies

What innovative treatments are being developed for bone spurs? Some areas of research include:

• Regenerative medicine techniques, such as stem cell therapy
• Advanced imaging technologies for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques for bone spur removal
• Novel drug therapies targeting the underlying causes of bone spur formation

Personalized Treatment Approaches

How might bone spur treatment evolve in the future? The trend towards personalized medicine suggests that treatment plans may become increasingly tailored to individual patients, taking into account factors such as:

• Genetic predisposition
• Lifestyle factors
• Specific type and location of bone spurs
• Coexisting medical conditions

These advancements hold promise for more effective and less invasive treatments for bone spurs in the coming years.

Understanding bone spurs, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for anyone dealing with this condition. While bone spurs can be a source of discomfort and limitation, proper management and timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes. By staying informed about the latest developments in bone spur treatment and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals can take proactive steps towards maintaining joint health and overall well-being.

Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, & Prevention

What Are Bone Spurs?

Bone spurs (also called osteophytes) are smooth, hard bumps of extra bone that form on the ends of bones. They often pop up in the joints — the places where two bones meet.

Bone spurs can form on many parts of your body, including your:

Most bone spurs don’t cause problems. But if they rub against other bones or press on nerves, you might experience pain and stiffness.

Causes of Bone Spurs

The most common cause of bone spurs is joint damage from osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. The cushioning between your joints and the bones of your spine can wear down with age. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout can also damage your joints.

Bone spurs also often form after an injury to a joint or tendon. When your body thinks your bone is damaged, it tries to fix it by adding bone to the injured area.

Other causes of bone spurs include:

• Overuse – for example, if you run or dance a lot over a long period of time
• Genes
• Diet
• Obesity
• Bone problems that you were born with
• Narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis)

Symptoms of Bone Spurs

You might not realize you have a bone spur until you get an X-ray to look for another condition. They only cause problems when they press on nerves, tendons, or other structures in your body. Then, you might feel any of the following:

• Pain in the affected joint
• Pain or stiffness when you try to bend or move the affected joint
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs if the bone spur presses on nerves in your spine
• Muscle spasms, cramps, or weakness
• Bumps under your skin, seen mainly in the hands and fingers
• Trouble controlling your bladder or bowels if the bone spur presses on certain nerves in your spine (a symptom that’s seen very rarely)

Your symptoms might get worse when you exercise or try to move the affected joint.

A bone spur can break off and get stuck in the lining of the joint. This is called a “loose body.” It can lock up the joint and make it hard to move.

Bone Spur Diagnosis

Often, bone spurs are first evaluated by your regular doctor who will likely refer you to a specialist. You’ll probably need to see a rheumatologist or orthopedic doctor. Rheumatologists specialize in joint problems. Orthopedic doctors focus on the musculoskeletal system. Your doctor will feel the joint to check for a bump. They may also order an X-ray to help them to see the bone spur better.

Other tests your doctor can use to diagnose bone spurs include:

• CT scan. It’s a powerful X-ray that makes detailed pictures inside your body.
• MRI. This uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make pictures of organs and structures inside your body.
• Electroconductive tests. These tests measure how fast your nerves send electrical signals. They can show the damage bone spurs have caused to nerves in your spinal canal.

Bone Spur Treatments and Home Care

To relieve pain and bring down swelling, you can try one of these over-the-counter pain relievers:

Continued

These can cause side effects, especially if you take them in large doses or for a long time. If you’ve taken them for more than a month, ask your doctor if you can try a different treatment.

Other therapies for bone spurs include:

• Rest
• Steroid shots to bring down swelling and reduce pain in the joints
• Physical therapy to improve joint strength and increase movement

If these treatments don’t work or the bone spur affects your movement, you might need surgery to remove the extra bone.

Bone Spur Prevention

Bone spurs usually can’t be prevented if they’re the result of the natural wear and tear of arthritis. But you can take these steps to avoid bone spurs caused by other things:

• Wear shoes with a wide toe box, good arch support, and enough cushion to pad each step. Get your shoes fitted by a professional so they don’t rub against your feet when you walk. Wear thick socks to prevent your shoes from rubbing.
• Eat a well-rounded diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin D to protect your bones.
• Do regular weight-bearing exercises like walking or stair climbing to keep your bones strong.
• Try to keep the extra pounds off.

See your doctor if you have any signs of joint trouble, like pain, swelling, or stiffness. If you catch and treat arthritis early, you may be able to prevent the damage that leads to bone spurs.

Bone spurs – Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

During the physical exam, your doctor might feel around your joint to pinpoint your pain. Your doctor might also order X-rays or other imaging tests to view your joints and bones.

Treatment

If your bone spurs cause pain, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others).

Preparing for your appointment

You’ll likely first see your family doctor, who might refer you to a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of joint disorders (rheumatologist).

Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

• List your symptoms and how long you’ve had them.
• Write down key medical information, including other conditions you have, all medications and supplements you take, and family history of bone or joint disease.
• Note recent injuries that affected a joint.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Here are some questions to ask your doctor. Don’t hesitate to ask others.

• What’s the most likely cause of my signs and symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes?
• What tests do I need?
• What treatment do you recommend, if any?
• I have other health problems. How can I manage them together?
• Is surgery an option in my case? Why or why not?
• What self-care measures can I take to help manage symptoms?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• How severe is your pain?
• Are you having trouble moving the affected joint or joints?
• Are your symptoms affecting your ability to complete daily tasks?
• If you’ve tried at-home treatments so far, what, if anything, has helped?
• What is your typical exercise routine?

Oct. 17, 2019

Show references

1. Doherty M, et al. Clinical manifestations of osteoarthritis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 15, 2018.
2. Firestein GS, et al., eds. Pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. In: Kelley and Firestein’s Textbook of Rheumatology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 15, 2018.
3. What is spinal stenosis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.catalog.niams.nih.gov/detail.cfm?pubid=1851. Accessed Jan. 16, 2018.
4. Is your back pain caused by OA? Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/back-pain/articles/oa-and-back-pain.php. Accessed Jan. 15, 2018.
5. Imboden JB, et al. Osteoarthritis. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Rheumatology. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2013. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Jan. 16, 2018.

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Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

What is a bone spur?

A bone spur, also called an osteophyte, is a smooth, bony lump that grows off a bone. Bone spurs develop over long periods of time, usually near joints (where two or more bones meet).

Who gets bone spurs?

Bone spurs are most common in people 60 years or older, but younger people can get them, too. People with osteoarthritis (OA) are much more likely to get bone spurs. OA is a common form of “wear and tear” arthritis that happens when cartilage, which cushions your bones, wears down.

Where can bone spurs grow?

Although they can grow from any bone, osteophytes are particularly common in the:

• Foot, especially the heel (heel spurs or calcaneal spurs), big toe and ankle.
• Hand or finger.
• Hip.
• Knee.
• Neck.
• Shoulder.
• Spine.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes bone spurs?

Joint damage from OA is the biggest cause of bone spurs. OA is a breakdown of cartilage — the firm, flexible tissue that cushions bones and allows joints to move more easily. OA develops as we age or after damage (like a sports injury).

As the body tries to repair cartilage, it creates new bone material. These new bony growths are osteophytes.

Ankylosing spondylitis also may cause bone spurs. This rare arthritis causes spinal inflammation. Over time, ankylosing spondylitis fuses, or connects, the small bones in the spine (vertebrae). The body responds by forming spinal osteophytes.

What are symptoms of bone spurs?

Some people have bone spurs and don’t even know it. Spurs start to create symptoms when they:

• Put pressure on nearby nerves.
• Restrict movement.
• Rub against other bones or tissues.

When that happens, you may feel some:

• Knobby or bumpy areas, especially in the fingers or toes.
• Numbness and weakness, especially in the legs if the spine has spurs.
• Pain near the affected joint, like heel pain.
• Reduced range of motion (how far the joint moves).
• Stiffness.
• Tendinitis (swelling of a nearby tendon).
• Tendon tears (like a rotator cuff tear in the shoulder).

Diagnosis and Tests

How are bone spurs diagnosed?

Without symptoms, you may accidentally discover a bone spur during an X-ray or other test for a different condition.

If you report pain, stiffness and loss of motion to your healthcare provider, he or she will:

• Ask you to describe your symptoms.
• Ask about your medical history and family’s medical history.
• Ask you to rate your discomfort.
• Perform a physical examination.
• Test your joint’s range of motion and strength.
• Order imaging tests, like X-rays to look for arthritis and spurs or CT scans or MRIs to identify damaged ligaments or tendons.

Management and Treatment

When should I talk to my healthcare provider?

If you have bone spurs without symptoms, you don’t need treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop joint pain, stiffness, limited motion or numbness.

How are bone spurs treated?

Some home remedies and lifestyle changes help ease osteophyte symptoms:

• Ice to reduce swelling.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDS like ibuprofen.
• Rest.
• Supportive shoes or shoe inserts.
• Weight loss to decrease joint and bone stress.

If those methods aren’t enough, your healthcare provider can prescribe:

• Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can reduce pain, improve range of motion and strengthen muscles around joints.
• Prescription pain medications: If over-the-counter pain medicines don’t provide relief, your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger option or cortisone shot.
• Surgery: If symptoms continue after a year of treatment, surgery can remove the bone spurs.

Prevention

How can I reduce my risk of bone spurs?

There is no certain way to prevent bone spurs. But you can reduce your chance of developing them by following a healthy lifestyle:

• Be physically fit.
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce extra stress on bones and joints.
• Maintain good posture and ergonomics (proper positioning at your desk).
• Prevent joint injuries by stretching and using safe exercise techniques. Don’t overdo it.
• Wear well-fitting, supportive shoes.

Outlook / Prognosis

How long do bone spurs last?

Bone spurs don’t go away unless you have surgery to remove them.

Do bone spurs grow back?

Although bone spurs don’t usually grow back after surgery, more may develop elsewhere in your body.

Living With

What can I do for pain and stiffness from bone spurs?

You can relieve pain and stiffness from bone spurs with rest, ice and over-the counter-medications. Properly fitting shoes and weight loss also reduce joint stress. If symptoms become severe or unmanageable, call your healthcare provider.

Should I avoid activity?

Even with bone spurs, try to stay active and healthy. Avoid activities and movements that hurt. Choose low-impact activities, like walking instead of running.

When you exercise, take steps to minimize joint damage: Make sure you have good footwear, concentrate on proper techniques, and always warm up and stretch.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Bone spurs may cause no symptoms at all or may drastically affect your day-to-day life. Home remedies and lifestyle choices can help you delay or ease symptoms. If you can’t control your pain or other symptoms on your own, ask your healthcare provider about additional strategies.

Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

What is a bone spur?

A bone spur, also called an osteophyte, is a smooth, bony lump that grows off a bone. Bone spurs develop over long periods of time, usually near joints (where two or more bones meet).

Who gets bone spurs?

Bone spurs are most common in people 60 years or older, but younger people can get them, too. People with osteoarthritis (OA) are much more likely to get bone spurs. OA is a common form of “wear and tear” arthritis that happens when cartilage, which cushions your bones, wears down.

Where can bone spurs grow?

Although they can grow from any bone, osteophytes are particularly common in the:

• Foot, especially the heel (heel spurs or calcaneal spurs), big toe and ankle.
• Hand or finger.
• Hip.
• Knee.
• Neck.
• Shoulder.
• Spine.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes bone spurs?

Joint damage from OA is the biggest cause of bone spurs. OA is a breakdown of cartilage — the firm, flexible tissue that cushions bones and allows joints to move more easily. OA develops as we age or after damage (like a sports injury).

As the body tries to repair cartilage, it creates new bone material. These new bony growths are osteophytes.

Ankylosing spondylitis also may cause bone spurs. This rare arthritis causes spinal inflammation. Over time, ankylosing spondylitis fuses, or connects, the small bones in the spine (vertebrae). The body responds by forming spinal osteophytes.

What are symptoms of bone spurs?

Some people have bone spurs and don’t even know it. Spurs start to create symptoms when they:

• Put pressure on nearby nerves.
• Restrict movement.
• Rub against other bones or tissues.

When that happens, you may feel some:

• Knobby or bumpy areas, especially in the fingers or toes.
• Numbness and weakness, especially in the legs if the spine has spurs.
• Pain near the affected joint, like heel pain.
• Reduced range of motion (how far the joint moves).
• Stiffness.
• Tendinitis (swelling of a nearby tendon).
• Tendon tears (like a rotator cuff tear in the shoulder).

Diagnosis and Tests

How are bone spurs diagnosed?

Without symptoms, you may accidentally discover a bone spur during an X-ray or other test for a different condition.

If you report pain, stiffness and loss of motion to your healthcare provider, he or she will:

• Ask you to describe your symptoms.
• Ask about your medical history and family’s medical history.
• Ask you to rate your discomfort.
• Perform a physical examination.
• Test your joint’s range of motion and strength.
• Order imaging tests, like X-rays to look for arthritis and spurs or CT scans or MRIs to identify damaged ligaments or tendons.

Management and Treatment

When should I talk to my healthcare provider?

If you have bone spurs without symptoms, you don’t need treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop joint pain, stiffness, limited motion or numbness.

How are bone spurs treated?

Some home remedies and lifestyle changes help ease osteophyte symptoms:

• Ice to reduce swelling.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDS like ibuprofen.
• Rest.
• Supportive shoes or shoe inserts.
• Weight loss to decrease joint and bone stress.

If those methods aren’t enough, your healthcare provider can prescribe:

• Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can reduce pain, improve range of motion and strengthen muscles around joints.
• Prescription pain medications: If over-the-counter pain medicines don’t provide relief, your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger option or cortisone shot.
• Surgery: If symptoms continue after a year of treatment, surgery can remove the bone spurs.

Prevention

How can I reduce my risk of bone spurs?

There is no certain way to prevent bone spurs. But you can reduce your chance of developing them by following a healthy lifestyle:

• Be physically fit.
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce extra stress on bones and joints.
• Maintain good posture and ergonomics (proper positioning at your desk).
• Prevent joint injuries by stretching and using safe exercise techniques. Don’t overdo it.
• Wear well-fitting, supportive shoes.

Outlook / Prognosis

How long do bone spurs last?

Bone spurs don’t go away unless you have surgery to remove them.

Do bone spurs grow back?

Although bone spurs don’t usually grow back after surgery, more may develop elsewhere in your body.

Living With

What can I do for pain and stiffness from bone spurs?

You can relieve pain and stiffness from bone spurs with rest, ice and over-the counter-medications. Properly fitting shoes and weight loss also reduce joint stress. If symptoms become severe or unmanageable, call your healthcare provider.

Should I avoid activity?

Even with bone spurs, try to stay active and healthy. Avoid activities and movements that hurt. Choose low-impact activities, like walking instead of running.

When you exercise, take steps to minimize joint damage: Make sure you have good footwear, concentrate on proper techniques, and always warm up and stretch.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Bone spurs may cause no symptoms at all or may drastically affect your day-to-day life. Home remedies and lifestyle choices can help you delay or ease symptoms. If you can’t control your pain or other symptoms on your own, ask your healthcare provider about additional strategies.

Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

What is a bone spur?

A bone spur, also called an osteophyte, is a smooth, bony lump that grows off a bone. Bone spurs develop over long periods of time, usually near joints (where two or more bones meet).

Who gets bone spurs?

Bone spurs are most common in people 60 years or older, but younger people can get them, too. People with osteoarthritis (OA) are much more likely to get bone spurs. OA is a common form of “wear and tear” arthritis that happens when cartilage, which cushions your bones, wears down.

Where can bone spurs grow?

Although they can grow from any bone, osteophytes are particularly common in the:

• Foot, especially the heel (heel spurs or calcaneal spurs), big toe and ankle.
• Hand or finger.
• Hip.
• Knee.
• Neck.
• Shoulder.
• Spine.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes bone spurs?

Joint damage from OA is the biggest cause of bone spurs. OA is a breakdown of cartilage — the firm, flexible tissue that cushions bones and allows joints to move more easily. OA develops as we age or after damage (like a sports injury).

As the body tries to repair cartilage, it creates new bone material. These new bony growths are osteophytes.

Ankylosing spondylitis also may cause bone spurs. This rare arthritis causes spinal inflammation. Over time, ankylosing spondylitis fuses, or connects, the small bones in the spine (vertebrae). The body responds by forming spinal osteophytes.

What are symptoms of bone spurs?

Some people have bone spurs and don’t even know it. Spurs start to create symptoms when they:

• Put pressure on nearby nerves.
• Restrict movement.
• Rub against other bones or tissues.

When that happens, you may feel some:

• Knobby or bumpy areas, especially in the fingers or toes.
• Numbness and weakness, especially in the legs if the spine has spurs.
• Pain near the affected joint, like heel pain.
• Reduced range of motion (how far the joint moves).
• Stiffness.
• Tendinitis (swelling of a nearby tendon).
• Tendon tears (like a rotator cuff tear in the shoulder).

Diagnosis and Tests

How are bone spurs diagnosed?

Without symptoms, you may accidentally discover a bone spur during an X-ray or other test for a different condition.

If you report pain, stiffness and loss of motion to your healthcare provider, he or she will:

• Ask you to describe your symptoms.
• Ask about your medical history and family’s medical history.
• Ask you to rate your discomfort.
• Perform a physical examination.
• Test your joint’s range of motion and strength.
• Order imaging tests, like X-rays to look for arthritis and spurs or CT scans or MRIs to identify damaged ligaments or tendons.

Management and Treatment

When should I talk to my healthcare provider?

If you have bone spurs without symptoms, you don’t need treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop joint pain, stiffness, limited motion or numbness.

How are bone spurs treated?

Some home remedies and lifestyle changes help ease osteophyte symptoms:

• Ice to reduce swelling.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDS like ibuprofen.
• Rest.
• Supportive shoes or shoe inserts.
• Weight loss to decrease joint and bone stress.

If those methods aren’t enough, your healthcare provider can prescribe:

• Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can reduce pain, improve range of motion and strengthen muscles around joints.
• Prescription pain medications: If over-the-counter pain medicines don’t provide relief, your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger option or cortisone shot.
• Surgery: If symptoms continue after a year of treatment, surgery can remove the bone spurs.

Prevention

How can I reduce my risk of bone spurs?

There is no certain way to prevent bone spurs. But you can reduce your chance of developing them by following a healthy lifestyle:

• Be physically fit.
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce extra stress on bones and joints.
• Maintain good posture and ergonomics (proper positioning at your desk).
• Prevent joint injuries by stretching and using safe exercise techniques. Don’t overdo it.
• Wear well-fitting, supportive shoes.

Outlook / Prognosis

How long do bone spurs last?

Bone spurs don’t go away unless you have surgery to remove them.

Do bone spurs grow back?

Although bone spurs don’t usually grow back after surgery, more may develop elsewhere in your body.

Living With

What can I do for pain and stiffness from bone spurs?

You can relieve pain and stiffness from bone spurs with rest, ice and over-the counter-medications. Properly fitting shoes and weight loss also reduce joint stress. If symptoms become severe or unmanageable, call your healthcare provider.

Should I avoid activity?

Even with bone spurs, try to stay active and healthy. Avoid activities and movements that hurt. Choose low-impact activities, like walking instead of running.

When you exercise, take steps to minimize joint damage: Make sure you have good footwear, concentrate on proper techniques, and always warm up and stretch.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Bone spurs may cause no symptoms at all or may drastically affect your day-to-day life. Home remedies and lifestyle choices can help you delay or ease symptoms. If you can’t control your pain or other symptoms on your own, ask your healthcare provider about additional strategies.

Bone Spur (Osteophyte) Symptoms and Treatment

What Are Bone Spurs?

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony growths that form in your joints or in the spine. They cause damage to your bones, muscles, or tendons, often as a result of osteoarthritis. These smooth growths may not cause any symptoms and some might not need treatment.

People often learn they have a bone spur after having an x-ray for some other health matter.

Types of bone spurs

Bone spurs can affect your:

• Knee (making it hard to straighten your leg).
• Spine (pressing against your spinal cord and causing weakness or loss of feeling in your arms and legs).
• Hip (making it hard to move your hip).
• Shoulder (causing damage to your rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that enable your shoulder to move).
• Fingers.
• Heel or foot.

What causes bone spurs?

Degenerative conditions — such as osteoarthritis or tendonitis — can cause bone spurs.

Damage to a joint from osteoarthritis is the most common cause.

Osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones.

In response, your body attempts to repair the damage by creating a new bone in the damaged area. The swelling stimulates cells that form bone, which eventually grows into a bone spur.

For example, when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, a bone spur can form on the back of the heel (calcaneus bone).

Activities, such as running or dancing, can also lead to the growth of bone spurs.

Bone spurs are more likely to form with age. Rarely, a health problem present at birth — called a congenital condition — will cause bone spurs.

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Treatment Options for Bone Spurs

If spinal bone spurs are determined to be the likely cause of back pain and other symptoms, there are a wide range of possible treatment options.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Bone Spurs

Most patients with mild or moderate nerve compression and irritation from bone spurs can manage their symptoms effectively without surgery. The goal of nonsurgical treatment is to stop the cycle of inflammation and pain.

Nonsurgical treatments include:

Medications

Medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants may be recommended. Because of the risk of side effects, long-term use of medications should be approached with caution.

See Osteoarthritis Medications

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Short periods of rest

Activity may flare up inflammation in the joints. Short periods of rest can give inflammation time to recede.

Physical therapy and exercise

Physical therapy, exercise, and manipulation (performed by chiropractors [DC], osteopaths [DO], and physical therapists [PT]), may alleviate back pain associated with bone spurs. These rehabilitation therapies attempt to restore flexibility and strength to the spine, improve posture and decrease nerve root compression.

See Exercise for Osteoarthritis

Spinal manipulation

If the pain and inflammation caused by bone spurs is related to abnormal alignment and movement patterns in the spine, a spinal adjustment may help relieve symptoms. Chiropractors, osteopaths and physical therapists use their hands or small instruments to apply pressure over the skin of vertebrae and manipulate the spine. The goal is to increase range of motion, reduce nerve irritability, and improve function. Spinal manipulation is not appropriate for everyone. A careful medical history, physical examination, and discussion of the risks and benefits of manipulation should occur prior to this type of treatment.

See Understanding Spinal Manipulation

Weight loss

Losing excess weight can take pressure off the spine, reducing friction between the vertebrae’s facet joints and decreasing the likelihood of pain. Achieving an appropriate weight is especially effective in taking pressure off the lower back.

See Weight Loss for Back Pain Relief

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Injections

Fluoroscopically guided, contrast enhanced spinal injection procedures that target the presumptive source of spinal pain can help decease pain and inflammation. In addition, depending on whether local anesthetic is used as part of the injection into the spine, the procedure can help an astute clinician identify or narrow down the source of a patient’s pain.

See Facet Joint Injection Procedure

A spinal injection may not completely relieve a patient’s pain, but may provide enough relief to allow progression of rehabilitation. Patients should avoid receiving more than 3 injections into any one joint over a short period of time. In addition, if the first injection provides no relief, there is no evidence that further injections into the same structure will provide a better result.

See Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Facet Joint Injections

If these nonsurgical treatments fail to treat pain due to bone spurs, a patient may be referred to a spinal surgeon.

Read more about Non-Surgical Osteoarthritis Treatments

Spine Surgery for Bone Spurs

Spine surgery may be recommended if nerve or spinal cord compression is causing unremitting pain and/or loss of motor/sensory function. Surgery for bone spurs involves removing tissue to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves roots. For example:

Bone spur removal

During this surgery special tools are used to remove bone spurs from the vertebra(e).

Since it is possible for the bone spurs to grow back, and because there may be more than just bone spurs contributing to symptoms, a surgeon may suggest another surgical procedure, such as a laminectomy or foraminotomy.

Laminectomy

A laminectomy is designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord caused by central spinal stenosis. During surgery, a portion of the affected vertebra, called the lamina and spinous process at the back of the spine, is removed. With this small piece of the spinal canal wall removed, there is more room for the spinal cord.

Watch Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery Video

Foraminotomy

A foraminotomy is designed to relieve pressure on a nerve root. Every nerve root passes through an intervertebral foramen, a bony, hollow archway between 2 adjacent vertebrae. During a foraminotomy, bone tissue around the foramen is cut away or shaved down, enlarging the foramen space. This procedure creates more space for the nerve root, relieving nerve root compression.

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Whether or not a surgery will reduce or eliminate back or neck pain and other symptoms depends on the extent of the spinal degeneration; the patient’s overall health; and the patient’s commitment to rehabilitation; and other factors. The surgeon’s expertise and experience also play a role.

See Outpatient Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy/Discectomy

Patients considering surgery are advised to have maximized nonsurgical care options first and then, if surgery is considered, to have a detailed discussion with a spinal surgeon about risks and benefits.

Read more about Surgery for Osteoarthritis

90,000 Heel spur. Heel spur treatment

• We relieve pain in the heel area in 1-2 sessions
• Applying the “gold standard” for heel spur treatment
• We provide an individual approach to each patient

Calcaneal spur (plantar fasciitis, calcific tendinitis of the plantar ligament) – bone growth in the form of a thorn or wedge in the area of ​​the plantar surface of the calcaneus tuberosity. Heel spur belongs to such a group of diseases as enthesopathies – diseases of attachment of tendons, ligaments, fascia to the bone, in which degenerative and inflammatory changes are observed.

Reasons for the appearance of a heel spur

The main reason for the development of a heel spur is chronic trauma to the plantar aponeurosis as a result of various reasons. So, in patients suffering from flat feet, a heel spur is very often detected. As a result of the development of a chronic inflammatory process in the plantar fascia, calcium salts are deposited. The main starting processes are:

• excessive load on the legs
• overweight
• uncomfortable shoes
• frequent microtraumas of this area in athletes
• flat feet
• consequences of injuries of the heel area

Symptoms

The main complaint that patients present with a heel spur is a burning pain when resting on the heel, the feeling of a “nail” in the heel is the most common symptom of a heel spur.Lameness often develops. A heel spur significantly affects the patient’s quality of life, especially if it can be seen on both legs at once. In this case, if both feet hurt, the patient simply cannot move normally, the only option is to move on toes. The main danger of the heel spur lies precisely in the pronounced pain and limitation of the motor activity of patients against this background.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of a heel spur is made on the basis of a doctor’s examination and x-rays.Initially, it is subtle and rounded, but it can still cause severe pain. Subsequently, this thorn (osteophyte) grows and can reach 1-2 cm in size, taking the form of a thorn or a bird’s beak.

Treatment

Treatment of a heel spur is conservative in most cases. It should be noted that, according to foreign authors, surgical methods of treatment have proven their low efficiency. Medical and physiotherapy treatment of the heel spur is aimed at relieving inflammation of the tissues around the calcaneal tuberosity and increasing the elasticity of the ligaments.In this case, even bone growth will not cause pain when walking. Doctors of the Bone Clinic will select an individual treatment program for each patient.

It is worth noting that for a long time, the treatment of such a group of diseases as enthesopathy, namely the heel spur belongs to it, was quite problematic. With the advent of the modern method of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), spur treatment is no longer a problem! ESWT is now the gold standard in the treatment of enthesopathies worldwide.It has been proven that ESWT is superior to surgery in its effectiveness, while being safe and painless. Such unique equipment is available only in one medical center of our republic – “Bone Clinic”.

Benefits of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for heel spur treatment

• The method has proven its high efficiency literally from the very first sessions, often already after 1 procedure, when pain in the sole and heel area decreased in our patients.
• full course of treatment (3-5 procedures), in addition to relieving pain, improves blood circulation in the affected area, restores joint mobility, in a word, destroys the heel spur, while other methods can only reduce pain and provide temporary relief.
• Our treatment experience shows that the effect of ESWT treatment of heel spurs reaches 90%.

Therefore, if you want not just to get rid of pain in your foot for a while, but to forget about the heel spur, we invite you to the Bone Clinic, where you can undergo full diagnostics and treatment using the latest equipment.

The treatment program for this disease in the “Bone Clinic” may include:

View all methods

Shock wave therapy (SWT) heel spur

Heel spur, or plantar fasciitis, is a disease that consists of the formation of bone growth in the heel. This is due to the deposition of salts. This disease does not pose a threat to health, but it can cause serious difficulties when walking and reduces the quality of life.It usually affects the elderly.

Shock wave therapy (SWT) of the heel spur is widely used in modern orthopedics and allows you to get rid of discomfort.

Why does the spur appear

A heel spur can result from flat feet, wearing poor-quality shoes, injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The mechanism of development of the disease consists in damage to the fascia – the ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes.Minor injuries can heal on their own without long-term consequences. But with constant injury, the tissues will not have time to recover, which leads to inflammation of the ligament. The deposition of calcium salts leads to the development of bone growth.

Risk factors for the disease include the following:

• diabetes;

• gout;

• excessive physical activity, including professional sports;

• circulatory disorders – varicose veins, atherosclerosis;

• neurological disorders.

The risk of developing the disease also increases in older people.

Symptoms and Manifestations

The main symptom of a heel spur is pain, which signals the pressure of the outgrowth on the soft tissues. Unpleasant sensations can be given to the fingers. Severe pain appears in the morning and subsides a few minutes after starting to walk. As the build-up increases, the pain syndrome may persist at rest.

Patients describe the nature of the pain as follows:

As a result of the pain syndrome, the gait also changes.The patient unconsciously avoids stepping on the foot in full force, trying to distribute the load. This can lead to flat feet and other consequences.

Features of diagnostics

Before treating a heel spur with shock wave therapy, it is important to assess the condition of the bone and soft tissues. The spur is diagnosed by examination and questioning, as well as laboratory tests, an X-ray of the foot. Sometimes an MRI is required to clarify the diagnosis.

UHT treatment

Physiotherapy methods are widely used in the treatment of bone growth.Thus, the removal of the heel spur using shock wave therapy is effective due to the loosening of calcium deposits. The procedures help to improve tissue trophism and blood circulation, metabolic processes, due to which calcium is quickly removed from the tissues.

If the heel fasciitis is accompanied by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, SWT can be performed on two zones at once. The method provides relief of the inflammatory process, which means a decrease in pain and restriction in movements.

Effects from the use of shock wave therapy:

• improved metabolism;

• normalization of tissue blood supply and lymph flow;

• reduction or relief of pain;

• reduction of inflammation and swelling;

• normalization of muscle tone;

• strengthening of ligaments, fascia, tendons;

• launching recovery processes.

The main goal of treatment is to restore normal range of motion and resistance to stress.

The essence of shock wave therapy and features of the course of treatment

A heel spur treatment session with UHT takes no more than half an hour. Already after the first procedure, relief comes. Usually a course of 4-8 procedures is enough to obtain a lasting result. The break between sessions should be no more than 1-2 weeks.

The method is based on the properties of an acoustic wave.It passes through the tissues and stops in areas of ossification, gently affecting the spurs. Abnormal calcium deposits are destroyed and inflammation begins to subside. The advantages of the method include non-invasiveness and painlessness. Minor discomfort may appear in the first sessions, but closer to the middle of the course, they disappear.

The method is indispensable for patients who have contraindications for surgical interventions. It can be combined with drug therapy and other activities.UHT will enhance the effect of drugs and help speed up recovery.

Contraindications

Shockwave therapy for the heel spur should be delayed or canceled for the following conditions:

• acute infectious diseases;

• exacerbation of chronic diseases;

• violation of blood clotting;

• pregnancy;

• oncological diseases.

A preliminary examination and a doctor’s appointment will help identify possible contraindications. The specialist will develop an individual course of therapy.

If you want to clarify the price of UHT for a heel spur, contact the Family Doctor clinic. The availability of modern equipment allows us to offer our patients quality physiotherapy. We will ensure the effectiveness of treatment by highly qualified specialists.

To make an appointment at a convenient time for you, call the unified contact center in Moscow +7 (495) 775 75 66, use the online appointment service, or contact the clinic’s registry.

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traumatologist-orthopedist, chiropractor, leading specialist of the clinic

Direction

Planning and management of pregnancy

The planning of pregnancy must be approached with all seriousness in order to exclude the risk of developmental pathologies in the unborn child.

In the department of gynecology of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “CDC with a polyclinic” you can undergo a comprehensive examination of the reproductive system even before conceiving a child.

Therapeutic dentistry

The main tasks facing the dentists of the CDC on Krestovsky are diagnostics, treatment and prevention of diseases of the oral cavity, which include caries, pulpitis, periodontitis. In addition, the specialists of the therapeutic profile of the Department of Dentistry of the CDC treat hypoplasia and erosion of enamel, fill the root canals of the tooth.

Maternity School

Infertility treatment

Professional teeth cleaning

Specialists of the dental department of the FGBU “CDC with a polyclinic” will return your teeth to their natural whiteness thanks to the use of ultramodern technologies.

Selection of modern methods of contraception

Contraception is not only protection against unwanted pregnancy, but also a means of maintaining women’s health, since with the correct use of contraceptives, you can protect yourself and your partner from various sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

Pulpitis treatment

Non-observance of oral hygiene is fraught not only with the formation of caries, but also with a more serious disease – pulpitis.During the development of pulpitis, bacteria invade the dental nerves (pulps), causing severe pain and complications that can lead to tooth loss.

Diagnostics and treatment of pathology of the cervix

Teeth whitening

Specialists of the dental department of the FGBU “CDC with a polyclinic” will return your teeth to their natural whiteness thanks to the use of ultramodern technologies.The whitening procedure takes place in a dental office equipped with high-tech equipment.

Menstrual irregularities

Dental treatment under anesthesia

Specialists of the dental department of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “CDC with a polyclinic” carry out the procedure of dental treatment under general anesthesia. With the correct manipulation, anesthesia does not have a harmful effect on the body.

Menopause syndrome

Cosmetic dentistry

Operative gynecology

The basic principle used during surgical procedures in the gynecology department of the FGBU “CDC with a polyclinic” is a minimally invasive intervention aimed at reducing the degree of trauma to the patient’s body.

Pediatric Dentistry

Sugar cravings and poor oral hygiene often cause tooth decay in children. Timely diagnosis and treatment of caries will help to avoid damage to other teeth.

The methods used by the pediatricians of the dental department of our center are painless and absolutely harmless to the child’s body.

Dentistry for pregnant women

Maintaining the health of teeth and gums is the most important task for a pregnant woman, because the successful course of pregnancy and the correct development of the unborn child depend on it.

Treatment of caries in children during sleep (under drug sleep)

Medication sleep – a type of anesthesia – general anesthesia.

Laboratory diagnostics

The own clinical diagnostic laboratory in the CDC with a polyclinic allows performing a full range of laboratory and instrumental analyzes necessary for the correct diagnosis and further treatment.Thanks to automatic analyzers, which are equipped with the department of diagnostics of the center, high reproducibility and quality of research results are guaranteed, as well as the minimum terms of their implementation.

Pricelist. Laboratory diagnostics

Individual trays for snoring and apnea

Snoring mouth guard is a type of intraoral device that is used to treat snoring and apnea.

90,000 Calcaneal spur – prices for treatment in Moscow in the center “CM-Clinic”

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A heel spur is a chronic condition that develops as a result of microtraumatization of the plantar ligament. The correct name is plantar fasciitis. An osteophyte forms on the ligament – a site of bone hypertrophy, which becomes a source of pain.An osteophyte is a sharp spike more than a centimeter long that irritates the surrounding tissue.

Symptoms

The heel spur does not always manifest itself from the moment of formation. The severity of pain and discomfort depends on the location of the bone growth. The more superficial to the nerve endings the bone spike is, the stronger the pain.

It all starts with the feeling of a “nail” in the heel. In the first 2 weeks, such a peculiar pain bothers only at the first steps, and then calms down on its own. However, over time, pain increases with exertion, especially long walking.

In an effort to avoid pain, the patient tries not to step on the heel. A person’s gait changes, and body weight is not distributed correctly. The outer edge of the foot and its front sections are overloaded, which leads to the formation of transverse flat feet. The anterior sections expand, and a “bone” appears at the base of the first toe.

Without treatment, the situation is gradually getting worse. The pain becomes constant, the foot hurts even at rest. Pain attacks can start and end on their own, disturb at the most inopportune moment.

If you experience these symptoms, we advise you to make an appointment with your doctor. Timely consultation will prevent negative consequences for your health. Phone for appointment +7 (495) 292-39-72

Reasons

Provoking factors are female gender, age over 40, permanent residence in the city.

The immediate causes of the disease are as follows:

• congenital flat feet;
• pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies;
• excess weight;
• changes in blood flow and rate of tissue repair due to age;
• trauma;
• systemic diseases affecting the nerves, blood vessels and tissues of the legs ─ diabetes mellitus, gout, rheumatoid arthritis.

In young men and women under 40 years of age, the causes of the formation of heel spurs are intense physical activity and the wearing of uncomfortable shoes that do not fix the foot ─ slippers and slates, too high “stilettos”.

Plantar fascia is a ligament of fibrous tissue that connects the calcaneus and the metatarsal heads. When walking, the ligament is stretched, the main load falls on the place of attachment to the tubercle of the calcaneus. Microtrauma in this place is inevitable, but with moderate exertion and sufficient rest, they have time to overgrow.

If the load is excessive, then aseptic (without the participation of microorganisms) inflammation occurs at the site of the tear. It is in the place of such inflammation that calcium is gradually deposited, forming a bone thorn. The periosteum becomes irritated, and the thorn begins to grow either in the plane of the ligament itself, or above it.

A heel spur can develop on one leg or both at the same time, which significantly reduces the quality of life.

Diagnostics

A heel spur can be suspected by the characteristic symptom ─ pain when walking.When feeling the heel, you can find the place of greatest pain. However, to establish a diagnosis, an examination is required, since pain in the heel when walking can also occur with other diseases:

• gout – a violation of the metabolism of uric acid;
• rheumatoid arthritis – a specific autoimmune inflammation of the joints;
• ankylosing spondylitis, or ankylosing spondylitis;
• osteomyelitis – purulent-necrotic inflammation of the bone and surrounding soft tissues;
• bone tuberculosis;
• injury;
• sprain or damage to the ligamentous apparatus of the ankle joint;
• inflammation of a bacterial or viral nature.

To distinguish one disease from another, the following examinations can be prescribed:
If an orthopedic surgeon detects concomitant diseases, then consultations of specialized specialists ─ a rheumatologist, infectious disease specialist, traumatologist, therapist or others will be required, taking into account the clinical situation.

Treatment

Only a doctor can treat a heel spur, since the characteristics of the disease are different for each person. Self-medication in the absence of basic knowledge leads to damage to soft tissues, burns and other troubles.

Treatment is predominantly conservative. Surgical methods are resorted to as a last resort, with preference given to sparing minimally invasive techniques.

The following methods are used:

• medicinal;
• physiotherapy, including shock wave;
• exposure to ultrasound;
• laser therapy;
• X-ray therapy;
• massage;
• physiotherapy.

Medical treatment is selected by the doctor on an individual basis. Medications are aimed at reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Various dosage forms are used: tablets, ointments, patches.

Rarely enough, according to indications, the introduction of drugs into the cavity of the ankle joint or the sole is performed. This manipulation is performed by the surgeon. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed in a short course so that there is no addiction.

Physiotherapy is most beneficial.Massage of the muscles of the leg and foot, mud baths and applications, medicinal electrophoresis and sonophoresis (administration of drugs without damaging the skin using ultrasonic waves) are used. Ultrasound and physiotherapy exercises are also used.

Shockwave therapy is widely used, when an acoustic wave literally “breaks up” calcium deposits. Sediment particles are flushed out by the bloodstream and excreted naturally. The procedure simultaneously reduces swelling and inflammation, accelerates tissue regeneration.

With the help of a laser, metabolic processes are accelerated, conditions are created for the restoration of soft tissues.

Surgical method

Operations with a scalpel, when the bone growth is removed along with a portion of the fascia, are now not performed, because such an intervention violates the anatomy of the foot.

According to indications, radiofrequency microtenomy is used, when the damaged area of ​​the fascia with osteophyte is literally “burned out”. The remaining parts of the ligament do not intersect and remain intact.At the same time, a nerve ending enters the field of influence, which also collapses, and this forever relieves a person from pain.

The sooner a person goes to a doctor for discomfort in the foot, the less effort and time it will take to heal.

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Treatment of a heel spur in Yekaterinburg, removal of spurs on a pad

Increased physical exertion on the ligaments of the feet, improper distribution of the center of gravity lead to the appearance of micro-tears and swelling of soft tissues. The result is plantar fasciitis or heel spur. This disease has its own symptoms and causes, but it can be noticed immediately by severe pain.

Manifestation and symptoms of the disease

Spur on the heel ICD code M77.3 is formed due to:

• obesity;
• longitudinal flat feet – the outer and inner tissue becomes inflamed;
• daily barefoot walking on a hard surface;
• overtones of the calf muscles;
• circulatory problems in the legs;
• arthritis and arthrosis;
• trauma or injury to the calcaneus.

Main symptoms:

• Pain in the heel while walking, as if a nail had been stuck in the foot;
• change of gait to reduce pain in the leg;
• Pain in the lower back and neck due to a change in the standard body position for adaptation.

Sometimes the pain is so severe that a person cannot lean on the injured leg at all.

Diagnosis of a heel spur

Diagnosis of the presence of a heel spur in children and adults is carried out by a doctor. Outwardly, the heel may look completely healthy without visible changes, rarely there may be swelling and calluses on it. But when pressed, severe pain occurs. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient is sent for an X-ray, where a bony outgrowth resembling a thorn is clearly visible.In the early stages of disease progression, X-ray may not even notice the presence of a spur, thereby complicating the diagnosis. In some cases, a spur in patients is discovered by chance when other diseases of the feet are diagnosed. If the disease does not bring any discomfort, then treatment will not be required. Perhaps this transformation is within the normal range. But refusal to treat a heel spur can have very serious consequences from partial to complete loss of limb mobility.

Methods of treatment

In the medical center of Yekaterinburg, specialists offer various quick and effective methods of treating heel spurs:

• Physiotherapy, including massage, exercise therapy, taping;
• laser heel spur treatment;
• ultrasound irradiation;
• phototherapy with ultraviolet light rays;
• magnetic therapy;
• shock wave therapy.

The most effective way to get rid of a heel spur permanently is with a laser.The procedure has no side effects, does not cause allergies, does not require hospitalization, has an affordable price, is painless, relieves swelling, pain and inflammation.

UHT is performed to reduce the size of spurs, eliminate pain, normalize blood circulation and strengthen ligaments. Blockage in the heel with a heel spur will help cure the disease. But only a specialist should give injections.

Heel spur surgery is sometimes prescribed. If it is useless to treat a spur, first aid is powerless, then you can decide on an extreme measure – an operation under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

Heel spur – ProMedicine Ufa

A heel spur, or plantar fasciitis, is a chronic microtrauma of the plantar ligament that connects the heel bone to the forefoot. In fact, the heel spur looks like a small, but, nevertheless, a very unpleasant pointed growth on the sole of the foot and is an osteophyte (bony growth) on the surface of the heel bone. This growth acts as a thorn and, under load, squeezes the soft tissues of the foot.This causes the characteristic excruciating pains.

It is often difficult to detect such a spur, especially in the early stages of the disease. Sometimes this only happens during an X-ray examination. On an X-ray image, this area resembles bone tissue in terms of density and brightness. Therefore, it seems that it continues the heel bone and looks like its pointed protrusion or thorn. The heel spur comes in a variety of sizes. Most often, its length is from 3 to 12 mm.The sharp end of the overgrowth usually points towards the toes and is slightly bent upward.

Causes

Patients who are overweight, suffering from arthritis, diseases of large joints, gout, flat feet are predisposed to this disease. Also, the risk group for the development of this disease includes athletes who constantly exercise stress on the foot area. In most cases, this applies to athletes. With flat feet, the ability to correctly distribute the weight of the whole body over the surface of the foot is disturbed.In the process of developing thinning of the layer of subcutaneous fat, pain intensifies in the heel, since this layer is a natural shock absorber in humans when walking.

Symptoms

The very first symptom that is characteristic of this disease is the onset of pain in the heel, especially in the morning, with support on the heel. This symptom is also called “starting pain”. During the day, severe pain gradually fades away, but reappears in the evening.

This disease is characterized by burning, sharp pains, which many patients compare to “the feeling of a nail in the heel.” Trying not to overload the sore leg, and fearing pain, the person’s gait changes. If both legs are affected by this disease, then walking becomes very difficult. The center of gravity is transferred from the heel region to the front regions and the outer edges of the foot. This often leads to the development of transverse flat feet.

When pressing on the calcaneal tubercle or when squeezing the heel from both sides, severe pain occurs.No visual changes were observed.

Diagnosis

A heel spur is usually straightforward to diagnose.
An experienced doctor is able to do this by carefully probing the foot and listening to the patient’s complaints about the pain that is especially characteristic in this case. When examining the heel area, as a rule, pathological changes are not detected. Soreness is noted on palpation along the plantar surface of the heel. Sometimes these are diffuse pains throughout the heel, more often local pains in the center or along the inner surface of the heel region.
An x-ray is taken to confirm the diagnosis. On the X-ray of the foot, a bony outgrowth in the form of a thorn is visualized along the plantar surface of the calcaneus in the zone of fixation of the plantar aponeurosis. In the early stages of the disease, this “bone spike” is not detected on the roentgenogram. Then the pains are associated not with the presence of a “bone spur”, but with inflammatory changes.

Treatment

Today there are a number of treatments for heel spurs. One of the most effective methods is shock wave therapy.The principle of operation lies in the action of ultrasonic waves on the spur, which are pulsed. The method has contraindications: pregnancy, blood clotting disorders, cancer.

X-ray therapy allows you to influence the inflammation focus using X-ray radiation. For the same purpose, high-frequency currents (UHF), laser therapy, magnetotherapy are used.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are also used in the treatment, which are delivered to the site of inflammation using electrophoresis.Also, drugs are injected directly into the site of inflammation. The procedure should be performed by a surgeon, as there is a high risk of needle injury to the ligaments of the foot or calf tendon, or infection. The method allows you to achieve stable remission for several years.

Helps relieve symptoms using anti-inflammatory ointments, compresses, baths, etc.

Heel spur (plantar fasciitis) treatment in Krasnodar

Severe, sometimes simply unbearable pain when walking, blocking normal movement and leading to a limp, are the first symptoms of a heel spur.A heel spur is a bony growth in the heel region that causes inflammation of the tendons.

The reasons for the appearance of a heel spur can be varied: metabolic disorders, severe overstrain of the foot, overweight or diseases of the spine. The most important reason for the appearance of a heel spur in almost 90% of the population is flat feet. In more severe cases, as a result of flat feet, not only a heel spur appears, but also inflammation of the tendons and the surface of the bone tissue.Most often it appears in people over the age of 40 and in athletes who have heavy loads on the feet.

If you are tormented by a heel spur, preventing you from living a full life, the specialists of the In Safe Hands medical center will come to your aid. Our orthopedics department employs doctors with extensive experience in the field in question:

Heel spur symptoms

The external manifestation of the heel spur is absent. The symptom is pain when walking, aggravated by physical exertion on the legs.These pains appear sporadically during the day, becoming more intense in the morning and evening, as well as after prolonged sitting. When standing up suddenly, a person experiences a very strong and sharp pain in the heel, as if a nail had been driven into it. Sometimes pains are such that a person needs to step on their toes.

Heel spur treatment

Over time, the pain syndrome becomes permanent. The presence of a spur can be detected by taking an X-ray of the foot.After completing the necessary examination, the doctor makes a final diagnosis.

At the initial stages of the heel spur, patients try to turn to self-medication (steaming and heating the heel, rubbing and ointment), however, an appeal to a doctor who will prescribe the necessary massage and therapeutic exercises is simply necessary. In some cases, it is recommended to wear special orthopedic insoles, which, by unloading the sore leg, help to reduce severe pain.

To relieve pain, the use of painkillers is prescribed.Physiotherapeutic procedures leading to the start of the process of destruction of the heel spur are very effective in the treatment of the heel spur. A rather individual method of treating spurs is pain blockade, in which an anesthetic is used in the form of an injection into the heel spur. But for such a procedure, you need to know the exact cause of the pain, as well as the nature of the disease.

In our medical center, the treatment of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis is carried out by the method of shock wave therapy on a modern shock wave therapy apparatus Masterpulse MP 200.

The course of treatment of heel spurs with this method consists of 5 sessions. The session is carried out 1 time in 5-7 days. In this case, the patient does not need to take anti-inflammatory drugs and do other physiotherapy procedures.

Shockwave therapy for heel spurs is more than ninety percent effective.

Of course, there is a method of surgical treatment, which is the most extreme way to get rid of a heel spur.During surgical treatment, the bone growth is removed, but the inflammatory process still remains in the sore spot.

Prevention of heel spur

The most important and basic in the prevention of spurs is getting rid of excess weight. In addition, you need to lead an active lifestyle – walk more, do physical exercises, but at the same time try to avoid overexerting the feet.