Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, & Prevention

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are Bone Spurs?
• Causes of Bone Spurs
• Symptoms of Bone Spurs
• Bone Spur Diagnosis
• Bone Spur Treatments and Home Care
• Bone Spur Prevention
• More

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:

• Hands
• Shoulders
• Neck
• Spine
• Hips
• Knees
• Feet (heels)

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

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)

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.

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.

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

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve)

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 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.

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Bone Spur of Wrist

Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA, FCAP Pathology Feb. 20, 2018

Individuals with Bone Spurs of Wrist rarely experience any signs or symptoms. However, in some cases, individuals may experience pain in the wrist.

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Benign Bone Spur of Wrist
• Osteophytes of Wrist

What is Bone Spur of Wrist? (Definition/Background Information)

• Bone spur is an abnormal bone growth that can develop on the surface of bones. Usually, bone spurs are not painful by themselves, but may cause pain when they rub against the nerves and press surrounding tissue
• Bone spurs may develop on the surface of any bone. It most commonly involves the bones of the feet, elbow, and spine. Joint damage caused by degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, is the primary cause of bone spur in the joints
• Individuals with Bone Spurs of Wrist rarely experience any signs or symptoms. However, in some cases, individuals may experience pain in the wrist
• A majority of Bone Spurs of the Wrist grow very slowly and are stable. However, in some cases, the growth is more rapid and unpredictable. In these cases, the healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove the bone spurs
• Over-the-counter oral medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are recommended if the condition is painful. Surgery may be required, if Bone Spurs of the Wrist reduce an individual’s range of motion in the affected wrist joint, presses on nerves, or if the pain is not controlled by medication
• The prognosis of Bone Spurs of Wrist is usually good and conservative methods are usually effective in treating many individuals. However, occasionally, a recurrence of the condition is noted

Who gets Bone Spur of Wrist? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Bone Spurs of Wrist may occur in individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and genders
• No geographical localization has been noted

What are the Risk Factors for Bone Spur of Wrist? (Predisposing Factors)

The common risk factors for Bone Spurs of the Wrist include:

• Advanced age
• Repetitive stress on the wrist caused by participation in high-impact sports
• Excessive body weight associated with obesity
• Unhealthy diet
• Degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis
• Heredity predisposition; a family history of bone spurs

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Bone Spur of Wrist? (Etiology)

• Bone Spurs of the Wrist are usually caused by a disease or condition that results from a degeneration of the cartilage
• Excess bone formation occurs as a result of the body’s response to abnormal pressure on the affected area of the bone

In other words, bone spurs are caused as part of a reactive process to a bone injury.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bone Spur of Wrist?

In many individuals, bones spurs are not painful by themselves and cause no significant signs or symptoms. However, in some, certain symptoms may develop depending on the severity of the condition.

The signs and symptoms of Bone Spurs of Wrist include:

• The appearance of a bony mass under the skin, on the wrist
• Uncontrollable pain in the wrist
• Numbness, feeling of weakness, tingling sensation of the wrist joint may be observed, if the surrounding nerves are pinched
• Decreased range of motion of the wrist

How is Bone Spur of Wrist Diagnosed?

Bone Spurs of Wrist may be diagnosed by the following observations and tests:

• A complete physical examination with thorough evaluation of medical history
• X-ray of the wrist: X-rays are noninvasive medical tests that use radiation to produce images of the bone
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the wrist: A CT scan takes a series of X-ray images from several different angles. These images are then merged to create cross-sectional images of bones and soft tissues with the body
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the wrist: An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses radio waves and a magnetic field that generates thorough images of interior bones and soft tissues
• Electromyography (EMG): An EMG shows the electrical activity of the muscle during rest and muscle contraction. This test may be performed if the signs and symptoms indicate that there is muscle or nerve damage
• Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies: Nerve conduction velocity shows the speed at which electrical signals move through the affected nerve. Slow nerve signal speed may indicate nerve damage

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Bone Spur of Wrist?

The possible complications of Bone Spurs of Wrist include:

• Without treatment, in some individuals, bone spurs can cause severe uncontrollable pain, by impinging on surrounding structures such as the tendons and nerves
• Surgery to remove bone spurs may lead to the following complications:
  • Infection at the site of surgery
  • Poor wound closure
  • Anesthetic complications
• Permanent damage to the nerves in the wrist
• Occasionally, relief from surgery may only be temporary, since bone spurs may grow back (recurrent bone spurs)

How is Bone Spur of Wrist Treated?

The methods for treating Bone Spurs of Wrist depend on the severity of the signs and symptoms. Conservative methods for individuals with mild to moderate pain may include:

• Rest: Any activity that aggravates the condition further should be avoided. The healthcare provider may advise individuals to refrain from participating in certain activities, until the symptoms get better
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen may be used to treat bone spurs. These medications can help decrease pain and swelling
• Corticosteroid injections help provide temporary relief of symptoms, and in improving the range of motion. It is important to note that corticosteroid injections only give temporary relief. Prolonged episodes of such injections may injure the joints in the long-run
• Physical therapy exercises that include strengthening and improving flexibility in the wrist can help reduce discomfort. It can also help decrease pressure on the nerves

Surgical treatment for Bone Spurs of the Wrist: If conservative treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be recommended. A common surgical procedure is:

• Bone spur removal: This procedure involves the surgical removal of any abnormal bony growth in the wrist

How can Bone Spur of Wrist be Prevented?

Bone Spurs of Wrist is a condition that cannot be prevented in most individuals. However, in some cases, following certain guidelines may help reduce the risk of developing bone spurs.

• Maintain a healthy body weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise
• Take frequent breaks while working on the computer to limit repetitive wrist action
• Limit activities that may involve repetitive stress on the wrist; wear appropriate safety equipment when participating in any (high-impact) sports. Significant stress on the wrist joints may lead to the development of bone spurs

What is the Prognosis of Bone Spur of Wrist? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• In a majority of cases, the prognosis of Bone Spurs of Wrist is usually good and symptoms are resolved with suitable conservative treatment
• However, there is still a risk that the bone spur will continue to grow. in these cases, a healthcare provider will recommend surgery to treat the condition
• Occasionally, recurrent bone spurs may be observed and the relief obtained from surgery may only be temporary

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Bone Spurs of Wrist:

Please visit the following link for more information on bone spur removal surgical procedure that may be performed if Bone Spurs develop on any surface of the bones.

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-surgical/bone-spur-removal/

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
6300 North River Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018-4262
Phone: (847) 823-7186
Toll-Free: (800) 346-2267
Fax: (847) 823-8125
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.aaos.org

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00149 (accessed on October 20, 2016)

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bone-spurs/basics/definition/con-20024478 (accessed on October 20, 2016)

https://www. cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Bone-Spurs-Osteophytes.aspx (accessed on October 20, 2016)

Minami, A., Kato, H., Iwasaki, N., & Minami, M. (1999). Limited wrist fusions: comparison of results 22 and 89 months after surgery. The Journal of hand surgery, 24(1), 133-137.

Capo, J. T., Orillaza, N. S., & Lim, P. K. (2009). Carpal boss in an adolescent: case report. The Journal of hand surgery, 34(10), 1808-1810.

Hattori, Y., Doi, K., Hoshino, S., Sakamoto, S., & Yukata, K. (2010). Attritional rupture of the flexor tendons to the small finger caused by osteophyte of the ulnar head: case report. The Journal of hand surgery, 35(1), 24-26.

Serarslan, Y. (2009). Median nerve enterapment secondary to carpal osteophyte: A case report.

Walker, G., & McCambridge, T. M. Atypical Wrist Pain in a Female Gymnast.

Young, D., Papp, S., & Giachino, A. (2007). Physical examination of the wrist. Orthopedic Clinics of North America, 38(2), 149-165.

Heras-Palou, C. (2012). Extra-articular ulnar-sided wrist pain. In Arthroscopic Management of Ulnar Pain (pp. 335-347). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

Palmer, K. T. (2003). Pain in the forearm, wrist and hand. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 17(1), 113-135.

Hygroma / ganglion of the wrist joint of the hand – Treatment, laser removal / excision surgery, rehabilitation – Traumatology NCC No. 2 (CCH RAS)

Hygroma of the wrist joint , cyst, ganglion, synovial hernia – the names of a benign tumor that is localized above the wrist joint. Women get sick more often. In some cases, the formation resolves on its own, without treatment.

Hygroma of the wrist – a round capsule with dense walls, filled with a viscous liquid. Can be located on the outside or on the inside. Transformation into a malignant tumor does not occur. Treatment aims to eliminate the external defect.

Causes of hygroma development

• Injury to the wrist joint of the hand.
• Inflammatory processes.
• Large sports loads.
• As a consequence of surgery on the wrist joint of the hand.
• Advanced form of osteoarthritis.
• Professional skills of computer users, seamstresses, massage therapists.
• Genetic predisposition.

Diagnosis

For an accurate diagnosis, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon. Determining the causes of the disease and methods of treatment involves an examination: the doctor must determine the location of the neoplasm and its size. Of the laboratory tests, only a biopsy will be indicative.

Diagnosis is carried out using:

• MRI or CT;
• ultrasound;
• Radiography;
• If necessary, a hygroma puncture is taken.

Varieties of disease

The ganglion of the wrist joint of the hand can be classified:

• Mucosal hygroma – appears as a result of deforming arthrosis, as a result of compression, the growth of connective tissue is a protective reaction of the body;
• Post-traumatic hygroma of the left or right wrist – occurs as a result of damage to the joint;
• Tendon hygroma – develops under the influence of pathological changes in the tendon sheath, causes pain, interferes with the normal movement of the wrist.

Treatment of hygromas / ganglion of the wrist joint

With an exacerbation of the disease and the occurrence of discomfort, anti-inflammatory drugs are used.

With an increase in education, if there are restrictions in movement, the arm becomes numb and sore, you need to contact a surgeon or traumatologist. You may need an operation.

Surgical intervention is required if the formation has a cellular structure or its size increases.

During the operation, the hygroma is removed along with the capsule.

The safest removal of hygroma and the least traumatic is using a laser. In addition to laser removal, endoscopic excision of the hygroma of the wrist joint has proven itself well.

It is important to remember that after removal by any method, a relapse may occur.

The operation to remove the hygroma is simple, performed under local anesthesia:

• A special needle is inserted into the cyst cavity;
• Liquid contents are removed;
• The cavity is flushed with an antiseptic, an antibiotic may be used.

After removing the hygroma, a bandage is applied for several weeks. Premature removal of the bandage can provoke the re-formation of the cyst.

Rehabilitation

• Physiotherapy recommended.
• Ultraviolet sessions and mud treatments give good results.
• Small tumors can be treated with paraffin wax and electrophoresis.

Prophylaxis

• Rule out any injury to the wrist;
• Use restraints when playing sports;
• In case of injury, contact a trauma surgeon immediately;
• Timely treat inflammatory diseases;
• Do light exercise to strengthen your joints.

Bone spur. Causes of bone spurs. When to treat a bone spur. !

content

1. What is a bone spur?
2. What causes bone spurs?
3. Causes of bone spurs

1.

What is a bone spur?

A bone spur or osteophyte is a growth that has formed over normal bone. The specific name of this phenomenon misleads many people who mistakenly believe that a bone spur is something sharp, but it is a soft to the touch, quite common bone growth.

Most often osteophytes are located on the lower or posterior surface of the calcaneus, less often they occur on the shoulders, elbows, hips or knees. As a rule, their presence is not accompanied by painful phenomena, but in contact with soft tissues, bones and tendons, they can cause excruciating and severe pain. A huge role is assigned to the localization of the bone spur . If the bone spur is located, for example, on the olecranon, then its owner will not feel discomfort and other painful manifestations, and, therefore, there is no need for its treatment. But if a bone spur has formed on the calcaneus, which is involved when a person walks, then over time it will cause more and more severe and prolonged pain.

Another common location for a bone spur or osteophyte is shoulder area . The complex structure of the shoulder joint determines its versatility, the ability to move the shoulder and arm in various directions. Over time, the tendons, muscles, ligaments, and bones that make up the shoulder joint begin to wear out. First of all, this process affects the tendons, with the help of which the muscles are attached to the upper arm.

During movement, the tendons can come into contact with the bones, causing bone spurs with subsequent inflammation, the appearance of pain in the affected area. This pathology is typical for the elderly and athletes, as well as for those who, due to their professional activities, are forced to keep their hands above their heads.

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2. What provokes the formation of bone spurs?

A bone spur, or osteophyte, is formed in response to rubbing, pressure, or other mechanical action that is carried out on a certain area of ​​the body for an extended period of time. A bone spur embodies the body’s attempt to recover by building up bone tissue.

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3. Causes of bone spurs

Wear of articular cartilage. In some cases, the appearance of bone spurs in a person is part of the aging of his body. Over time, the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones inside the joints wears out and wears out, as a result of which it can no longer perform its main function – to reduce friction between the joints. Loss of elasticity, hardening of cartilage and their increased susceptibility to damage indicates the development of osteoarthritis . The consequence of the progression of this disease is the formation of bone spurs.

Overpressure . On the feet, bone neoplasms appear most often due to ligament pressure, which is observed during dancing, long running, and also due to uncomfortable shoes or overweight.