Bone spur

From ArticleWorld

A bone spur, or osteophyte, is an acquired bony projection that most often occurs as a secondary phenomenon of arthritis. It can also occur as part of pressure on a bony prominence, as in the foot.

Types

Arthritic bone spurs occur when there is damage to the joint surface resulting in an imbalance in weight distribution around the joint (in weight-bearing joints). The bony areas around the joint attempt to redistribute the weight and form spurs at the articular site. This, unfortunately, can limit the movement around the joint. Large bone spurs can be painful. Small bone spurs also can occur on non-weight-bearing joints, such as the hands, toes and other upper extremity joints.

Bone spurs of the calcaneus occur when there is too much weight placed on the inferior aspect of the calcaneus when walking. The normal prominence on the surface of the bone is the attachment of the plantar fascia at the base of the foot. With abnormal pressure to the prominence or when the plantar fascia pulls at its attachment in the standing position, bony growth extends from the prominence, forms a bone spur and inflames the plantar fascia, causing pain with walking.

Treatment

The treatment of bone spurs can involve pain control with anti-inflammatory medications. In multiple bone spurs of the spine, a spinal fusion might be necessary or perhaps surgical removal of the spur. Calcaneal bone spurs can be treated surgically or can be treated using orthotic devices that cushion the bone spur and redistribute the weight on the foot to relieve the stretching or direct pressure on the spur.