Causes and risk factors:
Bone spur are caused due to changes that take place in the bone due to aging and degeneration. New bone tissues grow to replace the old ones and sometimes these outgrow their normal position in the form of bony projections called spurs. They sometime get detached into the surrounding tissues in the form of lose bodies. Wear and tear of tight ligaments and tendons at the joints make bony part to outgrow in the form of spurs. (E.g. Plantar fasciitis).Spur formation is also seen in certain diseases like osteoarthritis due to wear and tear of the joints specially knee joints when the cartilage is damaged the bones tried to compensate the cushion to absorb shock or weight bearing by forming spurs. Osteomyelitis and char cots foot are the other diseases which can lead to formation of the spurs.
Clinical presentations:
The common sites where bony spurs are seen are ankle bones, bones of the toe and hand and at the spine region. Formation of spurs in Knee and shoulder joints can also be seen. In certain cases the bony projection can be asymptomatic. In most of the cases it causes pain in the affected joint and restriction of the movement of that joint. In cases where bony spurs are seen at spine it causes compression of the nerves leading to tingling and numbness of the extremities.
Diagnosis and investigations:
As per the symptoms narrated by the patient on physical examination of the affected joint the doctor can feel the bony projections .However the orthopedic can advice an X ray of the affected joint for confirming the diagnosis.
Treatment:
Pain relieving medications are advised by the orthopedic to combat the pain. Local corticosteroid injections to relief the symptom is given sometimes. In cases where the bony projections are leading to compression of the nerves surgery is required. Surgery is required to trim or excise the spur.
