Orthopedic Bone Spur Specialist in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC
What are Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs, or osteophytes, can form when osteoarthritis causes damage to your joints. When osteoarthritis damages the cartilage of a joint, your body grows new bone there in an attempt to fix itself. These bone growths can damage the surrounding muscles, bones, or tendons and cause pain. They may even make it hard to move. Early bone spur treatment is always best—an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) foot and ankle specialist should be made as soon as symptoms present.
What are the Symptoms of Bone Spurs?
Some people have bone spurs without ever knowing it. Bone spurs only cause problems when they push against nearby nerves, tendons, or other body structures. Symptoms include:
- Crepitus (a crunching or cracking sensation)
- Decreased range of motion
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Loss of function
These symptoms may worsen when you move or exercise the affected joint. It’s important to note that many different conditions can cause these symptoms. If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, visit one of our orthopedic urgent care walk-in clinics in South Carolina for diagnosis and treatment.
Which Joints Can Develop Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs can occur in almost every joint in your body. Some common joints they affect are the knee, spine, hip, shoulder, fingers, and heel. In some cases, the pressure they cause may make it hard to move that part of your body, as with the knee or hip. Spinal bone spurs can cause weakness and loss of feeling in your extremities. In rare cases, they can even cause incontinence. If you think you are suffering from bone spurs, contact us to learn more.
How are Bone Spurs Diagnosed?
A visit to an orthopedic specialist is required to diagnose bone spurs. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and personal and family medical history before completing a physical exam. Often, X-rays or MRIs are needed to diagnose bone spurs.
How are Bone Spurs Treated?
There are many types of non-surgical treatment for bone spurs. These include ice and over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling. Resting the affected area and making lifestyle changes, such as more supportive shoes, is also essential. Weight loss can also reduce joint and bone stress and other symptoms. If you are still suffering, your doctor may prescribe prescription painkillers or a steroid injection. Bone spur surgery may be recommended to treat severe bone spurs whose symptoms do not improve after nonsurgical treatment. Our top-rated orthopedic surgeons will carefully remove the spurs and smooth existing bone.
Can I Prevent Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs are a common issue, especially for those over 60, because our joints and bones wear down as we age. Our team of orthopedic specialists in South Carolina recommends the following healthy lifestyle choices to limit the wear on your body:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Practice stretching
- Low impact exercise
- Wear supportive shoes
- Practice good posture
Expert Bone Spur Treatment in South Carolina
There’s no need to suffer from painful bone spurs. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates specialist is ready to help. Book an appointment today and let us get you back on our feet.