# Bone Spurs

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/bone-spurs/
- Published: 2019-01-21T18:14:26-05:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

# Orthopedic Bone Spur Specialist in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC

 [Contact Us](https://carolinaona.com/contact-locations/)

### 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](https://carolinaona.com/orthopedic-urgent-care/)
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](https://carolinaona.com/appointment-request-form/)
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 [MRI](https://carolinaona.com/mri-services/)
s 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](https://carolinaona.com/steroid-injections/).
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](https://carolinaona.com/physicians-staff/)
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](https://carolinaona.com/appointment-request-form/)
today and let us get you back on our feet.