Bone spurs can be extremely painful. These small, pointed bone growths are generally caused by inflammation from arthritis or another chronic condition, but they can also result from injuries that cause inflammation. One outcome of this inflammation is the stimulation of cells that build new bone tissue: Instead of simply replacing existing bone and maintaining bone mass, they build up to create a bone spur. Bone spurs are generally found around joints, in the soles of the foot, and along the spine, where they often build up near degenerating discs.
What are the Symptoms of Bone Spurs?
The symptoms of bone spurs tend to vary depending upon their location. At times, a sufferer may feel pain but not realize that the pain is associated with bone spurs. Bone spurs tend to irritate the surrounding tissue, but if — for example — a bone spur is next to a degenerating disc, the sufferer is more likely to experience this as back pain or radiating pain through the limbs. The doctors specializing in treating the spine at the Spine Institute Northwest can assist in diagnosing and treating these issues.
Bone spurs located in the foot are the most likely to cause localized, identifiable pain. Heel spurs, for example, can cause swelling and tenderness with pain shooting through the sole of your foot. Walking will be painful, and this pain will be greater the more you weigh. Bone spurs in the foot can also cause plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the entire bottom of the foot. The doctors specializing in podiatry at the Spine Institute Northwest can assist in diagnosing and treating these issues.
How Are Bone Spurs Diagnosed?
Bone spurs are generally diagnosed via some kind of imaging technology, which may include x-rays, MRI or CT scans, or myelograms. Again, it depends upon the location of the bone spurs. While those in the foot will often be readily identified as the cause of pain and imaging will confirm their presence, bone spurs along the spine may only be discovered when imaging is being done to diagnose back pain. If this is the case, removal of the bone spurs will often need to be added to the plans for treating spine related symptoms.
What Treatments are Available for Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs can be treated in different ways depending upon their location and the severity of the pain. Cold compresses and medications may decrease inflammation in the feet, and injections in the extremities can also reduce the pain.
Removing the bone spur is a more permanent solution. Specific surgeries can be performed just to remove spurs that are in the foot or near joints. Bone spurs that have been brought on by degenerating discs will often be removed successfully by minimally invasive spine surgery.
If you are experiencing back pain, you already know to contact the Spine Institute Northwest. But we also have doctors who specialize in podiatry and pain in the extremities. If your feet or joints are bothering you, call us today at (888) 712-0318 to learn more about how we may be able to help.