Bone spurs, also known as spurring bones, are abnormal bony lumps that appear on the surface of joints with some degree of cartilage loss. Due to wear and tear, the cartilage that is in the knee joint slowly degrades and leads to the formation of bone spurs. The formation of bone spurs is termed as osteophytosis, and people with and above 60 years of age are more prone to it. However, younger adults can develop bone spurs, too.there are many best orthopedic surgeons in India to treat you well.
Symptoms of bone spurs
In many cases, bone spurs are tiny and do not show any symptoms but can be noticeable when they form around finger joints. People above 60 years of age can experience pain and which need medical attention. The time bone spurs form in knee patients can experience pain in straightening the leg, and if formed in shoulders, it can irritate the patient’s rotator cuff and can cause swelling and pain. When formed in the hip bone , spurs can limit movement and can be painful. If spurs form in a vertebra, they cause not only pain but also numbness in arms, legs, and back. Early diagnosis, as well as treatment of bone spurs, can limit the damage that they cause. Thus, the time you notice pain and swelling in the knee, consult the best orthopedic doctor to know the possibility of osteophytosis. Bone spurs in knee joints can cause symptoms and can have them for years. The time damage occurs to the knee joint; it gets worse and can be painful. Depending on the extent of damage in the knee joint, symptoms of knee spurs can be from mild to severe. It includes
- Reduction in range of motion in the knee joint
- Pain while extending or else bending the knee
- Knee pain
- Stiffness
Causes of bone spurs
Bone spurs are bony growths that can develop anywhere on the bones in the body, but most commonly develop in joints like knees. The primary cause of bone spurs in osteoarthritis and which is caused by long term wear and tear of joints. Many factors increase the risk of developing bone spurs in the knee. There are many other risk factors apart from changes due to aging. There are many other risk factors include:
- Being overweight, which increase stress on the knee joints
- Family history of osteoarthritis
- Knee injuries like fractures and dysplasia
- Engaging in activities that put pressure on the knees
Diagnosis and treatment of knee spurs
While diagnosing knee spurs, the doctor will take a physical examination to inspect the patient’s knee and a leg for signs of injury and also to feel the knee for bone spurs. After that, he/she will bend, extend, as well as rotate your knee to check your range of motion. If a bone spur in the knee causes only mild pain and is only noticeable sometimes, then your specialist may recommend a painkiller. Treatment for bone spurs depends on the symptoms patient have, and Pain is the most common symptom and is often initially treated with medications i.e., Anti-inflammatory medications. These medications help the patient to get relief from pain as well as it also helps to reduce the inflammation that is caused by the bone spurs in the particular joint. With medications, a specialist may also recommend physical therapy to get relief from bone spur symptoms. Physical therapy will not remove bone spurs, but it will help to get relief from symptoms linked with them, especially loss of motion in a joint due to bone spurs. Physical therapy will help strengthen the surrounding muscles and increase the motion in the joints. Physical therapy also comprises ice or cold packs, ultrasound treatments, stretching exercises, or other massages.
When Is Surgery Recommended for Bone Spurs?
In cases if symptoms of knee spurs or spurs in other joints cannot be controlled with more conservative treatment, then the doctor will recommend surgery. The objective of this surgery is to remove the bone spurs and to make your joint more close to normal joint or to remove the pressure on tendons, ligaments, muscles, or nerves. This surgery may simply remove the knee spurs; however, in other cases, the removal can be a part of a larger surgery known as knee replacement surgery. Dr Ashok Rajgopal is one of the best Orthopedic Doctors in India, which can help you to get permanent relief from the condition.