Bone Spur |
 |
Bone spur,
or osteophytes, refers to a bony growth
that is formed on a normal bone. These
bony projections that form along joints
are often observed in conditions such
as arthritis. Bone spurs are not painful
when considered alone, but when they press
or brush against other bones or soft and
smooth surrounding tissues like ligaments,
tendons or nerves, there is typically
pain or extreme discomfort.
Bone spurs develop
when the body attempts to increase the
surface area of the joints so that the
body weight is distributed evenly and
effectively across a joint surface that
has been damaged by arthritis or other
conditions. Bone spurs usually restrict
joint movement and cause pain.
Bone spurs typically
form on the spine, shoulders, hands,
hips, knees and feet.
Bone spurs and
other degenerative diseases may develop
as a result of the normal aging process.
Some other causes and risk factors of
this condition include genetics, accidents,
sports injuries, nutrition, poor posture
and congenital structural disorders.
In addition to
these causes, there are specific conditions
that increase the risk of developing
bone spurs:
Arthritis:
Arthritis affects approximately 80%
of individuals who are over the age
of 55 years in the United States. There
are more than one hundred conditions
that are categorized as arthritis and
that share similar symptoms including
inflammation, joint pain, and progressive
deterioration of joint surfaces over
time. Bone spurs can be caused by arthritis
because of the body’s need to
facilitate proper joint movements.
Osteoarthritis: This
type of arthritis is characterized by
the breakdown and eventual loss of the
cartilage from one or more joints. Cartilage
is a protein substance that serves as
a "cushion" between the bones
and the joints. If the cartilage erodes,
there is no cushion to protect the joints
from the strain of physical activity
or bearing of weight. The bones rub
together and bone spurs may grow in
and around the joints. Osteoarthritis
is also known as degenerative arthritis.
Plantar
Fasciitis: This condition occurs
when the long ligament located on the
heel of the foot, called Plantar Fascia,
becomes inflamed. This condition results
from the participation in activities
that inflict stress on the feet such
as dancing or running, poor posture,
wearing ill-fitting shoes or obesity.
As the body tries to repair itself,
‘heel spurs’ develop and
cause discomfort.
Rotator
Cuff (shoulder joint) Disorders:
These disorders commonly develop in
individuals whose professions require
them to work with their arms raised
above their heads. Athletes, particularly
basketball players, are susceptible
to such injuries. This condition is
also observed among the elderly as a
result of age-related damage in the
shoulder joint.
Spondylosis
(Spinal Osteoarthritis): This
disorder may cause a loss of normal
spinal structure and function. Bone
spurs can be formed near the end plates
which may inhibit blood supply to the
vertebra.
Previous |
 |
1 |
|
2 |
 |
|
|
