Bone Spurs

Bone Spur Treatment in Santa Monica, CA

Bone spurs can significantly impact your comfort and mobility, making it essential to seek appropriate care. At SoCal Sports Podiatry, our dedicated doctors focus on identifying the root cause of your symptoms to develop effective treatment strategies. Reach out today to learn how we can help you regain your active lifestyle and alleviate discomfort.

What Are Bone Spurs? Bone spurs are smooth, bony projections that form on the edges of bones, typically in areas where bones meet to form joints. They are often the result of joint damage or degenerative changes in the bones or cartilage. While bone spurs themselves are not usually painful, they can cause discomfort or pain if they press on nearby nerves or tissues.

Causes of Bone Spurs

Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause of bone spurs. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that leads to the breakdown of cartilage. As cartilage wears away, the body may form bone spurs to compensate for the loss of cartilage.

Repetitive Stress: Activities or jobs that involve repetitive stress on a joint can contribute to the development of bone spurs. This is often seen in athletes or individuals with physically demanding occupations.

Aging: As people age, the cartilage in their joints naturally deteriorates, which can lead to the formation of bone spurs.

Injury: Joint injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can lead to the development of bone spurs as the body attempts to heal and stabilize the affected area.

Genetics: A family history of bone spurs or related joint conditions may increase the likelihood of developing bone spurs.

Symptoms of Bone Spurs

Bone spurs often manifest through several noticeable symptoms. Pain is frequently the most prominent, particularly when the spur irritates nearby nerves or soft tissues; this discomfort may be confined to the spur’s location or extend to surrounding areas. Additionally, swelling may develop around the affected joint, further impacting comfort. Individuals might also experience stiffness or a diminished range of motion in the joint, which can hinder the ability to perform specific movements. In cases where a bone spur compresses a nerve, numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation may occur in the affected region. Furthermore, bone spurs can contribute to joint instability, leading to a sensation of weakness within the joint itself.

Diagnosis and Treatment at SoCal Sports Podiatry

At SoCal Sports Podiatry, our specialists diagnose bone spurs through a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRI. These tests help assess the location and impact of the bone spurs and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options

• Rest and Activity Modification: Resting the affected joint and modifying activities to avoid aggravating the bone spur can help reduce pain and discomfort.
• Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. It is typically recommended to use ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation associated with bone spurs.
• Physical Therapy: Targeted physical therapy can include exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected joint, which can help alleviate symptoms and improve function.
• Footwear Adjustments: For bone spurs located in the feet, wearing well-cushioned and supportive shoes or using custom orthotic inserts can help reduce pressure on the affected area.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections may be used to provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation associated with bone spurs.
• Surgical Treatment: In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective and symptoms persist, surgical options may be considered. Surgery may involve removing the bone spur or addressing the underlying joint damage.

Management Tips

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential, as excess body weight can increase stress on the joints and heighten the risk of developing bone spurs. Engaging in regular low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, helps keep joints flexible and strong while avoiding high-impact activities that could place excessive strain on them. Additionally, wearing well-cushioned and supportive footwear can alleviate pressure on the feet, reducing the likelihood of bone spur formation. Practicing good posture and proper body mechanics further contributes to minimizing joint stress and preventing potential damage that may lead to bone spurs.

For expert diagnosis and treatment of bone spurs, visit SoCal Sports Podiatry at 2001 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 465-W, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Our team of specialists is committed to providing personalized care to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Call us at (310) 395-5025 to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward effective treatment.