Bone spurs, medically known as osteophytes, are smooth bony growths that develop along the edges of bones. They commonly form near joints, where bones meet and move against each other.
Bone spurs often develop gradually over time and may not cause any symptoms. Many people only discover they have a bone spur during an X-ray or imaging test performed for another condition.
However, bone spurs can become painful when they irritate surrounding tissues, restrict joint movement, or press on nearby nerves. Depending on where they develop, they may cause joint pain, stiffness, reduced flexibility, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Bone spurs are extra bony projections that form along bone edges. They are not sharp “spikes”, despite the name. Instead, they are usually smooth growths that develop as the body responds to joint stress, cartilage damage, or long-term inflammation.
Bone spurs can occur in many parts of the body, including the spine, neck, shoulders, hips, knees, feet, heels, and fingers.
Some bone spurs remain painless and do not require treatment. Others may affect movement, cause pain, or contribute to nerve compression.
Bone spurs usually form as the body’s natural response to joint damage, inflammation, or repeated stress on bones and joints. Common causes include:
As people age, the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually breaks down. In response, the body may produce extra bone in an attempt to repair or stabilise the affected joint.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of bone spurs. When joint cartilage wears down, the body may form osteophytes around the affected joint. This can contribute to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
Activities that repeatedly place stress on certain joints may contribute to bone spur formation over time. This may occur in athletes, runners, or individuals whose work involves repetitive movements or prolonged standing.
Poor posture, abnormal joint alignment, or uneven pressure on the joints can increase strain on specific areas of the body. Over time, this may encourage bone spur development.
Previous joint injuries, fractures, or soft tissue damage may increase the risk of bone spur formation as the body attempts to repair and stabilise the affected area.
Many bone spurs do not cause symptoms. Symptoms usually occur when the bone spur affects nearby tissues, limits movement, or compresses a nerve.
Common bone spur symptoms include:
Joint pain or discomfort
Stiffness
Reduced flexibility
Limited range of motion
Swelling around the affected joint
Numbness, tingling, or weakness if a nerve is compressed
Visible or palpable bony lumps around joints
Pain that worsens with movement or pressure
Symptoms can vary depending on the location and size of the bone spur.
Diagnosis begins with a review of your medical history, symptoms, and affected area, followed by a physical examination.
Your doctor may assess:
Pain location
Joint movement
Swelling or tenderness
Muscle strength
Numbness or tingling
Signs of nerve compression
Imaging tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the condition. These may include X-rays, CT) scan, and MRI.
X-rays can show the presence and location of bone spurs. CT or MRI scans may be used when doctors need to assess nearby nerves, soft tissues, tendons, or spinal structures in more detail.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the location of the bone spur, and how much it affects daily activities. Many bone spurs do not require treatment if they are not causing pain or movement problems.
Conservative treatment may help reduce pain, inflammation, and pressure on the affected area. This may include:
Rest
Activity modification
Ice application
Weight management
Supportive footwear or shoe inserts
Avoiding repetitive strain
Gentle stretching where appropriate
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may be recommended to help reduce pain and inflammation. These should be used according to medical advice, especially for individuals with stomach, kidney, heart, or blood pressure conditions.
For persistent pain or inflammation, corticosteroid injections may be recommended in selected cases. These injections may provide temporary relief and help reduce inflammation around the affected joint or soft tissue.
Physiotherapy can help strengthen surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, support joint function, and reduce pressure on the affected area. A physiotherapist may recommend exercises to improve posture, balance, joint mobility, and movement patterns.
Surgery may be considered if symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, or if a bone spur significantly restricts movement or compresses nerves.
Surgical treatment may involve removing the bone spur, relieving pressure on nerves, or addressing the underlying joint problem. The most appropriate approach depends on the location of the bone spur and the severity of symptoms.
Many bone spurs remain harmless and do not need treatment. However, symptomatic bone spurs that are left untreated may worsen over time, especially if they continue to irritate tissues or compress nerves.
Possible complications include:
Bone spurs may rub against cartilage or surrounding joint structures, contributing to further joint degeneration and worsening osteoarthritis symptoms.
Pain and stiffness may gradually limit movement, making daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or lifting the arm more difficult.
Bone spurs near nerves, particularly in the spine, may cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain that travels to the arms or legs.
Bone spurs may rub against tendons, causing inflammation, pain, or conditions such as tendinitis or impingement.
Bone spurs usually do not disappear on their own. However, not all bone spurs cause symptoms or require treatment.
If a bone spur is not causing pain, nerve compression, or movement problems, your doctor may recommend monitoring rather than immediate treatment.
When symptoms occur, treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving function, managing inflammation, and addressing the underlying cause, such as osteoarthritis or repetitive strain.
Bone spurs cannot always be prevented, especially when they are related to ageing or osteoarthritis. However, healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce joint stress and slow their progression.
Preventive measures include:
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Staying physically active
Strengthening muscles that support the joints
Practising good posture and body mechanics
Wearing supportive, properly fitted footwear
Avoiding repetitive strain and overuse injuries where possible
Treating joint injuries early
Managing osteoarthritis and other joint conditions appropriately
You should seek medical evaluation if you experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, or symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
Medical attention is especially important if you have:
Numbness or tingling
Weakness in the arms or legs
Pain that travels from the neck or back into the limbs
Difficulty walking
Worsening heel or foot pain
Joint swelling or deformity
Pain that does not improve with rest or basic care
At Prince Court Medical Centre, our orthopaedic specialists provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for bone spurs, joint pain, osteoarthritis, nerve compression, and related musculoskeletal conditions.
Book an appointment with our specialists for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
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