How long do bone spurs take to develop

Bone spurs osteophytes often form where bones meet each other — in your joints. They can also form on the bones of your spine. The main cause of bone spurs is the joint damage associated with osteoarthritis. Most bone spurs cause no symptoms and can go undetected for years.

They might not require treatment. If treatment is needed, it depends on where spurs are located and how they affect your health. The hip joint shown on the left side of the image is normal, but the hip joint shown on the right side of the image shows deterioration of cartilage and the formation of bone spurs due to osteoarthritis. As your spine ages, it's more likely to experience bone spurs or herniated disks. These problems can reduce the amount of space available for your spinal cord and the nerves that branch off it.

Most bone spurs cause no signs or symptoms. Commonly, bone spurs are a result of osteoarthritis, but they can also be caused by other foot conditions or injuries that create inflammation of the joint. Since bone spurs are slow growing, they often go unnoticed until you feel discomfort. In some cases, the bone spur can lead to damage of nearby tendons and ligaments. Speaking with your podiatrist , or bone spur doctor, for a precautionary evaluation can help you avoid possible damage to the foot.

A podiatrist can work with you and your family to manage symptoms with a non-invasive treatment plan. There are three areas of the feet that are vulnerable to bone spur growth:. After an evaluation, a podiatrist will present your best treatment options for bone spurs. Our team at Arizona Foot Doctors takes a conservative treatment approach to bone spurs.

Our non-invasive toe pain treatments work well to reduce symptoms and promote healing. A podiatrist can evaluate and work to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and offer effective treatment options based on your needs.

In a joint with arthritis, the cartilage at the end of your bones wears out. Cartilage is the flexible tissue that connects and cushions the bones in a joint. In the spine, a soft, springy disk cushions each vertebra. As the disks wear down and become thinner over time, the spine becomes more susceptible to bone spur formation.

Aging is the biggest risk factor for bone spurs. Over time, all your joints suffer at least a little wear and tear. This is true even if you have no obvious injuries. Your risk is also higher if you were born with structural problems, such as scoliosis a curved spine.

Poor posture can also put you at greater risk for bone spurs. There may be a hereditary factor, too. If you have joint pain caused by bone spurs, you may be able to see or feel a lump under the skin. Your doctor will likely use X-rays to look for changes in bone structure.

Other imaging tests may be used, too. These include MRI tests, which provide detailed views of soft tissue, such as ligaments and cartilage, and CT scans, which can provide more detailed images of bones and other tissue than X-rays. Your doctor will also evaluate your medical history, listen to a description of your symptoms, and perform a medical exam. If the suspected bone spur is in your knee, for example, your doctor will have you move your knee while he feels for any abnormalities in the joint.

If a bone spur causes only mild pain and is only noticeable once in a while, then your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter painkiller. Shoes that are too tight can damage the bones and tendons in your feet, encouraging the growth of bone spurs. Custom orthotics provide cushion and support to your feet, which can prevent bone spurs from occurring or alleviate already present pain.

Applying a cold compress on your feet can relieve swelling and pain. Place an ice pack or frozen water bottle on your foot for at least 10 minutes at a time. If you have a toe bone spur, place the bag on the top of your toes.

Vitamins and minerals are an important defense against bone spurs. If you have osteoarthritis, it is important to make sure you are not deficient in calcium. Since magnesium and vitamin D are essential for the absorption of calcium, you will also want to be sure your levels of these are not low.

These vitamins should be obtained through your diet. Massages are useful for relieving and managing pain. To alleviate the pain associated with a heel bone spur, a massage therapist might apply a massage to the calf muscles. This stimulates blood circulation which causes the calf muscle to relax, putting less strain under the foot. For a massage that you can do yourself, use a small ball and roll it on the bottom of your foot.