What are Osteophytes Disease Symptoms and Treatment?

What Causes Osteophytes? (Bone Spurs)

Bone spurs are most commonly formed due to damaged joints or discs that cause an excessive amount of movement in the joints of the spine. to accommodate this extra motion, the body creates osteophytes that are found on the surfaces of joints and on the edges of vertebrae. Degeneration of the intervertebral discs and articular cartilage can occur as a result of normal aging processes. Poor posture and spinal injury may cause bone spurs to form even in young people. Osteophytes within the spine aren't an individual disease, but rather the result of trauma to osteoarthritis or other conditions of the spine. The frequency of osteophytes rises as you age. For those over 60, it is recommended to seek out a specialist. Osteophytes of the spine are very frequent.

The symptoms of osteophyte

Osteophytes aren't usually a cause of any issues. They may be discovered only when you are suffering from one after you get the X-ray because of a different reason.

However, they may cause issues in the event that they rub against muscles or bones, alter your movements, or put pressure on nerves.

The primary indication of an osteophyte's disease is stiffness and pain.

Other signs depend on the area of the body where the osteophyte is been formed.

They may include:

• Pins and needles or weakness in the legs or arms.
• bumps on joints such as the big toe, fingers the heel, ankle, and fingers

Treatments for osteophytes

Osteophytes should only be treated when they cause issues such as stiffness or pain.

Because osteophytes are linked to arthritis, the treatment you may require are the same as those used for arthritis.

Treatment could include:

• painkillers like paracetamol and Ibuprofen
• therapy
• losing weight if you're overweight
• the procedure, like a knee replacement or knee replacement

What Are the Risk Factors of Bone Spurs?

The most significant risk cause of bone spurs is age. It's normal to develop bone spurs as you grow older. However, some bone spurs can pressure nerves and other organs and can cause pain.

Genetics could be a factor. If your parents suffered from bone spurs which caused discomfort, you could have a higher chance to suffer them.

Bone spurs can cause movement to be painful. If you don't take care to treat them, your discomfort will only become worse.

Outlook

Arthroscopic surgery can be an outpatient procedure that has a quicker recovery as compared to open surgeries. But, it could take a few weeks before the joint that was surgically treated returns to its normal state. Surgically treated vertebrae could relieve pain within a couple of weeks.

If you do not undergo surgery, but instead opt for treatment with physical therapy or pain medication (either as pills or injections of steroids) Be aware that bone spurs will remain an integral part of your body and could create discomfort shortly.

If you are aware of the exercises to practice and how to keep a good posture, you could be able to reduce the effect that bone spurs can have on your daily life.