What Are Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs, medically known as osteophytes, are bony growths that develop along the edges of bones. They often form where bones meet each other in your joints. Despite the name “spur,” these growths are usually smooth and may cause no symptoms at all.
Bone spurs are your body’s attempt to repair itself. When cartilage wears down in a joint, your body responds by creating extra bone. This is why bone spurs are strongly linked to osteoarthritis and aging.
Common Signs and Symptoms
What You Might Feel
Many people with bone spurs have no symptoms. You might not know you have them until an X-ray reveals them during an unrelated exam. However, when symptoms do occur, they typically include:
- Hard lumps you can feel near affected joints
- Joint pain that worsens with activity
- Stiffness especially after rest or in the morning
- Reduced range of motion in the affected joint
- Grinding or grating sensations during movement
Location-Specific Symptoms
Knee bone spurs may cause:
- Pain when bending or straightening the leg
- A feeling of the knee “catching” or locking
- Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces
Hip bone spurs often lead to:
- Pain in the groin or front of the thigh
- Limping or altered gait patterns
- Difficulty putting on shoes or socks
Spine bone spurs can cause:
- Back or neck pain
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
- Weakness in the limbs if nerves are compressed
Why Bone Spurs Indicate Advanced Arthritis
Bone spurs are a hallmark sign that osteoarthritis has progressed. When your doctor finds osteophytes, it often means:
- Cartilage loss has occurred - Your body is trying to stabilize a damaged joint
- The condition is not new - Spurs take time to develop
- Multiple treatments may be needed - Conservative care alone may not be enough
Understanding this connection helps you work with your healthcare provider to create an appropriate treatment plan.
The Role of Imaging
Why X-Rays Matter
X-rays are the primary tool for detecting bone spurs. They clearly show:
- The size and location of bone spurs
- How much joint space has been lost
- The overall health of the bone
- Whether the arthritis is mild, moderate, or severe
When Additional Imaging Helps
Sometimes your doctor may order additional tests:
- MRI scans show soft tissue damage that X-rays cannot reveal
- CT scans provide detailed 3D images of complex bone spur formations
- Ultrasound can guide injection treatments with precision
When to See a Doctor
While bone spurs themselves are not dangerous, they can signal underlying conditions that need attention. Schedule an appointment if you experience:
- Joint pain lasting more than two weeks
- Visible changes in joint shape
- Difficulty performing daily activities
- Pain that does not respond to rest and over-the-counter medications
- Any numbness, tingling, or weakness
Red Flags Requiring Urgent Care
Seek immediate medical attention if you have:
- Sudden severe joint pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (with spinal symptoms)
- Progressive weakness in your arms or legs
- Severe pain that wakes you from sleep
Self-Care Strategies
While waiting for your appointment or as part of ongoing management:
Activity modification - Reduce activities that aggravate your symptoms, but stay gently active
Ice therapy - Apply ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes several times daily to reduce inflammation
Supportive footwear - Cushioned shoes can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints
Gentle exercise - Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling maintain joint mobility without excess strain
Weight management - Every pound lost reduces pressure on joints by three to four pounds
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on your symptoms and the severity of your condition:
- Physical therapy strengthens muscles around the joint and improves flexibility
- Viscosupplementation (gel injections) can restore joint lubrication
- Corticosteroid injections provide short-term inflammation relief
- Surgery may be considered if bone spurs severely limit function or compress nerves
Questions for Your Doctor
- Do my X-rays show bone spurs, and if so, how severe are they?
- What stage is my arthritis based on the imaging?
- Will the bone spurs continue to grow?
- What treatments do you recommend for my specific situation?
- How can I slow the progression of my arthritis?
Related Symptoms
- Joint Deformity - Visible changes to joint shape
- Leg Length Discrepancy - One leg appearing shorter