Medicines for Bone spurs (osteophytes)

What it is

Osteophytes, commonly known as bone spurs, are small, smooth bony growths (projections) that form on the edges of bones, often where bones meet at joints, or along the spine. They are very common, particularly as people get older, and are frequently associated with the age-related changes of the joints and the "wear and tear" of osteoarthritis, forming as the body’s response to changes in a joint (for example as it tries to repair or stabilise a joint affected by wear). Osteophytes can form in many places, including the spine (neck and back), the knees, hips, hands and fingers, feet (such as the heel), and shoulders. A key point about osteophytes is that they are very often harmless and cause no symptoms at all — many are found incidentally on X-rays done for other reasons, and simply reflect normal age-related changes. However, in some cases, osteophytes can cause symptoms, depending on their size and location: they may cause pain or stiffness in the affected joint (often as part of osteoarthritis), a reduced range of movement, or a visible or palpable bony lump (for example on the fingers, or a bony bump); and, in certain locations — particularly in the spine — an osteophyte can press on a nearby nerve or, less commonly, the spinal cord, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness spreading along the path of the affected nerve. When osteophytes cause no symptoms, they need no treatment. When they do cause symptoms, treatment is directed at the symptoms and any underlying condition (such as osteoarthritis) rather than the osteophyte itself in most cases — for example pain relief, exercises and physiotherapy, and other measures — and only occasionally, where an osteophyte is causing significant problems (such as pressing on a nerve), is it removed or treated directly. The key messages are that osteophytes (bone spurs) are common, usually harmless, and often symptomless, and that treatment is only needed if they cause symptoms.

How it is treated

Osteophytes usually need no treatment, and management is directed at symptoms and any underlying condition when they do cause problems. Because osteophytes are very often symptomless and simply reflect age-related joint changes (frequently found incidentally on X-rays), no treatment is needed in these cases — reassurance that they are common and harmless is usually all that is required. When osteophytes are associated with symptoms, the approach depends on the cause and location. Most commonly, osteophytes occur as part of osteoarthritis, and the symptoms (joint pain and stiffness) are managed as for osteoarthritis — with measures such as staying active and doing appropriate exercise, keeping to a healthy weight (to reduce load on weight-bearing joints), physiotherapy, pain relief and anti-inflammatory measures as advised, and other supportive measures — rather than treating the osteophyte itself. A bony lump caused by an osteophyte (for example on the fingers or feet) that is harmless may just need reassurance, or footwear adjustments if it rubs. In certain situations — particularly in the spine — an osteophyte may press on a nerve or the spinal cord and cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness spreading along a nerve, or (less commonly) more significant neurological symptoms; these should be assessed, and, if confirmed and significant, may be treated, which can include specific measures and, occasionally, surgery to relieve the pressure (for example removing the osteophyte or decompressing the nerve). It is worth seeing a GP if you have persistent joint pain or stiffness, a bony lump that is growing, painful, or of concern, or symptoms suggesting nerve involvement (spreading pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness), so the cause can be assessed and managed. The reassuring messages are that osteophytes (bone spurs) are common and usually harmless and symptomless, needing no treatment, and that when they do cause symptoms, these are usually managed by treating the associated condition (such as osteoarthritis) and the symptoms, with direct treatment of the osteophyte reserved for the occasional case where it causes significant problems such as pressing on a nerve.