How to Know You Have a Bone Spur

Wondering if a bone spur could be to blame for your foot pain? 

Bone spurs also referred to as osteophytes, are simply extra bone that develops where the bones and joints join together. While some people may have bone spurs but not even know it, there are others that turn to our Winter Haven & Lakeland, FL, podiatrists Dr. Tatiana Wellens and Dr. Maria Jaramillo-Dolan because they are dealing with foot pain.

They Aren’t Painful But Can Cause Pain 

While a bone spur itself isn’t painful, people who have bone spurs on their feet may also experience pain, especially if the extra bone is rubbing against other tissue or bones in the foot. This persistent rubbing against tissue can also break down tissue, leading to pain, inflammation, and even tears. A bone spur may also increase your chances for corns or calluses.

Osteoarthritis Can Increase Your Risk for Bone Spurs 

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis, causing wear and tear on the joints. This degenerative form of arthritis often results in cartilage loss. It’s when the body tries to repair the cartilage that it ends up creating extra bone around these damaged areas.

Bone Spurs are Often the Result of an Injury 

Did you know that a bone spur often develops because your body’s natural healing response has been triggered? Perhaps there was an injury to the joint (as is the case in patients with osteoarthritis) or perhaps there was inflammation present that caused the body to produce extra bone. We see bone spurs most often in weight-bearing joints such as the feet, ankles, and knees.

Bone Spurs Don’t Often Require Treatment 

If you aren’t dealing with pain and the bone spur isn’t rubbing against bone or tissue then there really is no reason to treat the bone spur; however, if the bone spur is causing problems there are several conservative steps our Winter Haven & Lakeland, Fl, podiatrists will take first including,

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Icing
• Rest
• Stretching
• Physical therapy

We may also recommend wearing special padding (particularly if you’re prone to corns or calluses), shoe inserts, or prescription orthotics. If the pain persists despite these strategies, or if pain and swelling are severe, steroid injections may be recommended. In instances where osteoarthritis may have caused severe joint damage, we can also surgically remove the bone spur when replacing the joint. Spurs may also be removed during other foot surgeries including a bunionectomy.

If you are dealing with foot pain that you think could be due to a bone spur, our Winter Haven and Lakeland, FL, podiatrists are here to provide you with the care you need. To schedule a consultation with the team at Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, call (863) 299-4551 today.