Bone spur, or osteophyte, is bony growth sprouting from a normal bone, causing extreme pain and discomfort when pressing against other bone and/or soft tissue.

Bone Spur Treatment:

Most of the time bone spur treatments are directed to the symptom itself and the root cause of the bone spurs. In case the cause of the bone spurs is obesity, then treatment would be directed to losing weight to prevent aggravation of the condition. This is to prevent more pressure applied to the bone spur, which would eventually cause pain that may worsen in time.

Often with conservative care, most patients with mild to moderate nerve irritation and compression are able to manage their symptoms effectively. This can be done by taking medications such as a muscle relaxant or anti-inflammatory, for 4 to 6 weeks. Sufficient rest can help, as inflammation of the joints will often occur due to activity. Physical therapy and manipulation after 1-2 weeks will often alleviate painful symptoms in the joints. Epidural steroid or cortisone injections are effective but can result in severe side effects.

Symptoms of Bone Spurs in most cases are asymptomatic, meaning they do not show any symptoms that may suggest the presence of the bone formation. However, some cases wherein rubbing in some areas may result to swelling and pain while corns and calluses may be present in the foot due to tissue build up.

causes bone spur:

Bone spurs often develop as a normal result of aging, but other risk factors include: genetics, accidents, sports injuries, nutrition, poor posture, and congenital structural disorders.

In addition, several specific conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, and rotator-cuff disorders are also known to increase risk for developing bone spur.

The main cause of heel spurs is when the Plantar Fascia, the thick connective tissue that attaches the toes to the heel, becomes inflamed. This abnormal stress on the heel causes calcification of the soft tissue in the foot, creating the conditions for plantar fasciitis. Factors that can lead to this condition include abnormal stress, excessive weight, aging, or poor foot function. When the tissue becomes tight, it is torn over and over by the daily use of the foot. As the tissue becomes inflamed, it results in heel spurs.

The terms Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spur are often confused by patients as well as the doctors. Although, these two terms are related, they are not the same. Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue that structures the foot arches. A Heel Spur is bone hook that forms on the bone of the heel and is closely connected with plantar fasciitis.

These orthotic insoles help in correcting abnormal foot mechanics and over-pronation through providing support to the Plantar Fascia and releasing the undue strain. Thus it treats the root cause of Plantar Fasciitis. Orthotics are further helpful if combined with a daily regime of stretching and strengthening of the Plantar Fascia, the Achilles tendons, and the calf muscles. Such exercises need not take no more than 5 to 10 minutes per day.

Heel spur operations, many a times, are the last step for the heel spur sufferers. This surgery is basically the last treatment option to treat heel spurs. The severe pains arising due to pain in the heel bone may sometimes become very difficult to tolerate, thus making every movement unbearable. In such a case, surgery becomes the best option to get rid of this pain and inflammation.

To prevent heel spurs allow your feet to be stretched and to relax throughout the day. If practicable, try removing your shoes several times during the day, and flex your feet and rotate your ankles. This will help in relieving the pressure and tension on the plantar fascia.

Some of the popular home remedies are given below:

1. The solution of borax is an effective remedy for the treatment of spurs. You may soak your feet in the solution of heel spurs regularly. Then you will observe the difference in inflammation and pain within few days.

2. Chlorinated water is also very effective for the treatment of heel spur. It not only takes away the pain but also bring down the inflammation caused in the area.

3. When there is any discomfort in any part of the body especially in the heel, apple cider vinegar helps in reducing the discomfort.