The most common root cause of bone spur is genetics. Patients may typically develop symptoms in their mid 40's to early 50's. Men are more likely to develop symptoms earlier in life, however postmenopausal women with stiffening spines exceed men in incidence and severity of osteoarthritis.

Non-Surgical Bone Spurs Treatment

Medications
Medication, such as anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxant pain medications, for approximately 4 to 6 weeks.

Rest
Short period of rest is initially appropriate to prevent flare up inflammation in the joints

Rehabilitation therapy
After 1-2 weeks, physical therapy, exercise and chiropractic adjustment often alleviates the painful joint conditions. However, nerve compression with radiating pain into an arm and leg should be clinically investigated before beginning any form of rehabilitation therapy.

Injections
Cortisone (epidural steroid) injections reduce the joint swelling, thus improving the spinal pain and radiating extremity pain syndromes. As the results are usually only temporary, repeat injections are taken. Pain relief from an injection may allow the patient to progress with rehabilitation.

Other Alternative Therapies:

Exercise: If you think your pain is exercise-related, change your exercise routine, environment, or foot-ware. Focus on your movements and/or body parts that do not cause pain.

Holistic Approach: Foot pain can be linked to stress. Hypnosis and guided imagery are worth trying.

Natural Supplements: Natural anti-inflammatories can be just as effective as any other over-the-counter pain relievers with fewer side effects.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) standardized to 5-6% gingerols and 6% shogoals, take one to two 500 mg tablets three to four times daily

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) standardized to 95% curcuminoids, take 400-600 mg three times daily.

Make sure that you are wearing well-fitting shoes. Take the pressure off your heel with a donut-shaped heel cushion or a heel-raising pad placed in your shoe.

Acupuncture can also relieve the pain. You can also use magnetic shoe inserts, although the evidence behind their effectiveness is not conclusive. Osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation can help with soft tissue pain in and around the feet.

The majority of patients who undergo surgery for bone spurs experience good results, often gaining years of relief and improved lifestyle. However, medical conditions often associated with age, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease can influence surgical risks and slow the recovery processes.