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Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are extra bone growths that develop along the edges of bones, most commonly at joints.
They usually form over time as the body responds to joint stress, cartilage loss, or instability.
One of the most common underlying causes of bone spurs is osteoarthritis, where gradual wear and tear changes how a joint functions.
Bone spurs aren’t always painful, and many people don’t know they have them.
Symptoms tend to appear when a spur presses on nearby nerves, tendons, or other tissues, or when it limits normal joint movement.
What Causes Bone Spurs to Form?
Bone spurs typically develop as a protective response.
When a joint becomes irritated or unstable, the body may produce extra bone in an attempt to reinforce and stabilize the area.
The most common cause is osteoarthritis.
As cartilage breaks down, joints lose their smooth cushioning. Increased friction and abnormal motion can trigger the body to lay down additional bone around the joint margins, which eventually becomes a bone spur.
Other factors that can contribute include:
- Repetitive motion or overuse
- Aging-related joint degeneration
- Previous joint injuries
- Chronic inflammation
- Poor joint alignment or biomechanics
In many cases, the bone spur itself isn’t the root problem, it’s a sign of what’s happening inside the joint.
Where Do Bone Spurs Commonly Occur?
Bone spurs can form anywhere joints or tendons experience repeated stress, but they’re most often found in the following areas:
Spine
Bone spurs in the spine can narrow the spaces where nerves travel.
This may lead to back pain, neck pain, tingling, or weakness in the arms or leg.
Knees
Often associated with knee osteoarthritis, bone spurs in the knee may cause stiffness, swelling, or discomfort when walking, squatting, or climbing stairs.
Shoulders
Shoulder bone spurs can irritate surrounding tendons, sometimes contributing to impingement or rotator cuff irritation.
Hips
Hip bone spurs may reduce range of motion and cause deep joint pain, especially during movement.
Heels and Feet
Heel spurs commonly form where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone and are frequently linked with plantar fasciitis.
Are Bone Spurs Always Painful?
No.
Many bone spurs cause no symptoms at all and are discovered incidentally on imaging done for other reasons.
Pain or discomfort tends to occur when a bone spur:
- Rubs against tendons or ligaments
- Compresses nearby nerves
- Restricts normal joint motion
- Aggravates existing joint inflammation
Symptoms vary depending on location and may include pain, stiffness, swelling, numbness, or reduced flexibility.
Bone Spurs and Osteoarthritis: What’s the Connection?
Studies show osteoarthritis is one of the leading drivers of bone spur formation.
As cartilage wears down, joints lose their ability to absorb shock. In response, the body attempts to stabilize the joint by forming extra bone around its edges.
This is why bone spurs and osteoarthritis often appear together on imaging studies.
In many cases, addressing the underlying joint degeneration is more important than focusing on the spur itself.
How Are Bone Spurs Diagnosed?
Bone spurs are typically identified through imaging, such as:
- X-rays
- MRI scans
- CT scans in specific cases
Imaging helps determine not only whether a bone spur is present, but also whether it’s affecting nearby nerves, cartilage, or soft tissues.
Do Bone Spurs Get Worse Over Time?
Bone spurs can slowly progress if the underlying joint stress or arthritis continues.
That doesn’t mean symptoms will always worsen, but unmanaged joint degeneration can increase stiffness, limit mobility, or raise the risk of nerve irritation over time.
Early evaluation can help clarify whether a bone spur is likely to remain stable or become more problematic.
Do Bone Spurs Go Away on Their Own?
Bone spurs typically do not disappear once they’ve formed.
However, they don’t always require treatment, especially if they aren’t causing symptoms.
Management decisions are based on factors such as:
- Symptom severity
- Impact on daily activities
- Underlying joint health
- Response to conservative care
When Is Surgery Considered?
Surgery may be considered if a bone spur:
- Causes persistent pain despite conservative treatment
- Compresses a nerve
- Severely limits joint function or mobility
That said, surgery is usually not the first step.
Many people are able to manage symptoms without surgical intervention.
Non-Surgical Approaches to Bone Spur–Related Pain
Because bone spurs often form due to joint degeneration or instability, non-surgical care typically focuses on addressing the underlying issue, not just the spur itself.
Depending on the individual case, non-surgical options may include:
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory strategies
- Image-guided injections
- Treatments designed to support joint structure and function
At Orthobiologics Associates, care is centered on identifying why bone spurs formed, often related to osteoarthritis, and exploring non-surgical approaches aimed at improving joint health.
For patients in and around Spring Hill, FL, this approach can be especially helpful when surgery isn’t the preferred first option.
The Bottom Line: What Are Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are common and often develop as part of the body’s response to joint wear, particularly from osteoarthritis.
While they don’t always cause symptoms, they can become problematic when they interfere with nearby structures or limit movement.
Understanding what caused a bone spur, and whether it’s truly the source of pain, is key to choosing the right treatment path.
In many cases, focusing on joint health and stability can make a meaningful difference without immediately turning to surgery.
FAQs: What Are Bone Spurs
How serious are bone spurs?
Bone spurs aren’t always serious and often don’t cause symptoms. They become a concern when they press on nerves, irritate tendons, or limit joint movement. The level of seriousness depends on their location, size, and whether they’re linked to conditions like osteoarthritis.
What is the best treatment for bone spurs?
There isn’t a single “best” treatment for everyone. Treatment usually focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause, such as joint degeneration or inflammation. Many people find relief with non-surgical options, while surgery is typically reserved for severe or persistent cases.
What happens if bone spurs are left untreated?
If a bone spur isn’t causing symptoms, it may not need treatment at all. However, when symptoms are present and left untreated, bone spurs can contribute to ongoing pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, or nerve irritation over time.
Does a bone spur go away by itself?
Bone spurs generally do not go away once they form. That said, they don’t always cause pain, and symptoms can often be managed without removing the spur, especially when the underlying joint issue is addressed.
At what age do bone spurs start?
Bone spurs are more common as people get older, especially after age 40, as joints experience natural wear and tear. However, younger individuals can also develop bone spurs, particularly if they have joint injuries, repetitive stress, or early osteoarthritis.
What can you do for bone spurs in the knee?
Knee bone spurs are often associated with knee osteoarthritis. Managing them usually involves reducing joint stress, improving mobility, and addressing inflammation. Non-surgical approaches are commonly used first, with surgery considered only if symptoms significantly affect daily activities.
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