Bone spurs, known medically as osteophytes, are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones, most often where joints meet. These formations are common, especially as the body ages, and can cause significant discomfort when they press against surrounding soft tissues or nerves. This article addresses the belief that these bony growths can be “dissolved” and explores the non-surgical and surgical treatments available for managing symptoms.
What Are Bone Spurs and Why Do They Form
Bone spurs are the body’s attempt at a repair process, often triggered by long-term joint damage or instability. They are composed of calcified bone tissue, forming smooth lumps that extend from the bone surface. Their formation is primarily a response to wear and tear, most commonly associated with osteoarthritis, where the body tries to stabilize the joint by growing extra bone tissue as protective cartilage breaks down.
This extra bone growth, called osteophytosis, develops slowly over time in areas subjected to chronic stress, such as the spine, heels, shoulders, and knees. The bone spur itself is usually not the source of pain; discomfort arises when the projection irritates or impinges on adjacent structures like tendons, ligaments, or spinal nerves.
Addressing the Myth of Dissolution and Non-Surgical Management
Once a bone spur is fully formed, it cannot be dissolved by non-surgical means. The growths are made of the same hard, calcified material as the rest of the skeleton, and no home remedy, diet, or supplement can eliminate this bony tissue. Claims about compounds like apple cider vinegar, magnesium, or turmeric dissolving spurs are misleading, as these approaches only target the inflammation around the spur, not the bone itself.
Non-surgical management focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving joint function, not on eliminating the spur. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are often used to reduce swelling and pain in the irritated soft tissues. Lifestyle modifications, including weight management, significantly reduce the mechanical load on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.
Physical therapy focuses on stretching and strengthening the muscles surrounding the affected joint. These exercises improve joint mechanics, increase flexibility, and take pressure off the area where the spur is causing irritation. Adjustments to footwear, such as supportive shoes or custom orthotic inserts, can also help relieve pressure on heel or foot spurs and minimize painful inflammation.
Clinical Treatments for Symptom Relief
When over-the-counter medication and physical therapy do not provide sufficient relief, a doctor can administer clinical treatments. One common intervention is a corticosteroid injection, which delivers a synthetic steroid directly into the localized area of inflammation near the bone spur. The corticosteroid is an anti-inflammatory agent that works to decrease swelling and pain in surrounding soft tissues, such as tendons or ligaments.
The injection is performed using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to ensure the medication reaches the area causing the symptoms. While the injection does not remove the bone spur, it can provide significant pain relief lasting from several weeks to many months. Physicians limit the number of these injections over time to prevent potential side effects, and may also prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications for underlying conditions like advanced arthritis.
When Surgical Removal Becomes Necessary
Surgery to remove a bone spur, known as osteophytectomy, is considered only after non-surgical treatments have failed to alleviate symptoms. The primary criteria for surgical intervention include persistent pain, a significant loss of function or range of motion, or the presence of neurological compromise.
Neurological compromise occurs when a spur presses directly on a nerve root or the spinal cord, causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, or radiating pain. The goal of the surgery is to remove the bony overgrowth, shaving it down or cutting it off to relieve pressure on surrounding structures. The procedure may be performed using open surgery or minimally invasive techniques like arthroscopy, but recurrence is possible if the underlying cause, such as joint instability, is not addressed.