February 1, 2025 • 19 mins
• Definition: Bone spurs (osteophytes) are extra bone growths that appear as smooth, hard bumps on bone ends, often in joints.
• Location: They can form in various places including hands, shoulders, neck, spine, hips, knees, and feet.
• Pain Trigger: Usually, bone spurs are harmless, but they cause pain when they rub against other bones or press on nerves.
• Main Causes: Osteoarthritis, injuries, overuse, genetics, diet, obesity, and bone issues are common causes of bone spurs.
• Typical Symptoms: You might experience pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, and visible bumps. Rarely, bladder or bowel control issues may occur.
• Diagnostic Methods: Doctors use physical exams, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and electroconductive tests to diagnose bone spurs.
• Treatment Options: Treatment ranges from rest, pain relievers, steroid shots, and physical therapy to surgery for severe cases.
• Preventative Steps: Wearing supportive shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise can help prevent some types of bone spurs.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a physician or another qualified health provider with any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition. By listening to this podcast, neither its hosts, guests, nor publishers establish a doctor-patient relationship, and no liability is assumed for any decisions made based solely on the information presented.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to the Podiatry Insight Hub, the leading informational audio platform for common care
(00:07):
and treatments related to lower extremity.
Get ready for another great podiatry topic in today's post.
Ready, set, here we go.
Disclaimer, the content provided in this audio is for informational purposes only and should
not be construed as medical advice.
It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or consultation with a qualified
healthcare provider.
(00:28):
This is to seek the advice of a physician or another qualified health provider with
any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.
By listening to this audio platform, neither its hosts, guests, nor publishers establish
a doctor-patient relationship and no liability is assumed for any decisions made based solely
on the information presented.
Alright everyone ready for this?
We're going deep on bone spurs today.
Ooh, bone spurs, I love talking about those.
(00:50):
Yeah, and you know we've got some great sources to guide us.
WebMD.
Ah, good ol' WebMD.
And then a more specialized piece from the Central Florida Foot and Ankle Institute.
So most people think bone spurs, you know, pain in the heel.
Literally.
Literally, right.
But really they can pop up anywhere you have joints.
Yeah, it's crazy.
(01:10):
It's kind of scary.
So we'll uncover like how do they form, how to spot them, and what can you do about them?
Well let's get started.
So bone spurs, they aren't just like random growths, you know.
Oh really?
So the body is attempt to like stabilize a joint that's you know been weakened or damaged
over time.
Like you know when they add scaffolding to a building because it's starting to crumble?
(01:33):
Oh okay.
It's like that.
So my body is basically trying to play contractor.
I'm picturing tiny hard hats on my bones now.
That's cute.
But if they're supposed to be helpful, why do they cause so many problems?
Well sometimes that extra scaffolding ends up getting in the way.
It's like it crowds like the surrounding nerves, tendons, ligaments, like adding a room to
(01:56):
your house but then it blocks the hallway.
That's a bad renovation.
Yeah, exactly.
Plumming's messed up now.
Ouch, yeah.
I can see how that would be a problem.
So where can these bone spurs show up?
Is it just heels or is it like a wider range?
It's a wider range.
And like what causes them in the first place?
Give me all the details.
(02:17):
Do they even show up anywhere, hands, shoulders, neck, spine, hips, knees, feet too?
So it really is anywhere.
Anywhere you've got joints that can pop up.
Most common culprit, osteoarthritis, wear and tear on those joints.
So as that cartilage breaks down the body's like, I gotta form some bone spurs.
(02:38):
So wear and tear is a big one.
But I know we read some other surprising causes.
Absolutely yeah.
So what were those?
Injuries.
Overuse.
Overuse.
Over, think like athletes, genes even, diet.
Weight diet.
And obesity.
Hold on.
So my life repeats that could be contributing to bone spurs.
(02:59):
I never would have thought.
It's all connected.
Excess weight puts stress on your joints and then they're more prone to damage and then
more likely to form the bone spurs.
Wow, I didn't know lifestyle choices could have such an impact.
That's crazy.
And we also read that bone spurs often don't cause any symptoms until they start like,
you know, really pressing on those surrounding structures.
(03:19):
Yeah, they're sneaky.
They're like silent time bombs.
That's scary.
So what kind of symptoms should we, you know, be on the lookout for?
What varies, but common signs are pain in the joint, stiffness, weakness, numbness, tingling.
You can even have muscle spasms.
Oh wow.
And sometimes you might even notice a bump under your skin.
Really?
(03:40):
So it's not just pain.
It could be a whole bunch of sensations.
And those bumps, are those always a sure sign of a bone spur?
Well, especially if they're hard and don't move, definitely worth getting checked out.
I mean, it couldn't be something else, but that's a classic sign, particularly like in
the hands.
Okay.
So it's like my body's sending up a little red flag like, hey, pay attention.
Right.
(04:00):
Exactly.
So how do doctors actually diagnose bone spurs?
How do they find them?
So they start with a physical exam, of course.
Right.
But then they'll also use imaging techniques.
Like what?
Eye disease, CT scans, MRIs.
So they really have to like look inside to see what's going on.
Yeah.
(04:20):
Get a clear picture.
Okay.
Sometimes they might also use electroconductive tests.
What?
Yeah.
That can measure how well your nerves are transmitting signals.
Wow.
What is that?
Like what does that do?
So it can help determine if the bone spur is like causing nerve damage.
Okay.
So they're really checking the wiring of the body basically.
That's so cool.
It is cool.
And once the diagnosis is confirmed, what happens next?
(04:43):
What are the options for like managing the bone spurs?
Well, the good news is there's a range of treatments available from conservative approaches
to like more involved procedures.
Okay.
So tell me about it.
Where do most people start when it comes to managing bone spurs?
Well, often the first line of defense is things you can do at home.
(05:04):
Oh, okay.
Rest, ice, over the counter pain relievers.
Like ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen, a proxen.
It's like treating a sprained kind of.
Kind of, yeah.
But if those home remedies aren't enough, then we got to move on.
To what?
Physical therapy.
Oh, physical therapy.
Okay.
Good physical therapists can teach you exercises, strengthen the muscles, improve flexibility,
(05:26):
and you know, take some pressure off that bone spur.
So it's giving your body the tools to compensate.
Exactly.
Okay.
I like that.
So what if those conservative approaches still aren't cutting it?
What happens then?
Well, in some cases, doctors might recommend corticosteroid injections.
Oh, injections.
Yeah.
They deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication right to the joint.
So it's like a direct attack on the inflammation.
(05:48):
Exactly.
But are there like downsides to these?
There are.
They provide relief, but it's not permanent, unfortunately.
They don't address the underlying issue.
And you can't get them too frequently.
So there are a tool in the toolbox, but not a magic bullet.
Right.
Okay.
What about surgery?
When does that come into play?
Well, bone surgery is typically reserved for the really tough cases.
(06:09):
Like what?
Like when the bone spur is causing significant pain, limiting mobility, pressing on a nerve.
And other treatments haven't helped.
Exactly.
Okay.
So it's really a last resort.
Yeah, pretty much.
And what does bone spur surgery involve?
Like what do they do?
Usually the goal is to remove that extra bone.
Oh, okay.
But sometimes if the joint's severely damaged, they might have to fuse the bones together
(06:31):
to eliminate, you know, movement and pain.
Wow.
That's so intense.
So you mentioned before that they use different imaging techniques.
Yeah.
To actually diagnose bone spurs.
Can you break those techniques down for me?
Like what are the pros and cons of each?
Sure.
So X-rays are usually the first step.
They give you a good view of the bones, show the size and location of the bone spur.
(06:53):
Okay.
But if you need a more detailed view, then we bring in the big guns.
Which are?
CT scans and MRIs.
Ah, okay.
CT scans, they use X-rays, but they create like cross-sectional images.
Like slices?
Yeah, like slices of bread.
So doctors can get a 3D view of everything.
Oh, wow.
The bone spur, all the surrounding structures.
(07:13):
So they can really see what's going on.
Yeah.
And what about MRIs?
MRIs, they are fantastic for visualizing soft tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments.
So if the bone spur is thought to be pressing on a nerve, an MRI can show that.
Okay.
So each has a different use?
Wow.
It's amazing how technology can really let us see inside the body like that.
(07:35):
But let's talk about prevention now.
Is there anything we can do to lower our risk of developing bone spurs?
Well, some causes like osteoarthritis are tough to prevent.
Okay.
But you can definitely do things to protect your joints, especially if the bone spurs are
related to like lifestyle choices.
So while you can't always outrun genetics, you can be proactive.
Okay.
(07:56):
So what kind of preventive measures are we talking about?
Like what can we do?
Choose supportive footwear.
Footwear, okay.
Shoes with a good fit, proper arch support, cushioning, it can make a world of difference.
So I guess it's really about treating your feet with respect.
It is.
You gotta think about your feet.
Giving them the support they need.
Mm-hmm.
Now that doesn't just mean like athletic shoes.
(08:17):
It's everyday footwear too.
Right.
Yeah.
What else can we do to keep those bone spurs at bay?
Regular weight bearing exercise.
Okay.
Like walking, strength training.
Helps maintain bone density, strong joints, and of course, healthy weight.
Big one.
It takes a lot of pressure off your joints.
So it really is a holistic approach.
Yeah.
(08:37):
It's exercise, healthy weight, supportive shoes.
It's taking care of your whole body.
Absolutely.
But you mentioned before that bone spurs are often the body's way of trying to fix a problem,
right?
Yeah.
They're not inherently bad.
They're a sign that your body's adapting.
Trying to stabilize a joint.
So it's a symptom of a problem.
That's right.
So it makes you think, what's that underlying problem?
(09:00):
Hmm.
Good question.
It's like putting a band-aid on a wound without cleaning it first, right?
Exactly.
And that's why understanding the cause of your bone spurs is so important.
Okay.
If you address the root cause, you can prevent more damage, maybe even reverse some of the
changes.
So it's not just about treating the bone spur, it's about the bigger picture.
(09:21):
Absolutely.
Wow.
That's great.
So we've covered a lot of ground.
We know bone spurs are often the body's way of saying something's wrong, but what
are those underlying issues we need to address?
Well, that's the question, isn't it?
And the answer is not always simple.
Like we talked about osteoarthritis, right?
That wear and tear.
Well, that can be influenced by a ton of factors.
Like what?
Age, genetics, previous injuries, repetitive movements, all sorts of things.
(09:44):
So sometimes it's just our joints getting older.
Sometimes, yeah, but not always.
Think about those athletes we talked about.
Overuse, repetitive stress.
It can lead to inflammation, tiny tears in those tendons and ligaments.
And the body tries to repair it, but sometimes it goes overboard.
And creates bone spurs.
(10:04):
You got it.
So even if you're young and active, you can still get those bone spurs.
Our bodies are always trying to find that balance.
They are.
Between repair and stability.
That's the key.
But that balance can be thrown off by so many things.
Excess weight, we talked about that.
But even poor posture.
Oh, okay.
Improper lifting techniques, they can all throw things off.
So it's not just about what we do, it's how we do it.
(10:26):
I'll keep that in mind next time I'm at the gym.
Good.
And don't forget about those feet.
Oh, right.
We talked about supportive footwear, but think about the shoes you wear on a regular basis,
like high heels.
They force your foot into a weird position, put strain on those joints, and that leads
to spurs.
Bingo.
It's like a domino effect.
One imbalance can lead to another and another and then bam, bone spurs.
(10:49):
But at least we have some control over those imbalances, right?
We do.
That's the good news.
And that's where prevention comes in.
So what can we do?
We talked about the basics, supportive footwear, regular exercise, healthy weight, but it's
about a holistic approach really.
Yeah, it's about long-term lifestyle changes, right?
Supporting your body from the inside out.
Exactly.
(11:10):
And if you start to have joint pain or other symptoms, don't ignore it.
Good advice.
The sooner you address it, the better.
Amazing.
Ah.
Okay, listeners, that's it for this part of our deep dive on bone spurs.
Stay tuned for the next part where we'll dive even deeper.
So let's get into those treatment options for bone spurs.
Remember we talked about a whole spectrum from conservative to surgical?
(11:31):
Yeah, yeah, remember.
So walk me through it.
Where do most people start when it comes to managing this?
Well, a lot of times the first thing is stuff you can do at home.
Okay, like what?
Rest.
Ice.
Rest in ice, okay.
And over-the-counter pain relievers.
Like Advil.
Yeah, ibuprofen, aproxen.
Okay, so it's kind of like treating a sprain.
(11:53):
Kind of, yeah.
But what if those home remedies aren't enough?
What's next?
Physical therapy is usually a good next step.
Okay, PT.
Yeah.
A physical therapist can teach you exercises, you know.
Strengthen the muscles around the joint.
Improve flexibility.
Take some of that pressure off the bone spot.
So it's about giving your body the tools to compensate.
Exactly.
(12:14):
I like that.
But what if even those conservative approaches aren't enough?
Well then sometimes doctors might recommend corticostroid injections.
Injections, okay.
Yeah, so those deliver like powerful anti-inflammatory medication right into the joint.
So it's like a direct hit on the inflammation.
Right, it targets it directly.
But are there any like downsides to those injections?
(12:36):
Well they provide relief, but it's not permanent.
Okay.
They don't really address the underlying problem either.
Right.
And you can't get them too often.
So they're a tool in the toolbox, but not, you know, a magic bullet.
Yeah, that's a good way to put it.
Okay.
What about surgery?
When does that become an option?
Surgery is usually reserved for the cases where nothing else has worked.
Like when it's really bad.
(12:57):
Yeah, like significant pain, limited mobility, pressing on a nerve, that kind of thing.
And other treatments haven't helped.
Right.
So it really is a last resort.
Yeah, pretty much.
And what does the surgery involve?
What do they actually do?
Well, the goal is usually to remove the extra bone growth.
But sometimes if the joint's super damaged, they might have to fuse the bones together
(13:19):
to eliminate movement, stop the pain.
Whoa, that's intense.
So you mentioned before that doctors use different imaging techniques to diagnose these.
Can you break those down for me?
Like what are the pros and cons of each?
Sure.
So X-rays, those are usually the first step.
Okay.
They give a good view of the bones, show the size and location of the bone spur.
(13:40):
So it's like the basic snapshot.
Exactly.
But what if you need a more detailed look?
Can you go to CT scans or MRIs?
Okay.
So those are the more powerful tools.
You could say that.
So what are CT scans good for?
CT scans use X-rays, but they create like cross-sectional images.
Like slices.
Yeah, like you're slicing a loaf of bread and looking at each slice.
(14:01):
Right.
So doctors can get a 3D view of everything, the bone spur, all the structures around it.
Wow.
And what about MRIs?
MRIs are the best for visualizing soft tissues.
Soft tissues, okay.
Puzzles, tendons, ligaments, all of that.
So if they think the bone spur is pressing on a nerve, an MRI can show that.
Exactly.
Wow.
(14:21):
So it's like they're choosing the right tool for the job.
Yeah.
They have to figure out which one will give them the best information.
It's amazing how technology has advanced so much.
It really lets us see inside the body.
But let's shift gears a bit now and talk about prevention.
Okay.
Is there anything we can do to lower our risk of developing bone spurs?
Well, some causes like osteoarthritis.
(14:42):
Those are tough to prevent completely.
Yeah, that makes sense.
But you can definitely take steps to protect your joints, especially if those bone spurs
are related to how you live your life.
So our lifestyle choices.
Exactly.
So even though we can't always outrun our genetics, we can be proactive.
Exactly.
And one of the best things you can do is choose supportive footwear.
(15:03):
Footwear.
Right.
We talked about that a bit before.
Yeah.
Shoes with a good fit, proper arch support, good cushioning.
It can make a huge difference.
So it's all about treating your feet well.
It is.
Giving them the support they need.
And that doesn't just mean athletic shoes either.
It means your everyday shoes too.
Right.
Right.
What else can we do to keep those bone spurs away?
(15:23):
Regular exercise is really important.
Okay.
What kind of exercise?
Weight-bearing exercise like walking or strength training helps maintain bone density, keep
your joints strong.
Okay.
Got it.
Anything else?
And of course, maintaining a healthy weight takes a lot of pressure off your joints.
So it really is a whole body approach.
It is.
Exercise, healthy weight, supportive shoes, it's all connected.
(15:45):
Exactly.
It's about taking care of your whole body.
That makes sense.
And you mentioned earlier that bone spurs are often the body's attempt to fix a problem.
So it's like they're not inherently bad.
Right.
They're a sign that your body's trying to adapt to stabilize a joint that's under stress.
So if there is a symptom of a problem, what's the underlying issue we should be looking
(16:07):
at?
That's the real question, isn't it?
It's like putting a band-aid on a wound without cleaning it first.
You're covering up the problem, but not solving it.
That's a good analogy.
And that's why understanding the cause of your bone spurs is crucial.
If you address the root issue, you can prevent further damage, maybe even reverse some of
the changes.
So it's not just about treating the bone spur itself, it's about looking at the bigger
(16:30):
picture.
Exactly.
And that's a perfect lead-in to our final part, where we'll explore those underlying
causes in more detail and talk about what you can do to really take control of your joint
health.
So we know bone spurs are often the body's way of saying something's wrong.
But what are those underlying issues, the things we need to address?
Well, that's the big question.
(16:50):
And the answer, well, it's not always clear-cut.
We talked about osteoarthritis, remember, that wear and tear on the joint.
So that can be caused by so many things.
Age, genetics, past injuries, repetitive movements, the list goes on and on.
So sometimes it really is just our joints getting older.
Right.
But not always.
Think back to those athletes we talked about.
(17:12):
Overuse and repetitive stress, all that can lead to inflammation.
Tiny little tears in the tendons and ligaments.
Ouch.
Yeah.
And the body, it tries to fix it, but sometimes it kind of overdoes it.
And creates bone spurs.
Exactly.
So you can be young and active and still get bone spurs.
It's crazy.
It's like our bodies are always trying to find that balance.
They are constantly trying to balance repair and stability.
(17:35):
Right.
But it sounds like that balance can be thrown off pretty easily.
Oh yeah.
Tons of things can mess it up.
Excess weight, we talked about that.
Poor posture.
Mm, yeah.
Improper lifting techniques.
You name it.
So it's not just what you do, it's how you do it.
Exactly.
You got to be careful.
And speaking of careful, don't forget about your feet.
Our feet, right.
We talked about supportive footwear.
(17:55):
But think about all the shoes you wear.
High heels, for example.
Yeah.
High heels, not the best for your feet.
Nope.
Not at all.
So we put into this unnatural position, put a lot of stress on the joints, and what does
that stress lead to?
Bone spurs.
You got it.
It's a domino effect, really.
One imbalance leads to another, then another, and bam, bone spurs.
(18:16):
But the good news is, we have some control over those imbalances, right?
We do.
That's the great thing.
That's where prevention comes in.
So what can we do?
Remind me again.
We talked about the basics.
Supportive footwear, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight.
Yeah.
The trifecta.
But it really is about a more holistic approach, thinking about your whole body.
(18:38):
So it's about those long-term lifestyle changes.
Supporting your body inside and out.
Exactly.
And if you start to have joint pain, or any of those other symptoms we talked about, don't
ignore it.
Right.
That's good advice.
The sooner you take care of it, the better.
I love it.
All right, listeners.
We've learned so much about bones spurs today.
What they are, what causes them, how they're diagnosed, and how to prevent them.
(18:59):
It's been a great deep dive.
It has.
And remember, if you have any concerns, always talk to a healthcare professional.
In the meantime, take good care of those joints.
Thanks for joining us.
Disclaimer, the content provided in this audio is for informational purposes only and should
not be construed as medical advice.
It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or consultation with a qualified
healthcare provider.
(19:20):
Always seek the advice of a physician or another qualified health provider with any questions
or concerns regarding a medical condition.
By listening to this audio platform, neither its hosts, guests, nor publishers establish
a doctor-patient relationship, and no liability is assumed for any decisions made based solely
on the information presented.
Welcome to the Podiatry Insight Hub, the leading informational audio platform for common care
(00:07):
and treatments related to lower extremity.
Get ready for another great podiatry topic in today's post.
Ready, set, here we go.
Disclaimer, the content provided in this audio is for informational purposes only and should
not be construed as medical advice.
It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or consultation with a qualified
healthcare provider.
(00:28):
This is to seek the advice of a physician or another qualified health provider with
any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.
By listening to this audio platform, neither its hosts, guests, nor publishers establish
a doctor-patient relationship and no liability is assumed for any decisions made based solely
on the information presented.
Alright everyone ready for this?
We're going deep on bone spurs today.
Ooh, bone spurs, I love talking about those.
(00:50):
Yeah, and you know we've got some great sources to guide us.
WebMD.
Ah, good ol' WebMD.
And then a more specialized piece from the Central Florida Foot and Ankle Institute.
So most people think bone spurs, you know, pain in the heel.
Literally.
Literally, right.
But really they can pop up anywhere you have joints.
Yeah, it's crazy.
(01:10):
It's kind of scary.
So we'll uncover like how do they form, how to spot them, and what can you do about them?
Well let's get started.
So bone spurs, they aren't just like random growths, you know.
Oh really?
So the body is attempt to like stabilize a joint that's you know been weakened or damaged
over time.
Like you know when they add scaffolding to a building because it's starting to crumble?
(01:33):
Oh okay.
It's like that.
So my body is basically trying to play contractor.
I'm picturing tiny hard hats on my bones now.
That's cute.
But if they're supposed to be helpful, why do they cause so many problems?
Well sometimes that extra scaffolding ends up getting in the way.
It's like it crowds like the surrounding nerves, tendons, ligaments, like adding a room to
(01:56):
your house but then it blocks the hallway.
That's a bad renovation.
Yeah, exactly.
Plumming's messed up now.
Ouch, yeah.
I can see how that would be a problem.
So where can these bone spurs show up?
Is it just heels or is it like a wider range?
It's a wider range.
And like what causes them in the first place?
Give me all the details.
(02:17):
Do they even show up anywhere, hands, shoulders, neck, spine, hips, knees, feet too?
So it really is anywhere.
Anywhere you've got joints that can pop up.
Most common culprit, osteoarthritis, wear and tear on those joints.
So as that cartilage breaks down the body's like, I gotta form some bone spurs.
(02:38):
So wear and tear is a big one.
But I know we read some other surprising causes.
Absolutely yeah.
So what were those?
Injuries.
Overuse.
Overuse.
Over, think like athletes, genes even, diet.
Weight diet.
And obesity.
Hold on.
So my life repeats that could be contributing to bone spurs.
(02:59):
I never would have thought.
It's all connected.
Excess weight puts stress on your joints and then they're more prone to damage and then
more likely to form the bone spurs.
Wow, I didn't know lifestyle choices could have such an impact.
That's crazy.
And we also read that bone spurs often don't cause any symptoms until they start like,
you know, really pressing on those surrounding structures.
(03:19):
Yeah, they're sneaky.
They're like silent time bombs.
That's scary.
So what kind of symptoms should we, you know, be on the lookout for?
What varies, but common signs are pain in the joint, stiffness, weakness, numbness, tingling.
You can even have muscle spasms.
Oh wow.
And sometimes you might even notice a bump under your skin.
Really?
(03:40):
So it's not just pain.
It could be a whole bunch of sensations.
And those bumps, are those always a sure sign of a bone spur?
Well, especially if they're hard and don't move, definitely worth getting checked out.
I mean, it couldn't be something else, but that's a classic sign, particularly like in
the hands.
Okay.
So it's like my body's sending up a little red flag like, hey, pay attention.
Right.
(04:00):
Exactly.
So how do doctors actually diagnose bone spurs?
How do they find them?
So they start with a physical exam, of course.
Right.
But then they'll also use imaging techniques.
Like what?
Eye disease, CT scans, MRIs.
So they really have to like look inside to see what's going on.
Yeah.
(04:20):
Get a clear picture.
Okay.
Sometimes they might also use electroconductive tests.
What?
Yeah.
That can measure how well your nerves are transmitting signals.
Wow.
What is that?
Like what does that do?
So it can help determine if the bone spur is like causing nerve damage.
Okay.
So they're really checking the wiring of the body basically.
That's so cool.
It is cool.
And once the diagnosis is confirmed, what happens next?
(04:43):
What are the options for like managing the bone spurs?
Well, the good news is there's a range of treatments available from conservative approaches
to like more involved procedures.
Okay.
So tell me about it.
Where do most people start when it comes to managing bone spurs?
Well, often the first line of defense is things you can do at home.
(05:04):
Oh, okay.
Rest, ice, over the counter pain relievers.
Like ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen, a proxen.
It's like treating a sprained kind of.
Kind of, yeah.
But if those home remedies aren't enough, then we got to move on.
To what?
Physical therapy.
Oh, physical therapy.
Okay.
Good physical therapists can teach you exercises, strengthen the muscles, improve flexibility,
(05:26):
and you know, take some pressure off that bone spur.
So it's giving your body the tools to compensate.
Exactly.
Okay.
I like that.
So what if those conservative approaches still aren't cutting it?
What happens then?
Well, in some cases, doctors might recommend corticosteroid injections.
Oh, injections.
Yeah.
They deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication right to the joint.
So it's like a direct attack on the inflammation.
(05:48):
Exactly.
But are there like downsides to these?
There are.
They provide relief, but it's not permanent, unfortunately.
They don't address the underlying issue.
And you can't get them too frequently.
So there are a tool in the toolbox, but not a magic bullet.
Right.
Okay.
What about surgery?
When does that come into play?
Well, bone surgery is typically reserved for the really tough cases.
(06:09):
Like what?
Like when the bone spur is causing significant pain, limiting mobility, pressing on a nerve.
And other treatments haven't helped.
Exactly.
Okay.
So it's really a last resort.
Yeah, pretty much.
And what does bone spur surgery involve?
Like what do they do?
Usually the goal is to remove that extra bone.
Oh, okay.
But sometimes if the joint's severely damaged, they might have to fuse the bones together
(06:31):
to eliminate, you know, movement and pain.
Wow.
That's so intense.
So you mentioned before that they use different imaging techniques.
Yeah.
To actually diagnose bone spurs.
Can you break those techniques down for me?
Like what are the pros and cons of each?
Sure.
So X-rays are usually the first step.
They give you a good view of the bones, show the size and location of the bone spur.
(06:53):
Okay.
But if you need a more detailed view, then we bring in the big guns.
Which are?
CT scans and MRIs.
Ah, okay.
CT scans, they use X-rays, but they create like cross-sectional images.
Like slices?
Yeah, like slices of bread.
So doctors can get a 3D view of everything.
Oh, wow.
The bone spur, all the surrounding structures.
(07:13):
So they can really see what's going on.
Yeah.
And what about MRIs?
MRIs, they are fantastic for visualizing soft tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments.
So if the bone spur is thought to be pressing on a nerve, an MRI can show that.
Okay.
So each has a different use?
Wow.
It's amazing how technology can really let us see inside the body like that.
(07:35):
But let's talk about prevention now.
Is there anything we can do to lower our risk of developing bone spurs?
Well, some causes like osteoarthritis are tough to prevent.
Okay.
But you can definitely do things to protect your joints, especially if the bone spurs are
related to like lifestyle choices.
So while you can't always outrun genetics, you can be proactive.
Okay.
(07:56):
So what kind of preventive measures are we talking about?
Like what can we do?
Choose supportive footwear.
Footwear, okay.
Shoes with a good fit, proper arch support, cushioning, it can make a world of difference.
So I guess it's really about treating your feet with respect.
It is.
You gotta think about your feet.
Giving them the support they need.
Mm-hmm.
Now that doesn't just mean like athletic shoes.
(08:17):
It's everyday footwear too.
Right.
Yeah.
What else can we do to keep those bone spurs at bay?
Regular weight bearing exercise.
Okay.
Like walking, strength training.
Helps maintain bone density, strong joints, and of course, healthy weight.
Big one.
It takes a lot of pressure off your joints.
So it really is a holistic approach.
Yeah.
(08:37):
It's exercise, healthy weight, supportive shoes.
It's taking care of your whole body.
Absolutely.
But you mentioned before that bone spurs are often the body's way of trying to fix a problem,
right?
Yeah.
They're not inherently bad.
They're a sign that your body's adapting.
Trying to stabilize a joint.
So it's a symptom of a problem.
That's right.
So it makes you think, what's that underlying problem?
(09:00):
Hmm.
Good question.
It's like putting a band-aid on a wound without cleaning it first, right?
Exactly.
And that's why understanding the cause of your bone spurs is so important.
Okay.
If you address the root cause, you can prevent more damage, maybe even reverse some of the
changes.
So it's not just about treating the bone spur, it's about the bigger picture.
(09:21):
Absolutely.
Wow.
That's great.
So we've covered a lot of ground.
We know bone spurs are often the body's way of saying something's wrong, but what
are those underlying issues we need to address?
Well, that's the question, isn't it?
And the answer is not always simple.
Like we talked about osteoarthritis, right?
That wear and tear.
Well, that can be influenced by a ton of factors.
Like what?
Age, genetics, previous injuries, repetitive movements, all sorts of things.
(09:44):
So sometimes it's just our joints getting older.
Sometimes, yeah, but not always.
Think about those athletes we talked about.
Overuse, repetitive stress.
It can lead to inflammation, tiny tears in those tendons and ligaments.
And the body tries to repair it, but sometimes it goes overboard.
And creates bone spurs.
(10:04):
You got it.
So even if you're young and active, you can still get those bone spurs.
Our bodies are always trying to find that balance.
They are.
Between repair and stability.
That's the key.
But that balance can be thrown off by so many things.
Excess weight, we talked about that.
But even poor posture.
Oh, okay.
Improper lifting techniques, they can all throw things off.
So it's not just about what we do, it's how we do it.
(10:26):
I'll keep that in mind next time I'm at the gym.
Good.
And don't forget about those feet.
Oh, right.
We talked about supportive footwear, but think about the shoes you wear on a regular basis,
like high heels.
They force your foot into a weird position, put strain on those joints, and that leads
to spurs.
Bingo.
It's like a domino effect.
One imbalance can lead to another and another and then bam, bone spurs.
(10:49):
But at least we have some control over those imbalances, right?
We do.
That's the good news.
And that's where prevention comes in.
So what can we do?
We talked about the basics, supportive footwear, regular exercise, healthy weight, but it's
about a holistic approach really.
Yeah, it's about long-term lifestyle changes, right?
Supporting your body from the inside out.
Exactly.
(11:10):
And if you start to have joint pain or other symptoms, don't ignore it.
Good advice.
The sooner you address it, the better.
Amazing.
Ah.
Okay, listeners, that's it for this part of our deep dive on bone spurs.
Stay tuned for the next part where we'll dive even deeper.
So let's get into those treatment options for bone spurs.
Remember we talked about a whole spectrum from conservative to surgical?
(11:31):
Yeah, yeah, remember.
So walk me through it.
Where do most people start when it comes to managing this?
Well, a lot of times the first thing is stuff you can do at home.
Okay, like what?
Rest.
Ice.
Rest in ice, okay.
And over-the-counter pain relievers.
Like Advil.
Yeah, ibuprofen, aproxen.
Okay, so it's kind of like treating a sprain.
(11:53):
Kind of, yeah.
But what if those home remedies aren't enough?
What's next?
Physical therapy is usually a good next step.
Okay, PT.
Yeah.
A physical therapist can teach you exercises, you know.
Strengthen the muscles around the joint.
Improve flexibility.
Take some of that pressure off the bone spot.
So it's about giving your body the tools to compensate.
Exactly.
(12:14):
I like that.
But what if even those conservative approaches aren't enough?
Well then sometimes doctors might recommend corticostroid injections.
Injections, okay.
Yeah, so those deliver like powerful anti-inflammatory medication right into the joint.
So it's like a direct hit on the inflammation.
Right, it targets it directly.
But are there any like downsides to those injections?
(12:36):
Well they provide relief, but it's not permanent.
Okay.
They don't really address the underlying problem either.
Right.
And you can't get them too often.
So they're a tool in the toolbox, but not, you know, a magic bullet.
Yeah, that's a good way to put it.
Okay.
What about surgery?
When does that become an option?
Surgery is usually reserved for the cases where nothing else has worked.
Like when it's really bad.
(12:57):
Yeah, like significant pain, limited mobility, pressing on a nerve, that kind of thing.
And other treatments haven't helped.
Right.
So it really is a last resort.
Yeah, pretty much.
And what does the surgery involve?
What do they actually do?
Well, the goal is usually to remove the extra bone growth.
But sometimes if the joint's super damaged, they might have to fuse the bones together
(13:19):
to eliminate movement, stop the pain.
Whoa, that's intense.
So you mentioned before that doctors use different imaging techniques to diagnose these.
Can you break those down for me?
Like what are the pros and cons of each?
Sure.
So X-rays, those are usually the first step.
Okay.
They give a good view of the bones, show the size and location of the bone spur.
(13:40):
So it's like the basic snapshot.
Exactly.
But what if you need a more detailed look?
Can you go to CT scans or MRIs?
Okay.
So those are the more powerful tools.
You could say that.
So what are CT scans good for?
CT scans use X-rays, but they create like cross-sectional images.
Like slices.
Yeah, like you're slicing a loaf of bread and looking at each slice.
(14:01):
Right.
So doctors can get a 3D view of everything, the bone spur, all the structures around it.
Wow.
And what about MRIs?
MRIs are the best for visualizing soft tissues.
Soft tissues, okay.
Puzzles, tendons, ligaments, all of that.
So if they think the bone spur is pressing on a nerve, an MRI can show that.
Exactly.
Wow.
(14:21):
So it's like they're choosing the right tool for the job.
Yeah.
They have to figure out which one will give them the best information.
It's amazing how technology has advanced so much.
It really lets us see inside the body.
But let's shift gears a bit now and talk about prevention.
Okay.
Is there anything we can do to lower our risk of developing bone spurs?
Well, some causes like osteoarthritis.
(14:42):
Those are tough to prevent completely.
Yeah, that makes sense.
But you can definitely take steps to protect your joints, especially if those bone spurs
are related to how you live your life.
So our lifestyle choices.
Exactly.
So even though we can't always outrun our genetics, we can be proactive.
Exactly.
And one of the best things you can do is choose supportive footwear.
(15:03):
Footwear.
Right.
We talked about that a bit before.
Yeah.
Shoes with a good fit, proper arch support, good cushioning.
It can make a huge difference.
So it's all about treating your feet well.
It is.
Giving them the support they need.
And that doesn't just mean athletic shoes either.
It means your everyday shoes too.
Right.
Right.
What else can we do to keep those bone spurs away?
(15:23):
Regular exercise is really important.
Okay.
What kind of exercise?
Weight-bearing exercise like walking or strength training helps maintain bone density, keep
your joints strong.
Okay.
Got it.
Anything else?
And of course, maintaining a healthy weight takes a lot of pressure off your joints.
So it really is a whole body approach.
It is.
Exercise, healthy weight, supportive shoes, it's all connected.
(15:45):
Exactly.
It's about taking care of your whole body.
That makes sense.
And you mentioned earlier that bone spurs are often the body's attempt to fix a problem.
So it's like they're not inherently bad.
Right.
They're a sign that your body's trying to adapt to stabilize a joint that's under stress.
So if there is a symptom of a problem, what's the underlying issue we should be looking
(16:07):
at?
That's the real question, isn't it?
It's like putting a band-aid on a wound without cleaning it first.
You're covering up the problem, but not solving it.
That's a good analogy.
And that's why understanding the cause of your bone spurs is crucial.
If you address the root issue, you can prevent further damage, maybe even reverse some of
the changes.
So it's not just about treating the bone spur itself, it's about looking at the bigger
(16:30):
picture.
Exactly.
And that's a perfect lead-in to our final part, where we'll explore those underlying
causes in more detail and talk about what you can do to really take control of your joint
health.
So we know bone spurs are often the body's way of saying something's wrong.
But what are those underlying issues, the things we need to address?
Well, that's the big question.
(16:50):
And the answer, well, it's not always clear-cut.
We talked about osteoarthritis, remember, that wear and tear on the joint.
So that can be caused by so many things.
Age, genetics, past injuries, repetitive movements, the list goes on and on.
So sometimes it really is just our joints getting older.
Right.
But not always.
Think back to those athletes we talked about.
(17:12):
Overuse and repetitive stress, all that can lead to inflammation.
Tiny little tears in the tendons and ligaments.
Ouch.
Yeah.
And the body, it tries to fix it, but sometimes it kind of overdoes it.
And creates bone spurs.
Exactly.
So you can be young and active and still get bone spurs.
It's crazy.
It's like our bodies are always trying to find that balance.
They are constantly trying to balance repair and stability.
(17:35):
Right.
But it sounds like that balance can be thrown off pretty easily.
Oh yeah.
Tons of things can mess it up.
Excess weight, we talked about that.
Poor posture.
Mm, yeah.
Improper lifting techniques.
You name it.
So it's not just what you do, it's how you do it.
Exactly.
You got to be careful.
And speaking of careful, don't forget about your feet.
Our feet, right.
We talked about supportive footwear.
(17:55):
But think about all the shoes you wear.
High heels, for example.
Yeah.
High heels, not the best for your feet.
Nope.
Not at all.
So we put into this unnatural position, put a lot of stress on the joints, and what does
that stress lead to?
Bone spurs.
You got it.
It's a domino effect, really.
One imbalance leads to another, then another, and bam, bone spurs.
(18:16):
But the good news is, we have some control over those imbalances, right?
We do.
That's the great thing.
That's where prevention comes in.
So what can we do?
Remind me again.
We talked about the basics.
Supportive footwear, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight.
Yeah.
The trifecta.
But it really is about a more holistic approach, thinking about your whole body.
(18:38):
So it's about those long-term lifestyle changes.
Supporting your body inside and out.
Exactly.
And if you start to have joint pain, or any of those other symptoms we talked about, don't
ignore it.
Right.
That's good advice.
The sooner you take care of it, the better.
I love it.
All right, listeners.
We've learned so much about bones spurs today.
What they are, what causes them, how they're diagnosed, and how to prevent them.
(18:59):
It's been a great deep dive.
It has.
And remember, if you have any concerns, always talk to a healthcare professional.
In the meantime, take good care of those joints.
Thanks for joining us.
Disclaimer, the content provided in this audio is for informational purposes only and should
not be construed as medical advice.
It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or consultation with a qualified
healthcare provider.
(19:20):
Always seek the advice of a physician or another qualified health provider with any questions
or concerns regarding a medical condition.
By listening to this audio platform, neither its hosts, guests, nor publishers establish
a doctor-patient relationship, and no liability is assumed for any decisions made based solely
on the information presented.
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