Bone spurs can be uncomfortable and painful. There are a few treatments to help alleviate the problems including surgery for bone spurs.

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are small projections of bone that can develop anywhere along the edge of a bone. They can develop on any bone, and they are often found where bones come together in the joints. They can also be found anywhere ligaments and tendons connect to the bone, and they also commonly form along the bones of the spine. Many bone spurs cause no symptoms, and they can actually exist for years before they are even discovered. The spurs themselves do not cause any pain, but when they rub against other bones or nerves, they can become rather painful. There is no one specific treatment for bone spurs, and the treatment used will largely depend upon the location of the spur and what kind of problems it is causing. For some people, surgery for bone spurs is the best options.

When a bone spur becomes severe enough to limit your range of motion or cause severe pain or other side effects that can make it difficult to go about your regular day to day activities, a doctor may recommend surgery. Depending upon the location and severity of the spur, the exact surgical procedure can vary quite a bit. Sometimes, in severe situations, the spurs are removed as part of another operation, such as when correctly problems caused by arthritis. Surgery can be performed as either an open procedure, where the surgeon cuts open the skin, or as an arthroscopic procedure. During an arthroscopic procedure, small incisions are made for special surgical tools to be inserted. The surgeon then uses a camera to see inside and perform the operation. Arthroscopic procedures are much less invasive and typically comes with less risks. These procedures also require less healing time than traditional open procedures.

In many cases, bone spurs cause little to no symptoms. Sometimes, when pain does occur it is mild enough to be controlled with over the counter medications. In other cases, your doctor may recommend surgery. When surgery is required, always be sure to discuss all the options and possible complications with your doctor. Doing so will ensure that you will have the procedure that will best suit your needs and provide the best possible results.