The vast majority of bone spurs go unnoticed because they cause no apparent symptoms. Other times, however, they can become painful or uncomfortable, and in severe cases, they can even limit your mobility, and in such cases, treatment for bone spurs is required.

Bone spurs occur when tiny projections develop along the edge of a bone. Also known as osteophytes, bone spurs can develop on any bone, but they are most commonly found where bones come together to form a joint. They are also rather common in places where tendons and ligaments are connected to the bone as well as along the bones that make up the spine. Typically, bone spurs do not cause any discomfort or serious problems, so no treatment is needed. In fact, the majority of bone spurs go undetected. In some cases, however, they are more severe and can cause pain or limited mobility. In such cases, there are a number of different options when it comes to treatment for bone spurs. Sometimes the problem can be controlled with medicine while in other, rarer cases, surgery may be required or recommended by your doctor.

Since the majority bone spurs do not cause severe pain, most do not need to be removed. In the event that a bone spur does become painful, the pain is often mild to moderate and can be controlled using over the counter pain or anti-inflammatory medications. When one's range of motion becomes limited or the spur becomes severely painful, however, surgical removal may be necessary. Sometimes the operation is done using a traditional open procedure where the skin is completely opened for the surgeon to operate. Other time, an arthroscopic procedure is performed. In this procedure, only small incisions are needed, and small tools are inserted under the skin. The surgeon then does the procedure with the use of a tiny camera and remote controls for the tools. Arthroscopic surgery can be very effective, and because smaller incisions are made, less healing time is generally required.

The majority of bone spurs go undetected, so they require no medical intervention whatsoever. When mild pain is experienced, it can often be treated using safe, over the counter medications for pain or inflammation. If surgery is required, it is important to discuss all the options and possible risks with your doctor. Doing so can help you to choose whatever option will work best for your own personal needs.