Bone Spurs: What They Are, When They Matter, and What to Do About Them
What Are Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs (osteophytes) are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones. They form in response to stress, pressure, or degenerative changes—often near joints or where ligaments and tendons attach to bone.
The name is misleading—they're usually not sharp or pointy. They're more like bony lips or ridges.
Why Do Bone Spurs Form?
The Body's Attempt to Stabilize
When a joint experiences stress or instability, the body tries to increase surface area and create more stability by adding bone.
Common causes:
Where They Form
Do They Matter?
The Important Truth
Most bone spurs don't cause symptoms.
It's common to have bone spurs on imaging that cause zero problems. Many people over 60 have them somewhere without knowing.
When They Cause Problems
Bone spurs may be symptomatic when they:
Location Matters
Spine:
Shoulder:
Heel:
Hip/Knee:
Symptoms (When Present)
Depend on Location
Spine:
Joints:
Heel:
Diagnosis
Imaging
X-rays:
CT scan:
MRI:
Remember
Just because imaging shows spurs doesn't mean they're causing your symptoms. Correlation doesn't equal causation.
Treatment
No Treatment Needed (Most Cases)
If spurs aren't causing symptoms, leave them alone. They don't need to be removed preventatively.
Conservative Treatment (When Symptomatic)
For joint-related spurs:
For spine-related spurs:
For heel spurs:
Surgery (Rarely Needed)
Indications:
Options:
Living With Bone Spurs
Focus on Function, Not Imaging
Manage the Underlying Condition
Prevention
While you can't fully prevent age-related spurs:
Common Myths
"Bone spurs need to be removed"
Most don't. Only symptomatic ones that haven't responded to conservative treatment.
"They're sharp and poking things"
They're usually smooth and rounded, not spiky.
"They keep growing forever"
They tend to reach a certain size and stabilize.
"Nothing can be done"
Many symptomatic spurs respond well to conservative treatment.
When to See a Doctor
Bone spurs are often feared more than they should be. They're a common finding as we age, and most don't cause problems. If yours are symptomatic, conservative treatment usually helps. Focus on maintaining joint health, staying active, and addressing symptoms rather than fixating on the imaging report.