As you go about your daily life, bone spurs sometimes form, occurring near your joints in response to injury or persistent joint and ligament stress. These growths can gradually worsen, causing discomfort and restricting your mobility.
Keep reading to find out what bone spurs are, their symptoms, locations, diagnosis, and treatment options to get a clearer idea before seeing an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore.
What are bone spurs?
When your bones and joints experience stress, be it from injury, prolonged wear and tear, or instability, your body responds by attempting to repair and reinforce the affected area. This results in the deposition of extra bone tissue, leading to the formation of bone spurs which are tiny, smooth protrusions emerging from the edge of a bone. These growths can take on various shapes and sizes, but they typically resemble small, bony projections.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
Bone spurs often remain hidden until they start causing discomfort. Hence, it is essential to recognise symptoms for early intervention and effective management.
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Persistent pain
Pain typically occurs at the site of the spur and can range from dull, aching discomfort to sharp, stabbing sensations. The intensity depends on the size and location of the bone spur. If you are experiencing persistent pain, seeking professional help by seeing an orthopaedic surgeon as soon as possible is advisable.
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Joint protrusion
As bone spurs develop, they may create a noticeable protrusion or bump near the affected joint. It can usually be felt beneath the skin and is a visual indicator of the presence of a bone spur.
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Joint irritation
Bone spurs can irritate the tissues surrounding the joint, leading to inflammation, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. If you notice redness or warmth around a joint, it could be a sign of bone spur-related irritation.
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Reduced range of motion
The presence of bone spurs near a joint can limit your ability to move that joint freely. For instance, if bone spurs are present in the feet or ankles, they can make walking painful and challenging. This causes a reduced range of motion that can impact your daily activities, so it is important to seek help from a foot and ankle specialist in Singapore early.
Let us take a closer look at how they affect different parts of the body:
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Neck
Bone spurs in the neck can pinch nerves, leading to discomfort and restricted movement.
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Shoulder
They can cause pain and even tendon tears, impacting your shoulder’s functionality.
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Knee and ankle
In these areas, bone spurs may contribute to cartilage wear and tear, affecting your ability to move comfortably.
How are bone spurs diagnosed?
Orthopaedic surgeons in Singapore have the expertise to identify bone spurs through physical examination and imaging tests.
During a clinical examination, the surgeon will inquire about your medical history, including any previous injuries, chronic joint conditions, or family history of musculoskeletal issues. Then, they will carefully touch and feel the area where you are experiencing pain or discomfort. This helps them identify any noticeable bumps or irregularities, which could be indicative of bone spurs. The orthopaedic surgeon will evaluate your joint’s range of motion as well, checking for any restrictions or limitations caused by bone spurs.
To confirm the presence of bone spurs and assess their size and location accurately, imaging tests are often necessary. X-rays provide detailed images of bone structures while MRI scans offer a more comprehensive view of the joint to determine if the bone spurs are impacting nearby structures.
What are the treatment options available?
Depending on your specific case, your orthopaedic surgeon or foot and ankle specialist may recommend:
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Medications or injections
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to help you manage pain while corticosteroid injections may be administered to provide relief from pain and inflammation.
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Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists may employ a range of techniques to help reduce pain associated with bone spurs. This includes targeted exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as heat or cold therapy to increase joint mobility and range of motion.
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Surgery
In cases where bone spurs cause significant pain or interfere with your daily life, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend surgery.
- Arthroscopy: It involves making small incisions near the affected joint and using specialised instruments and a tiny camera to see and remove the bone spurs. This minimally invasive procedure is often used for shoulder, knee, and hip bone spurs.
- Open surgery: If bone spurs are large, deeply embedded, or located in less accessible areas, open surgery may be necessary. This involves making a larger incision to directly access and remove the bone spurs.
- Joint resurfacing or replacement: In severe cases of joint damage caused by bone spurs, joint resurfacing or replacement surgery may be recommended to remove the damaged joint surfaces and replace them with artificial components.
Learn more: Benefits Of Ankle Arthroscopy
Breaking free from bone spurs
Do not hesitate to reach out to Dr Kannan Kaliyaperumal at the Specialist Orthopaedic Centre. He is a foot and ankle specialist committed to enhancing your quality of life.
Our clinic is also dedicated to providing the highest level of care for bone spur-related issues like Achilles tendonitis treatment and more.