Bone Spur Treatment In New Jersey

Joints bring together two or more bones and provide vital support, movement, and flexibility to the human body. Under optimal circumstances they function smoothly and painlessly, but when structural damage or changes occur, pain and dysfunction can arise.

Bone spurs, bony growths that form along the edges of bones or near ligament/tendon attachments, can increase friction, impair joint movement, and irritate nearby nerves. They are a common source of joint and nerve pain in people over the age of 50, but can also impact individuals of any age, depending on the circumstances. The majority of bone spurs develop as the result of osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis), but these painful growths may also be caused by other degenerative conditions or injuries. They can be extremely painful and lead to restricted mobility and decreased quality of life.

If you are living with joint pain and suspect bone spurs may be a contributing factor, trust the award-winning team of doctors at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey to provide a definitive diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. We are dedicated to working closely with patients to help them meet and exceed their mobility goals and look forward to being by your side every step of the way. Contact our office today to learn more and book an appointment!

What Are Bone Spurs?

Also known as osteophytes, bone spurs are bony overgrowths that develop in response to the degeneration of cartilage and/or ligaments within a joint. Forming along the edges of bones or near ligament or tendon attachments, they can project into joints or their surrounding tissues, impinge nearby nerves, and cause pain that limits flexibility and impacts the ability to perform a wide range of critical movements and tasks.

Bone spurs can occur in any joint, but are most common in high-stress joints including the shoulders, knees, hands, hips, heel, and spine (where they often contribute to spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal and other vertebral spaces). They are primarily linked to osteoarthritis or another degenerative joint disease, but can also be caused by a variety of other factors including traumatic injuries, repetitive stress on a joint, poor posture, and occasionally, certain congenital conditions. Genetics may also play a role in the development of bone spurs.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

The symptoms of bone spurs can range from mild to severe, depending on their location and size, as well as the extent to which they limit movement within a joint. While every patient’s experience is unique, common bone spur symptoms can include:

• Joint stiffness
• Achiness in affected joints
• Persistent pain
• Radiating pain
• Reduced range of motion in affected joints
• Frozen joints
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness
• Neurological deficits (severe cases)

A diagnosis of bone spurs is often made in conjunction with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis or another condition that causes degenerative changes in joints. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, the diagnosis of bone spurs involves taking a thorough medical history, carefully documenting patient symptoms, and performing an in-depth physical examination. Often, diagnostic imaging tests are also ordered to better visualize the affected area and rule out other possible causes of pain. These may include X-rays, CT scan, or MRI. In some cases, an electromyography (EMG) may also be indicated to evaluate nerve health.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Once a diagnosis of bone spurs has been confirmed, the world-class team of doctors at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey develops a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at relieving symptoms as well as addressing their underlying cause. In many cases, symptomatic bone spurs can be managed using conservative treatment options. These often include one or more of the following:

• Physical therapy
• Pain medications
• Corticosteroid injections
• Orthotics or other supportive devices
• Lifestyle modifications

Surgical Treatment Options

In severe cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove bone spurs or relieve pressure on nerves. Depending on the location and nature of your symptoms, one of the following procedures may be recommended by the Modern Orthopaedics team:

• Decompression surgery (to relieve nerve or tendon impingement)
• Osteophytectomy (to remove bone spurs)
• Joint replacement surgery

For more specifics about which treatment approach may offer the best results based on your needs and health goals, speak directly with one of our joint specialists at Modern Orthopaedics.

Why Choose Modern Orthopaedics Of New Jersey

Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey is a state-of-the-art orthopedic clinic founded by doctors at the top of their field. Taking a patient-focused approach to orthopedic care, the Modern team is renowned for cutting-edge treatments performed with unparalleled skill and compassion. Bone spur treatment is one of our areas of expertise and we look forward to helping you regain your full quality of life.

Preventing Future Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are not always preventable, but there are some proactive measures you can take in order to reduce the risk of bone spur formation. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Wearing supportive shoes
• Living an active lifestyle
• Maintaining good posture
• Avoiding smoking

Scheduling Your Appointment

Schedule an appointment at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey today and take the first step on your journey toward a complete and lasting recovery!