Medically known as osteophytes, bone spurs are a growth of bone on top of an existing one. Since bone spurs usually occur during the aging process or with repetitive motion, a person may not show any symptoms and not realize that he has the condition. In cases where bone spurs become pointed and wear against bones, ligaments, tendons, or nerves, bone spur symptoms are often characterized by pain or reduced movement in the joints.
Common locations for bone spurs include the back, shoulders, hips, knees, and feet. The pain is often limited to the area of the body where the bone spur is located. Symptoms of bone stimulation often include more pronounced pain during activity. The pain usually goes away when the individual stops being active.
A symptom of bone spurs in the shoulder and knee includes limited range of motion. In the shoulder, bone spurs can put pressure on a person's rotator cuff, which is responsible for shoulder movement. This restricted movement can lead to tendonitis and rotator cuff tears. Bone spurs can affect the tendons around the knee, making it difficult and painful to extend and flex the joint.
Depending on the location, bone spur symptoms can vary. In the fingers, symptoms include pain along with severe swelling under the skin. The inflammation makes the fingers look disfigured. In the neck, the bone spurs often project inward. Common symptoms of bone spurs in the neck include occasional trouble swallowing or breathing.
In the spine, common bone spur symptoms include blunt pain when a person walks or stands. Bone spurs can protrude from the nerves in the spine, a condition called radiculopathy. When this occurs, other parts of the body can be affected; Radiculopathy can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in an individual's limbs. Common symptoms of bone spurs in the back can also include headaches and shoulder pain.
In more severe cases, bone spurs in the spine can affect the spinal cord. When the spinal cord becomes compressed or damaged, it is called myelopathy. Symptoms include weakness and problems with balance.
A person who has increased pain in their joints or decreased movement should seek medical attention, especially if the pain is severe. The symptoms of bone stimulation can be similar to those of other conditions, such as muscle fatigue, diabetes, and spinal tumors. A doctor must be able to make a diagnosis and offer treatment.