Bone Spurs Explained: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, & When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

If you’ve been dealing with persistent heel pain, joint stiffness, or discomfort that seems to get worse over time, you may have heard someone mention a bone spur. Despite the name, bone spurs aren’t actually “spikes” poking through the skin—they’re smooth, extra pieces of bone that develop over time where bones meet or where tendons and ligaments attach. The good news? Many bone spurs don’t cause any symptoms at all. But when they do, the right treatment can help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.

What is a Bone Spur?

A bone spur, also referred to as an osteophyte, is a small bony growth that forms as your body’s response to ongoing stress, wear and tear, or inflammation. Think of it as your body’s attempt to reinforce an area that’s under repeated pressure. Bone spurs can develop almost anywhere, but they are most common in the:

• Heel and foot
• Knee
• Hip
• Shoulder
• Spine
• Fingers

What Causes Bone Spurs?

Bone spurs don’t appear overnight. They usually develop gradually as a result of conditions that place repeated stress on a joint. Common causes include:

• Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis
• Aging and normal wear-and-tear
• Previous joint injuries
• Repetitive movements from work or sports
• Tendon or ligament inflammation
• Poor joint alignment or abnormal mechanics

For example, people with plantar fasciitis often develop heel bone spurs because of repeated pulling on the ligament along the bottom of the foot.

What Are The Symptoms?

Many people never realized they have a bone spur until it shows up on an x-ray. However, if a bone spur rubs against nearby tissues or limits joint movement, symptoms can include:

• Pain during activity
• Joint stiffness
• Swelling or tenderness
• Reduced range of motion
• A sensation of catching or locking in the joint
• Numbness or tingling if a bone spur presses on a nerve

Heel bone spurs may cause pain with the first few steps in the morning, while bone spurs in the shoulder can make it difficult to reach overhead. Bone spurs in the spine may contribute to neck pain, back pain, or symptoms that travel into the arms or legs.

How Are Bone Spurs Diagnosed?

An orthopedic specialist will begin with a physical examination and discuss your symptoms, medical history, and daily activities. In many cases, x-rays can clearly identify a bone spur. Depending on your symptoms, additional imaging such as an MRI or CT scan may be recommended to evaluate surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves.

How Are Bone Spurs Treated?

Treatment depends on where the bone spur is located and how much it is affecting your daily life. Many patients improve with non-surgical treatments, including:

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice to reduce pain and inflammation
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
• Supportive footwear or custom orthotics for foot and heel bone spurs
• Corticosteroid injections for persistent inflammation

If symptoms continue despite conservative treatment—or if the bone spur significantly limits movement or compress a nerve—your orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery to remove the bone spur and address the underlying problem.

What Does Recovery Look Like?

Recovery depends on the treatment you receive. Most people treated without surgery begin feeling better within a few weeks by following a personalized treatment plan. If surgery is needed, recovery varies based on the locations of the bone spur and the procedure performed. Physical therapy is often an important part of regaining strength, restoring mobility, and returning to everyday activities safely.

Don’t Let Joint Pain Slow You Down

Persistent joint pain doesn’t have to become your new normal. Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, shoulder stiffness, knee discomfort, or chronic back pain, early evaluation can help identify the cause and prevent symptoms from worsening.

Take the first step toward moving comfortably again. Our experienced orthopedic specialists at Waterbury Hospital provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for bone spurs, arthritis, sports injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Call our Orthopedic Team today at (203) 573-7677 to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you get back to the activities you love.