Bone spurs describe the growth of extra bone, usually in an area where two or more of your bones meet. About 40% of Americans will develop bone spurs at some point in their life.
When you have pain or other complications of bone spurs, you can find help at Apple Podiatry. Our experienced podiatrists, Jarna Rathod-Bhatt, DPM, and Rahul Bhatt, DPM, specialize in a variety of treatments to relieve foot pain and protect the health of your feet.
The overgrowth of bone on your foot develops because your body is trying to heal itself. Such a bony projection can be visible through the skin or feel like a hard lump on the top of your foot.
As you get older, your risk for developing bone spurs increases because of changes in the structure of your feet. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is a leading cause of bone spurs. As the protective cartilage that lines your joints wears away, your bones can rub together, and your body produces new bone to compensate.
Other causes of bone spurs on the feet include:
You may also be at a higher risk for bone spurs if you participate in high impact sports or other activities. In addition to your feet, spurs can even develop on other joints in your body, including your knees, spine, and ankles.
Not everyone with bone spurs will develop symptoms. Many times, bone spurs form in the middle of your foot and can gradually worsen over time.
If you have a bone spur that causes symptoms, they can include:
Over time, you may notice that you have more difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time.
If you’re not able to treat bone spur pain and other symptoms with rest and ice therapy, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation with our team at Apple Podiatry.
During an in-office evaluation of your feet, our providers can confirm if your pain relates to a bone spur or another type of foot condition. We perform comprehensive physical exams and offer X-rays and other diagnostic imaging tests on-site to identify the size and location of bone spurs.
You can also expect a customized treatment plan that not only relieves your pain, but also improves your mobility. Our physicians may initially suggest lifestyle changes and dietary improvements that help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Even a little bit of weight loss can take excess pressure off your feet.
Other treatment options to relieve bone spur pain include:
In some cases, when treatments are working, surgery to remove the spur may be necessary. Generally, surgery is a last resort option for bone spurs because it can limit your mobility or cause chronic pain.
We can also recommend strategies to prevent new bone spurs from forming, such as wearing comfortable, properly sized shoes and getting daily exercise.
To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for painful bone spurs, call the Apple Podiatry office nearest to you today or book an appointment online.
