A bone spur, also known as an osteophyte, is a bony projection that develops along the edges of bones, commonly where bones meet each other in joints. These growths are made primarily of calcium and form gradually over time, often as a response to repetitive stress, strain, injury, or joint damage. They are most commonly associated with aging and osteoarthritis, where the cartilage cushioning the joints wears down, leading to bone rubbing against bone. The body may respond to this damage by growing extra bone. Bone spurs can occur in various parts of the body including the heels, ankles, shoulders, hips, knees, spine, hands, and toes. Often, bone spurs do not cause symptoms and many people have them without realizing it. However, they can cause pain, stiffness, or limited movement if they press on surrounding nerves or tissues. Common causes include joint damage caused by osteoarthritis, repetitive joint use or injury, and aging. They may also develop due to inflammation from conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. Treatment is often unnecessary unless symptoms arise, in which case options like rest, anti-inflammatory medication, proper footwear, corticosteroid injections, or in severe cases, surgery, may be considered. In summary, bone spurs are extra bone growths formed as a repair response to bone or joint stress but can become problematic when they interfere with normal joint function or nerve function. This explanation is based on up-to-date medical sources and reflects the common understanding of bone spurs as of 2025.
