If you have noticed an unusual bump somewhere along your body and are concerned about what it might be, one possibility is a bone spur. Bone spurs are very small and pointed pieces of bone that are excess growths from one or more of the bones in your body. Before you self-diagnose any bumps, read our informative insight into what the symptoms of bone spurs are and where you can get treatment for bone spurs in Los Angeles.
Symptoms of Bones Spurs
Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are made up of small bone cells that have been deposited by larger bone. Because the spurs derive from natural bones in your body, they can be difficult to diagnose and treat depending on where the growth occurs. One reason spurs may appear can be due to a pre-existing condition of arthritis or tendonitis, which both cause concentrated inflammation in affected patients. If you suffer from either of these, have recently suffered from a significant injury near a major tendon or cartilage that has not healed, or is showing signs of increased inflammation, bone spurs may occur in the affected areas.
When inflammatory diseases such as arthritis are active, they can increase a patient’s risk for developing bone spurs. The inflammation causes large bones, such as a humerus, to be overstimulated and release small bone cells that eventually grow into spurs. These bone spurs are often found in the spinal cord, and on feet. If you are experiencing painful, hard growths in these areas, seek treatment for bone spurs in Los Angeles and schedule a check-up with Dr. Yashar.
While pain near the site of the bump is not an isolated symptom for bone spurs, it is one of the signs that the growth could be your body’s reaction to the inflamed injury site. The area around the site of the spur may also be painful and sore to the touch. Numbness is another symptom related to bone spurs, and if your growth is near a major tendon, or source of cartilage that may be degenerating, this is a good indication that the bump is in fact a spur.
If you believe that the growth is a bone spur, schedule an appointment with your physician to have further tests conducted. Bone spurs can be identified using x-ray machines, CT scans, ultrasound testing, MRI scans and myelograms.
Treatment for Bone Spurs
Because bone spurs can be minor afflictions, they are only seriously treated if the growth is extremely painful, or if it can negatively affect your day to day life. Growths in the spinal region and feet are often treated, as spurs in the spinal cord can lead to further, more serious complications, and bone spurs located in the feet can affect a patient’s ability to walk or stand. If you and your doctor do choose to continue with further treatment of the spur, the first step will be to decrease the inflammation in the area, and work to secure the site from any potential reinjury.
Drugs that decrease inflammation are often prescribed as a treatment method and are common treatments for patients with mild pain. If your pain is above average or worse, D. Yashar may suggest a surgical operation to fully remove the spur and save you from further pain. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of bone spurs or have an above average amount of pain around a significant growth, contact Dr. Yashar’s office today to schedule an appointment and a radiological test for a full diagnosis. Get treatment for your bone spurs in Los Angeles with the help of Dr. Yashar and his talented team now!
