A tiny pointed outgrowth of the bone is a bone spur (also called osteophyte). Most people may not be aware that they have a bone spur as there are no symptoms suggesting their presence. They can be easily missed, and it’s hard to spot them until they kick up a problem and cause intense pain. If other bones and tissues are pressurized or a tendon gets rubbed against a muscle due to the presence of a bone spur then it will eventually lead to pain, swelling and tearing. These seemingly insignificant offshoots from a bone can limit the movement of your joints, along with bringing about pain.
Causes of Bone Spurs
Sometimes the body tries to repair itself by building one of more extra bones. This may lead to the formation of a bone spur. It usually occurs in response to stress, pressure or constant rubbing over a prolonged length of time. Sometimes old age can also cause the creation of bone spurs. Most people are afflicted with a disease called osteoarthritis.
This is mainly caused due to old age when the cartilage or tissue is broken down and over a period of time wears away. Old age prompts the discs acting as cushions between the bones and spines to break down. This causes considerable pain and swelling and in some cases also helps in the formation of bone spurs along the edges of the joints. Most elderly people may experience a growth of bone spurs in the joints of their spine and feet.
Sometimes the formation of bone spurs may be caused in response to tight ligaments or performing stressful activities like dancing and running. Bone spurs can also be caused due to wearing ill – fitting footwear or if a person in obese. In case the consistent bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles come into contact against one another, bone spurs can be formed in the shoulders too.
Home Remedies to Remove Bone Spurs
Most people visit a trained medical specialist to get rid of the bone spurs especially as these cause considerable pain accompanied by inflammation on the affected area. There are some creams and prescription medicines which help reduce the pain associated with this medical condition.
Getting rid of bone spurs altogether can be a bit tough; however many home made remedies are pretty effective in reducing the growth and the painful conditions associated with this medical condition.
- Using Ice Packs: The most effective home remedy to counter bone spurs is the application of ice to the affected area. This can help in reducing the swelling in the affected area. It is recommended that you apply ice packs to the affected area at least four times in a day.
- Using Massaging: In order to improve the blood circulation to the affected area, reduce swelling and pain, massaging in a circular manner in the bone spur and the area around it can help.
- Using Heating Pads: Another way to improve blood circulation in the affected area is to place a heating pad in the bone spur for about ten minutes daily for at least four times. Heating pads help in reducing the stiffness caused due to the formation of bone spurs and thereby act as an effective method to treat bone spurs.
- Using Flax Seeds: Flax seeds are renowned for their inflammatory properties and act as effective ingredients that can help in reducing inflammation and pain. You must apply flax seed pads to the affected area at least four times daily to treat this condition.
- Using Curcumin: Other than the above mentioned homemade remedies there are a few natural remedies which help in curing bone spurs. Curcumins are known for their anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties. The yellow turmeric powder also acts as an effective treatment for bone spurs. You must consume at least five hundred to one thousand grams of curcumin seeds on an empty stomach to get rid of bone spurs.
- Using Rose Hip and Horsetail Tea: Rose hip and horsetail tea also act as effective remedies to treat bone spurs. Horsetail contains silica and rose hip has anti oxidant properties. A combination of silica with an anti oxidant helps in effectively curing bone spurs. This blend needs to be prepared by boiling a teaspoon of rose petal paste with a teaspoon of horsetail for some time. The liquid should be strained out after resting them for about ten minutes. You should consume this liquid at least four times daily to treat bone spurs.
- Other Measures: Putting on padded footwear and those which help in absorbing shocks is also a very effective and recommended remedy. Such types of footwear don’t allow the ligament to get stretched unnecessarily, and this helps in lessening the pain and inflammation caused due to the rubbing of a bone spur. You must also perform yoga and other light exercises regularly as this will help you avoid stiffness in your joints.
Identifying bone spurs successfully is very essential. In case you feel any kind of discomfort in your joints or find that the tissues is some parts of your body are flaring up in pain, ensure that you consult your physician immediately.
