Cedars-Sinai Medical Center describes bone spurs as small bony growths that project out from the surface of bone. The growth of these spurs occurs over a long period of time, and they often do not cause any symptoms. In fact, the growth of bone spurs is a normal sign of aging. However, sometimes bone spurs pinch nerves or other tissues, resulting in symptoms such as pain or numbness. In severe cases, bone spurs are surgically removed. There are different types of bone spurs, which are characterized based on their location and/or the underlying disease that caused their formation.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bone projections that form on the heel bone. These spurs develop over time, often in people who have a foot condition called plantar fasciosis, according to the online medical library of The Merck Manuals. The plantar fascia is a strip of tissue that connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot. Plantar fasciosis occurs when this fascia becomes stressed, damaged or torn, and can cause severe heel pain. The damage to the fascia sometimes leads to the growth of a bone spur. However, heel spurs and plantar fasciosis can sometimes occur independently. If the heel spur grows very large and causes severe pain, surgery may be required for its removal.
Cervical Spine Spurs
Bone spurs sometime grow on the spinal vertebral bones, which often occur in conjunction with a condition called cervical spinal stenosis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The cervical spine is the portion of the spine near the neck. Sometimes as a person ages, the disk between the cervical spinal vertebrae loses its ability to provide cushioning to the vertebral bones. If the disc degenerates too much, the vertebrae may become damaged. The damage ultimately leads to the growth of bone spurs on the vertebrae, and if these spurs press on the nerves of the spinal column, the result is spinal stenosis. The symptoms of this condition include pain, weakness or numbness in various areas of the body, such as the arms, hands, legs or feet.
Shoulder Spurs
Bone spurs can also grow on the bones in the shoulder. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons describes the nature of these bone spurs, and how they arise. One of the bones of the shoulder is the acromion, which is the upper part of the shoulder blade. The collarbone connects to the shoulder blade, and this joint is the acromioclavicular, or AC, joint. Lifting heavy objects, falling or repetitive movements while playing sports can cause injury to the rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles that are attached to and cover the acromion and the AC joint, respectively. Injury to the rotator cuff muscles is also often associated with bone spurs that grow from the acromion or the AC joint. Physical therapy can often help heal and strengthen the rotator cuff muscles, and the remaining bone spur does not cause problems. However, if the muscle tears and/or bone spurs are severe, surgery may be required.
