Bone spurs are bony growths that form on normal bone in response to the wear-and-tear breakdown of cartilage in joints. The formation of bone spurs in the shoulders can cause pain, swelling, inflammation, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. Once these limitations are unbearable, a patient should consider scheduling an appointment with his physician to consider medical treatment of bone spurs in the shoulders.
Injury
Osteoarthritis is a common cause of bone spur formation. According to MedlinePlus, of the National Institute of Health, a fracture in the shoulder joint can lead to osteoarthritis, or the development of bone spurs in the joint later in life. This occurs because the bones in the shoulder joint respond to trauma by producing more bone in the shoulder joint. While a natural adaptation to trauma, bone spurs in the joint can cause significant shoulder symptoms, which can include pain, swelling, and limited shoulder joint mobility. If a patient recalls a previous shoulder injury and develops shoulder pain or joint stiffness later in life, he can suspect the development of bone spurs in the shoulders. In this case, he should schedule an appointment with his physician to seek the proper assessment and treatment of shoulder pain.
Overuse
MayoClinic.com states that the body may create bone spurs to add further joint stability. This occurs because hobbies, such as painting, or participation in sports such as baseball or tennis, can increase the stress on the shoulder, resulting in bone spur formation to improve stability. Over time, a patient may notice symptoms of bone spurs developing in the joint, which may reduce his ability to participate in certain hobbies or sports. A patient should not hesitate to schedule an appointment with his physician for proper x-ray of the shoulder joint and treatment so he can return to performing his regular hobbies and sport activities.
Age
As a patient ages, he is more prone to developing bone spurs in the shoulder joint, according to MayoClinic.com. This occurs because cartilage thins with age, and is more prone to breakdown. Once cartilage breaks down, shoulder bones can rub together, which will result in the formation of bone spurs in the shoulder joint. In this case, conservative treatments are preferred, but if bone spurs are severe, surgery may be required to remove bone spurs in the shoulder. Therefore, a patient must discuss possible treatment options with his physician.
