Men and women can develop bone spurs, but they typically develop as you become older. Bone spurs are very common in those 60 and older, according to the Spine-Health website. Bone spurs can lead to degenerative, crippling pain if they become severe enough. Calcium plays a crucial role in the health of your bones; it makes them stronger.
History
As you become older, it's natural for your bones to lose density and mass, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and this is especially true for women after menopause. As your bones lose mass and density, they become weaker and thinner. Bone spurs often appear where bones meet joints and cartilage tissue, such as your knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, neck and spine.
Causes
You can begin to experience loss of bone mass and density as a young adult, according to the Spine-Health website. Even though you can begin to lose bone mass and density early in life, bone spurs typically won't develop until your later years, such as in your 60s or 70s. Poor posture can wear down the cartilage in your joints, causing your bones to rub, which can lead to developing bone spurs. You can also inherit factors such as low bone mass and density that could lead to bone spurs. Poor nutrition can influence bone health. A traumatic injury such as a sporting injury or an injury sustained from a car accident can affect your bones and lead to bone spurs.
Effects
You may begin to notice that you're not as tall as you once were; this is due to the loss of cartilage tissue between bones and it causes the bones to rub and wear down. You may also begin to experience more breaks and fractures as your bones begin to lose mass and density because of insufficient minerals, such as calcium. Your joints may become less flexible, making it hard to bend your fingers, arms and legs. Bone spurs can become so painful that it is impossible to move your fingers or walk, even for a short distance.
Identification
If you begin to experience these symptoms, your doctor may order an X-ray to determine whether you are losing bone mass. In an X-ray, your bones may appear as if they have been eaten by a moth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center; this is because they are less porous. Bone spurs often cause small, boney projections at the end of the bone, according to MayoClinic.com.
Prevention/Solution
Strong healthy bones tend to have fewer problems than thin, brittle bones. Healthy bones can help ward off conditions such as bone spurs, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, and decrease the risk of breaks and fractures. If you're not obtaining a good source of calcium in your diet, you may opt for over-the-counter calcium supplements. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends adult men and women over the age of 65 consume 1,200 to 1,500 mg of calcium on a daily basis. Consult with your physician to ensure this amount is appropriate for your needs. He may recommend a prescription calcium supplement depending upon your bone health.
