Osteophytes, commonly referred to as bone spurs, can form in any joint, including the elbow. Bone spurs are an overgrowth of bone that can be caused by age, overuse and arthritis. While bone spurs themselves aren't painful, they can place pressure on joints and surrounding tissue, and a physician should investigate the underlying cause of bone spurs. You can still perform chin-ups with bone spurs, but avoid any movements that result in severe pain at the joint.
About Bone Spurs
Bone spurs frequently form in the spine as a result of the aging process, according to the textbook "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology." They can also form in other joints -- although this is less common -- particularly as a consequence of repetitive use and injury. You may feel a knotty extension of the bone around your elbow that causes pain and tension when you press on it. The actual bone spur, however, is not the source of the pain. Rather, bone spurs can injure surrounding tissue.
Performing Chin-Ups
It is safe to continue exercising even after you've developed a bone spur, according to the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." Chin-ups, however, cause tension in the muscles of the arms and chest and may result in increased pain at the site of the bone spur. If you feel pain when doing chin-ups, avoid this exercise and consult your doctor.
Preventing Bone Spurs
Bones adapt to the pressure exerted on them, and repeated use of a particular muscle group or repeated bone injury can result in bone spurs. Chin-ups are highly unlikely to cause this injury, but repeatedly performing chin-ups incorrectly -- or placing most of your weight on one side of the body while doing chin-ups -- can result in bone spurs, according to "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology." Ask a physical therapist how to correctly perform chin-ups to avoid injuries.
Bone Spur Treatment
Stretching and weight loss can help alleviate the pain of bone spurs because unnecessary stress and tension increase the pain at the site of injury, according to the "American Medical Association Family Medical Guide." Nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can temporarily ease pain. If your bone spur causes severe pain, your doctor may administer a cortisone injection or perform surgery to remove the excess bone growth.
References
- Family Medical Guide; American Medical Association
- Mayo Clinic Family Health Book; Mayo Clinic
- Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology; Gerald Audesirk
