1. Not All Bone Spurs in the Toes Cause Symptoms
Bone spurs in the toes are a common cause of foot pain. However, some people have bone spurs and never know it because they cause no symptoms. For others, the formations do cause symptoms. The bone spurs themselves, also known as osteophytes, are not painful. But if they rub against surrounding bone, nerves or soft tissue, they can cause symptoms, such as pain. It is also possible for a bone spur to break off and cause the joint to lock, thereby losing function.
2. Forget Fashion, Go for Sensible Shoes
An injury to the toe can lead to the growth of a bone spur. However, the most common causes of bone spurs are too much tension from a tendon on the bone, underlying problems, such as infection or Charcot foot, and aging. Diabetes, lyme disease and other conditions fall under the umbrella of Charcot foot, which is a chronic and progressive destruction of the foot bones and joints. Arthritis can cause a bone spur, most often in the big toe. In addition, shoes that pinch the toes cause friction, which leads to bone spurs.
3. Bursitis, Corns and Shoes
Tight-fitting shoes can cause foot problems, including bone spurs. Quite often, a corn or bursitis develops on a toe that has a bone spur. Shoes that are too tight most often affect the fifth toe, and it may turn red and swell due to irritation of the bone spur. Corns can develop between the toes, too, and the culprit is usually a bone spur.
4. Trial and Error Treatment
The goal of treatment is relief from pain caused by a bone spur. If an underlying condition is present, your doctor will treat it first. Wearing a loose-fitting shoe or using cushioning may be enough to stop the pain and inflammation. Cortisone injections are temporarily effective, but you may need to repeat them. However, too many cortisone injections may damage bone and tissue. You and your doctor might discuss medications for pain and inflammation. Surgery to remove the bone spur is an option if conservative treatment doesn't relieve the symptoms.
5. Surgery and Recovery
Most bone spurs require a tiny incision that requires only a stitch or two, so the doctor can perform the surgery in his office with a local anesthetic. The surgeon uses a power burr to smooth out the spur. You will probably need to wear a special shoe while the incision heals. Your restrictions are minimal, and you can participate in any activity that doesn't hurt or get your foot wet. The stitches are removed in seven to 10 days.
