Bone spurs often form in the joints where the bones meet, though they can also occur on the spine or where ligaments and tendons connect with bone, according to the Mayo Clinic. These bony protrusions can go undetected for years, as no symptoms are present. However, when bone spurs rub against other bones or nerves, pain and loss of movement may result. Treatments for bone spurs might include medications, ice packs and pain rubs. Severe cases may require surgery.
Pain
The location of your bone spur is often determined by your symptoms---or lack of. Individuals who do not have symptoms may discover their bone spurs on an X-ray. Others may have noticeable pain occurring in the affected area. When a bone spur exists on the knee, bending the knee may cause pain. Painful breathing or swallowing can indicate a bone spur on the neck.
Numbness
Bone spurs that push against nerves or the spinal cord can cause numbness in the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may experience tingling in one or more places as a result. Your doctor may perform a physical exam to diagnose the bone spur. In addition, an X-ray, computerized tomography (CT scan) or a magnetic resistance imaging (MRI) scan may be done to locate the spur. In some cases, the doctor is able to feel the spur.
Limited Movement
Loss of movement may be a sign of a bone spur. If the spur is located in your knee, you may have difficulty performing tasks with the affected leg. Bone spurs in the shoulder can restrict movements of the arm and can rub against the rotator cuff, causing swelling or tearing (tendinitis). Spurs that occur in the heel may hinder your ability to walk or make it difficult to stand for long periods. Being overweight, wearing ill-fitting shoes, sufferering from gout and rheumatoid arthritis may contribute to pain in the heels and bone spurs, according to Foot Care Direct. Individuals with osteoarthritis are also prone to bone spurs due to the deterioration of cartilage in the joints, according to the Mayo Clinic.
