Chiropractors use manual adjustments and soft tissue manipulation to treat foot bone spurs. These practices reduce pressure on the affected joints and help increase mobility.
Osteophytes, or bone spurs, are bony growths on the foot bones that can lead to discomfort or pain when they come in contact with nerves or surrounding tissues.
Chiropractic care can often alleviate the symptoms of bone spurs and enhance foot health.
Bone Spur (Osteophytes) Explained
A bone spur, also known as an osteophyte, is an abnormal bony growth that develops on the edges of bones. These growths often form in response to ongoing stress or pressure on a bone, such as in areas affected by arthritis.
While bone spurs can occur in any part of the body, they are most commonly found in joints like the knees, hips, shoulders, and spine. Bone spurs can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility, making everyday activities like walking or reaching upwards difficult.
However, not all people with bone spurs experience symptoms, and treatment may not be necessary for those with mild symptoms. If you suspect you may be suffering from bone spurs, it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.
How Bone Spurs Are Formed
Bone spurs can form due to a variety of causes, including natural aging, repetitive motion or trauma, poor posture, and certain medical conditions.
Aging is a common cause of bone spurs because our bones become more brittle as we age and are prone to developing bony growths in response to stress.
Poor posture or extended periods of standing can also contribute to the formation of bone spurs. Furthermore, medical conditions like osteoarthritis and gout can cause bony growths in bones.
Signs & Symptoms of Bone Spurs
The symptoms of bone spurs in the feet vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and restricted movement in the affected area.
You may also experience a grating or grinding sensation when you move your foot or ankle. Bone spurs may also cause numbness and tingling in the toes or other areas of the feet.
It’s essential to speak to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, as they may indicate a more severe condition.
Suffering From Mild to Intense Pain
The most common symptom of bone spurs is pain, ranging from a mild ache to intense stabbing sensations. The pain may be felt in the affected area or radiate outwards.
It is usually worse when putting weight on the foot or when carrying out certain activities such as walking, running, or jumping.
Stiff Joints
Bone spurs can cause joint stiffness due to the pressure they place on surrounding tissue. The stiffness can lead to difficulty bending or rotating the affected joint, making everyday activities like getting dressed or brushing your teeth difficult.
Impaired Range of Motion
As bone spurs form, they can limit the range of motion in affected joints. This can make performing certain activities more difficult or even changing positions throughout the day.
Noticeable Swelling and Tenderness
Bone spurs can place pressure on nearby tissue, leading to swelling and tenderness in the affected area. Swelling can be especially noticeable when the feet are under stress from activities like running or standing for long periods.
Sense of Numbness or Tingling
Bone spurs can compress nerves in the area, leading to numbness or tingling sensations. This is most noticeable when pressure is placed on the feet during activities like walking or running.
Feelings of Weakness
Bone spurs can cause weakness in the affected area as they limit range of motion and place pressure on surrounding muscles. Feelings of weakness can make maintaining balance difficult or carrying out activities that require strength and agility.
There’s More Than One Type of Bone Spur
Bone spurs can occur in any part of the body but are most commonly found in weight-bearing joints like the feet. Here are a few types of bone spurs that are more likely to form:
Bone Spurs in the Lumbar Region (Lower Back)
Lumbar bone spurs are bony growths that form on the lower spine, often due to age-related wear and tear or medical conditions like osteoarthritis. These can lead to nerve compression, radiating pain, and decreased mobility in the affected area.
Bone Spurs in the Cervical Region (Neck)
Neckbone spurs occur in the cervical spine and can cause neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches. These spurs are commonly caused by age-related wear and tear or medical conditions like osteoarthritis.
Bone Spurs in the Foot
Heel bone spurs are bony growths that form on the heel of the foot. These can cause pain when walking and are often caused by age-related wear and tear or medical conditions like osteoarthritis.
What Are the Common Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your risk of developing bone spurs. These include age, poor posture, overuse of certain joints, and certain medical conditions such as arthritis.
It is important to take steps to reduce your risk by maintaining good posture, staying active, and avoiding activities that put excess strain on your feet.
Popular Treatment for Bone Spurs
Thankfully, several treatment procedures are available to help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by bone spurs. One of the most effective is chiropractic care, which reduces pressure on nerves and improves range of motion in affected joints.
Other treatments can include physical therapy, lifestyle changes such as exercise or stretching, and inflammation and pain relief medication. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to remove the bone spur and relieve pain.
No matter the treatment plan, it is essential to pay attention to any changes in symptoms and seek help from a medical professional if needed. With the right treatment plan, bone spurs can be managed effectively, and quality of life improved.
Utilizing Effective Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors can use gentle manipulation and massage techniques to reduce bone spur pain, improve range of motion, and increase circulation. This makes chiropractic care an effective treatment option for bone spurs.
This can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing surrounding the spur.
Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Treatments
Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen muscles around the affected joint and improve range of motion. This can help reduce pain and make everyday activities easier.
Your physical therapist may also recommend exercises or stretches that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Surgical Procedure and Bone Spurs
If bone spurs do not respond to other treatments, surgery may be needed to remove them. However, surgery is usually viewed as a final option and is only recommended for severe cases. The procedure required will be determined by the location and size of the spur.
Prescription Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications such as NSAIDs, like Ibruprofen, or corticosteroids to relieve pain and inflammation.
Orthotic Support for Bone Spurs.
Orthotic devices such as insoles and braces can help reduce the affected area, and support weakened muscles. These devices can help reduce pain and promote healing of the tissue surrounding the spur.
Ambulation Assistive Devices
Assistive devices such as walking canes and braces can help reduce pressure on the affected area. These devices can help reduce pain, improve balance, and make everyday activities easier.
Anti-Inflammatory Injections
Injections of corticosteroids may be recommended to reduce inflammation. These injections can help reduce pain and promote healing, but should only be used in severe cases.
Natural Treatment of Bone Spurs with Chiropractic Assistance
Bone spurs can be safely and effectively treated with chiropractic care. This treatment can reduce inflammation and promote healing of the tissue surrounding the spur. Furthermore, lifestyle advice may be given to help prevent the development of bone spurs.
Natural treatments that may be helpful include stretching, strengthening exercises, and orthotic devices.
FAQ
Can a chiropractor help bone spurs in feet?
Yes, chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for bone spurs. Chiropractors use gentle manipulation and massage techniques to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and increase circulation in the affected area.
How do you fix bone spurs in your foot?
The best way to treat bone spurs depends on the size and location of the spur. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, chiropractic care, physical therapy, medications, orthotic devices, and injections. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the spur.
How do you get rid of bone spurs in your foot without surgery?
Non-surgical treatment options for bone spurs include lifestyle changes, chiropractic care, physical therapy, medications, orthotic devices, and injections. These treatments can help reduce pain and promote healing of the tissue surrounding the spur.
How to dissolve bone spurs naturally
There is no known way to dissolve bone spurs naturally. However, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding high-impact activities can help reduce the risk of developing bone spurs.
Injection to dissolve bone spurs
Injections of corticosteroids may be recommended to reduce inflammation and pain. These injections can help promote healing, but should only be used in severe cases and with caution, as they can have side effects.
Can a chiropractor help with bone spurs in the back?
Yes, chiropractic care can effectively treat bone spurs in the back.
Chiropractors use gentle manipulation and massage techniques to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and increase circulation in the affected area.
Can a chiropractor help with bone spurs in the neck?
Yes, chiropractic care can help with bone spurs in the neck – using many of the same techniques used for bone spurs elsewhere n the body.
How to dissolve bone spurs in neck
There is no known way to dissolve bone spurs naturally.
