What happens if bone spurs go untreated as people age and experience wear and tear on their bodies, their bones and joints can wear down over time When that happens, bone spurs can form along the edges of the bone or in joint spaces, and if untreated, can lead to further complications. Bone spur (osteophyte) bone spurs are a common side effect of aging, osteoarthritis and tissue injury They’re extra growths of bone tissue that look like smooth lumps on your bone They often don’t cause any symptoms, but if they do, treatment can help Surgery to remove a bone spur is a last resort.
Bone spurs are hard bumps that form around your joints or on your spine Learn what causes these bony growths, and how to treat them. Bone spurs are most common in the knee, shoulder, spine, hips, elbows, or feet, and even around tendons like the achilles tendon or rotator cuff Why do bone spurs form There are two primary reasons When a joint or tendon becomes unstable due to injury or weakness, the body lays down calcification to provide support.
Osteoarthritis breaks down connective tissue called cartilage that cushions the ends of bones While this happens, the body tries to repair the loss by creating bone spurs near the damaged area Risk factors the risk of bone spurs is higher in people who have arthritis. Bone spurs can continue to grow, but the speed and size of the growth varies depending on the location and underlying causes of the spur In certain circumstances, they may naturally cease growing and even begin to recede with time if left untreated. Also known as osteophytes, bone spurs tend to grow where bone meets bone, and some people feel no symptoms at all
However, if left untreated, bone spurs contribute to spinal stenosis, which develops when your spinal canal narrows and pinches your nerves. What happens if bone spurs are left untreated If left untreated, bone spurs can lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility, and further joint damage The irritation of surrounding tissues may result in inflammation and even nerve damage in some cases Seeking treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
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