What Is a Bone Spur?
A Bone Spur is a bony growth that develops along a joint or bone edge. Bone spurs often form as the body responds to joint wear, irritation, or changes linked with arthritis. Some cause no symptoms, while others may contribute to pain, stiffness, reduced movement, or pressure on nearby tissues.
Quick Facts About Bone Spur
Category
Bony growth near a joint
Used for
Explaining arthritis-related pain and stiffness
Common confusion
A visible spur may not cause symptoms
Also called
Osteophyte
Often discussed with
Arthritis Pain Treatment, Joint Injections
Key Takeaways About Bone Spur
- Bone spurs grow along bone edges near joints.
- Imaging helps show a spur’s location and size.
- A spur does not always cause pain.
How Bone Spur Works
Bone Spur describes extra bone that forms along an edge of a joint or bone. The body may build this extra bone after long-term joint wear or repeated irritation. Arthritis can change the joint surface and affect nearby movement.
Related glossary terms: Bursa, Facet Joint, Joint Capsule.
A spur may be found through an exam or an imaging study, such as an X-ray. The location matters because a spur near a joint may limit motion, while one near a nerve can add pressure. Pain can also come from the joint changes around the spur, not the spur alone.
Arthritis treatment focuses on the symptoms and the affected joint. A clinician may compare imaging findings with your pain pattern, stiffness, strength, and movement. This helps show whether the spur likely contributes to your symptoms.
From the Premier Injury Specialists team
When we assess a bone spur, we review the symptom pattern, physical findings, and available imaging. We look for a clear link between the spur, joint changes, and reported pain. Our team also considers whether arthritis in the same area may be driving stiffness or limited movement.
Bone Spur in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with knee arthritis may have a bone spur along the joint edge. The spur may limit comfortable bending, but the surrounding joint changes can also contribute to pain and stiffness.
Related Services
Related Terms
Bursa
Bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac near a joint that reduces rubbing between bones, tendons, muscles…
Facet Joint
A Facet Joint is a small connection between the bones at the back of the spine…
Joint Capsule
A joint capsule is a tough sleeve of connective tissue that surrounds a movable joint. The…
Foraminal Stenosis
Foraminal Stenosis is a narrowing of the openings between spinal bones where nerve roots leave the…
Premier Injury Specialists
Have Questions About Bone Spur?
Contact Premier Injury Specialists for practical guidance on Bone Spur and related pain management physician work in Stonecrest.