The medical term used to describe bone spurs is osteophytes. This is nothing but an extra bony growth over a normal bone structure. It can occur in various parts of the body. Bone spurs in neck, shoulder, heel, knee, hands are quite common. Bone spurs in knee are found mostly in the elderly. The knee joint comprises of three different bones. They are: the femur or upper leg bone, the tibia or lower leg bone, and the patella or the knee cap. In order to provide stability to these bone structures, several muscles, tendons and ligaments are also present in the knee. When bone spurs develop in the knee, it may not show any symptoms. But as it grows and starts rubbing against other surrounding structures, then it becomes quite painful.
Bone Spurs in Knee Causes
The knee joint is subjected to a lot of pressure continuously. This results in excessive rubbing and stretching of the knee joints. As it continues over a long period of time, the cartilage present in the knee tend to get worn out. In such a condition, the body makes an attempt to protect the joint from any further damage and repair the existing damages by forming bone spurs in knee. The knee is susceptible to osteoarthritis and is often responsible for causing knee bone spurs. Calcium build up in the knee, aging and obesity are the other factors that can give rise to this condition. Knee injury caused by accidents or during any sports activities, lack of physical activity, poor postures and nutritional deficiency can accelerate the process of bone spur growth in the knee. These are the major causes behind formation of knee bone spur in middle aged people.
Bone Spurs in Knee Treatment
As we have already discussed, there are no symptoms of bone spur in the initial stage. Hence, during this period, no treatment is required. When the spur get rubbed against nerves, ligaments and tendons, then these structures become inflamed and gives pain and irritation in the knee. The treatment for bone spurs in knee depends on the intensity of these symptoms. When the knee pain is mild, then the patient is advised to provide adequate amount of rest to the affected knee. Application of ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and stretching exercises are recommended to manage the localized joint pain. In some cases, steroids are administered by doctors which helps to get rid of the pain and may even stop further growth of the bones spurs. Those who are overweight should lose some weight in order to bring down the stress from the knee joint.
When all these non-surgical methods of treatment fail to show any improvement and the pain becomes unbearable for the patient, then the spur has to be removed by means of bone spur surgery. This option is availed as a last resort and is undertaken only if the patient is in good health condition. After the surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation program is necessary to restore the strength and flexibility of the knee joint. Apart from these conventional treatments, there are some alternative methods of treatment like massage therapy, acupuncture and acupressure that have provided a lot of relief to many people. Know more on bone spur treatment.
Basically, it is not possible to prevent bone spurs in knees. However, eating healthy food, maintaining proper body weight, regular exercises, and intake of calcium supplements are some of the measures that can help to reduce the chances of such bony growths. If you are experiencing bone spur symptoms, then you must consult the doctor without any delay, and thus you can prevent any serious damage and deformity of the knee joint.
Bone Spurs in Knee Causes
The knee joint is subjected to a lot of pressure continuously. This results in excessive rubbing and stretching of the knee joints. As it continues over a long period of time, the cartilage present in the knee tend to get worn out. In such a condition, the body makes an attempt to protect the joint from any further damage and repair the existing damages by forming bone spurs in knee. The knee is susceptible to osteoarthritis and is often responsible for causing knee bone spurs. Calcium build up in the knee, aging and obesity are the other factors that can give rise to this condition. Knee injury caused by accidents or during any sports activities, lack of physical activity, poor postures and nutritional deficiency can accelerate the process of bone spur growth in the knee. These are the major causes behind formation of knee bone spur in middle aged people.
Bone Spurs in Knee Treatment
As we have already discussed, there are no symptoms of bone spur in the initial stage. Hence, during this period, no treatment is required. When the spur get rubbed against nerves, ligaments and tendons, then these structures become inflamed and gives pain and irritation in the knee. The treatment for bone spurs in knee depends on the intensity of these symptoms. When the knee pain is mild, then the patient is advised to provide adequate amount of rest to the affected knee. Application of ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and stretching exercises are recommended to manage the localized joint pain. In some cases, steroids are administered by doctors which helps to get rid of the pain and may even stop further growth of the bones spurs. Those who are overweight should lose some weight in order to bring down the stress from the knee joint.
When all these non-surgical methods of treatment fail to show any improvement and the pain becomes unbearable for the patient, then the spur has to be removed by means of bone spur surgery. This option is availed as a last resort and is undertaken only if the patient is in good health condition. After the surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation program is necessary to restore the strength and flexibility of the knee joint. Apart from these conventional treatments, there are some alternative methods of treatment like massage therapy, acupuncture and acupressure that have provided a lot of relief to many people. Know more on bone spur treatment.
Basically, it is not possible to prevent bone spurs in knees. However, eating healthy food, maintaining proper body weight, regular exercises, and intake of calcium supplements are some of the measures that can help to reduce the chances of such bony growths. If you are experiencing bone spur symptoms, then you must consult the doctor without any delay, and thus you can prevent any serious damage and deformity of the knee joint.
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