Bone spurs

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment

Introduction

Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones. The bone spurs themselves aren't painful, but they can rub against nearby nerves and bones and cause pain.

Bone spurs can form on any bone, and they often form where bones meet each other — in your joints. But, they can also be found where ligaments and tendons connect with bone. Bone spurs can also form on the bones of your spine.

Most bone spurs cause no symptoms and may go undetected for years. What treatment, if any, that you receive for your bone spurs depends on where they're located and how they affect your health.

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Signs and symptoms