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What is a small osteophyte?

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What is a small osteophyte?

Osteophytes—better known as bone spurs—are small, smooth bony growths that may develop near the edges of a vertebral body’s endplates (called spondylophytes) or the spine’s facet joints where cartilage has worn. An osteophyte can grow at any level of the spinal column—neck, mid back, low back.

Do osteophytes require surgery?

In some cases, surgery is necessary. In some cases, bone spurs that are directly pressing on nerves cause significant pain, weakness and loss of movement. If pain and symptoms can’t be treated with conservative treatment options, then surgery may be necessary.

What is the best treatment for osteophytes?

Some home remedies and lifestyle changes help ease osteophyte symptoms:

  • Ice to reduce swelling.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDS like ibuprofen.
  • Rest.
  • Supportive shoes or shoe inserts.
  • Weight loss to decrease joint and bone stress.

Do osteophytes mean arthritis?

Osteophytes often develop in joints that show signs of degeneration. They are associated with the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis. 1 Their presence can serve to distinguish osteoarthritis from other types of arthritis.

What are the symptoms of osteophytes?

For example, osteophytes in the: spine can cause pain and stiffness in the back. neck can pinch a nearby nerve and cause pain, pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the arms. shoulder can limit the space available for tendons and ligaments, and may be linked to tendonitis or a rotator cuff tear.

What causes an osteophyte?

A bone spur (osteophyte) is a tiny pointed outgrowth of bone. Bone spurs are usually caused by local inflammation, such as from degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) or tendonitis. Bone spurs develop in areas of inflammation or injury of nearby cartilage or tendons.

Are osteophytes bad?

Osteophytes are not a cause for concern unless they result in pain or neurological symptoms—such as tingling, numbness, or weakness—that can sometimes radiate from the neck into the shoulder, arm, and/or hand.