By Katie Fultz, PA-C
Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Blanchard Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are bony projections that form along the surfaces of bones. They are most commonly associated with joints, where two bones meet, and can also develop on the spine. Although the name may suggest something sharp or jagged, bone spurs are usually smooth. They form when the body attempts to repair itself in response to ongoing stress, friction, or pressure on a bone or joint. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage breaks down over time, often trigger this process. As cartilage thins and the joint becomes unstable, the body lays down new bone to provide reinforcement. 

Unfortunately, this extra bone growth can lead to pain and impaired mobility rather than relief.

Bone spurs on their own do not always cause symptoms. Sometimes, people may live with them without ever knowing they exist. However, problems arise when the spurs press against nearby structures and soft tissues. This can lead to pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected area. For example, spurs in the knee may interfere with bending and straightening the leg, while spurs in the hip can make walking painful. In the spine, bone spurs may compress nerves, causing radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. These effects disrupt normal movement and make everyday activities challenging.

Mobility becomes particularly limited when bone spurs contribute to joint stiffness. Moving overhead, climbing stairs or bending down can feel restricted and uncomfortable as the joint loses flexibility. Over time, the decreased range of motion may lead individuals to avoid using the affected joint, which in turn causes surrounding muscles to weaken. This cycle of pain, avoidance and weakening compounds the mobility issues and can significantly impact quality of life.

The effect of bone spurs on mobility also depends on their location. Bone spurs can alter walking patterns and balance in weight-bearing joints like the hips, knees and feet. A spur on the heel, known as a heel spur, can make standing or walking painful, forcing someone to change their gait. These compensations can place additional stress on other joints, creating a ripple effect that further limits movement. In the spine, spurs that narrow the spinal canal—a condition known as spinal stenosis—can cause pain and difficulty walking even short distances, often forcing people to stop and rest.

Although bone spurs cannot be entirely prevented, their impact can often be managed. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces joint stress, while regular exercise strengthens the muscles that support them. Stretching and low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling can help preserve flexibility and mobility. In cases where bone spurs cause significant pain or disability, medical treatments may be needed. These can include medications to reduce inflammation, physical therapy to improve function, or, in some cases, surgery to remove the spur or address the underlying joint damage.

In essence, bone spurs represent the body’s attempt to adapt to ongoing stress or respond to an inflammatory disease. While they may not always cause symptoms, their presence can restrict mobility when they interfere with normal joint function or irritate surrounding tissues. By understanding how bone spurs form and how they affect movement, individuals can take proactive steps to protect joint health and maintain an active lifestyle even when faced with this common condition.

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