Bone Spurs and Your Feet

Bone spurs, also known as osteophyte, can be a fairly common foot ailment, especially as you grow older.

Quite often when people have a bone spur they will not even know it simply because often they do not cause any symptoms. However, if a bone spur is putting pressure on other bones or tissues that material can break down over time. This ailment can then cause swelling, pain, or tearing.

When bone spurs occur in the feet they can also cause corns and calluses because tissue builds up to create padding over the bone spur. They can also occur in the feet as a response to tight ligaments. Common activities such as dancing or running can induce the tightening of these connective tissues. Other common causes of bone spurs in feet are being overweight, wearing poorly fitting shoes, or wearing high heels often.

If a bone spur is not causing any pain or discomfort, it does not necessarily need to be treated. Proper care of this ailment will require the specific patients cause or causes of the symptoms. Weight loss will help to relieve pressure within the joints and allow for more effective stretching of the affected area, possibly the heel cord or the bottom of the foot. Your podiatrist, Dr. Forman, may also recommend deep tissue massage, rest, ice, or an over the counter anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen. Adding padding to a shoe or finding a more suitable type of footwear may also help relieve discomfort.

If the problem persists your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid injection. This will reduce pain and inflammation in the tissue that is near the affected area. Contact us today if you have questions, or to schedule a consultation!