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A bone spur is an abnormal bone growth.
Bone spurs, also referred to as osteophytes, can occur throughout the body, and along bone edges. Common sites include the spine, neck, and in the foot, specifically in the heel and toes (as pictured in this blog post).
What is a bone spur?
An osteophyte is a bony outgrowth that forms along the edges where bones meet in a joint. It typically develops in response to joint damage, often as part of the body’s attempt to repair itself. In some cases, a bone spur may appear as a hard, noticeable bump. In other instances, it may not be visible at all and is only detected through imaging.
What can cause a bone spur?
Osteophytes form as part of the body’s attempt to repair and stabilize a joint, usually in response to underlying joint stress or damage.
A common cause is osteoarthritis, the most frequent type of arthritis, which occurs when the cartilage between bones gradually wears down. Since cartilage does not regenerate well, joint changes can progress over time if not managed appropriately.
In response to this degeneration, the body may produce extra bone along the joint margins, leading to the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs). Contributing factors can include repetitive overuse (such as running, ballet, or other high-impact activities), previous acute injury, excess body weight, and poorly fitting or restrictive footwear.
Over time, ongoing stress on the joint can lead to further structural changes, as the body attempts to compensate and provide added stability.
Symptoms
Symptoms of osteophytes can include pain, stiffness, tenderness, reduced flexibility, swelling, and a grating sensation in the joint. In some cases, a bony bump may also be visible or felt under the skin.
As joint mobility decreases, you may notice a reduced range of motion, along with discomfort caused by surrounding tissue irritation and inflammation. The grating sensation (crepitus) can occur when joint surfaces become uneven and move against each other.
These symptoms are more common in individuals who place repetitive stress on their joints, such as athletes involved in high-impact activities like running, gymnastics, or ballet, as well as older adults. Symptoms may progress over time if the underlying cause is not addressed, and people can experience a combination of these issues.
For example, a heel spur may present as discomfort on the underside of the foot, sometimes with a noticeable bony prominence. Spurs in the toes or metatarsals may lead to a bump on the top of the foot and irritation with footwear. In some cases, shoe modifications may be needed to accommodate the changes.
Treatment
Treatment isn’t always necessary, since a bone spur may not cause you any pain or reduce your quality of life.
If you experience pain, visit a professional for a biomechanical assessment to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. It should be noted that you cannot remove the bone spur without surgery. But, if you fix the problem at its root, and take certain precautionary steps, bone spurs won’t necessarily be painful, and surgery won’t be necessary. In any case, surgery is a short-term solution as a bone spur can re-develop.
Treatment for a bone spur focuses on reducing pain, improving joint function, and addressing the underlying cause—rather than removing the spur itself in most cases.
Conservative options are usually tried first. These may include rest and activity modification to reduce stress on the affected joint, along with supportive footwear or orthotics to improve alignment and offload pressure. Anti-inflammatory treatments such as ice, over-the-counter pain relief, or topical medications can also help manage discomfort.
Physiotherapy or stretching programs may be recommended to improve mobility and strengthen surrounding muscles, which can reduce strain on the joint. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
If symptoms are severe or persistent despite conservative care, medical imaging may be used to assess the extent of the condition. Surgery is typically considered only when all other treatments have failed and the bone spur is significantly affecting function or quality of life.
If you do require surgery, the course of action is to either remove the bone spur entirely or to fuse the bones together. Recovery time can vary, and as always, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
Prevention of bone spurs
To prevent bone spurs, in essence, you want to reduce your risk of osteoarthritis. This mainly involves reducing long-term stress and wear on your joints and addressing early signs of joint irritation before they progress.
Staying active in a balanced way can help—low-impact exercise, proper warm-ups, and avoiding repetitive overloading of the same joints all reduce strain over time. Maintaining a healthy weight also helps decrease pressure on weight-bearing joints like the feet, ankles, and knees.
Footwear plays a key role, especially for foot and ankle spurs. Supportive shoes with good cushioning and proper fit can help reduce abnormal pressure and friction. You can find out the footwear best suited for your foot type by visiting a specialist like a chiropodist. In some cases, orthotics may be recommended to improve alignment and distribute forces more evenly.
Flexibility and strength exercises can also help protect joints by improving movement mechanics and reducing compensatory strain. Finally, addressing minor injuries early—rather than pushing through pain—can help prevent ongoing irritation that may contribute to spur formation over time.
