Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are also known as osteophytes. These bony projections form along joints in an attempt to improve weight distribution when a particular area of the body is damaged due to arthritis, injury, or other condition, in an attempt to restrict movement in that area, and to take the strain off the injured area. 

Bone sours usually occur in the spine, but also are found on the feet, toes, or heels.

Most bone spurs can be left alone unless and until they cause you pain.  Once the pain begins, your options become limited. 

There is a plan for medical intervention, using medications, relatively non-invasive procedures and invasive surgical treatment. 

The common, underlying element in the home remedies for bone spurs is common sense. Almost everyone who lives past the age of 50 will have some type of bone spurring, and most feel little, if any pain. 

The ones who do feel pain are willing to try almost anything to help.

When bone spurs begin to cause you pain, it is because the bony growth your body sent to protect a worn or injured area, grows to the point that it puts pressure on nerves, and causes pain and inflammation. 

Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxant pain medications can be taken for approximately four to six weeks.  Maximum relief should be attained by this time.

When you are feeling pain from bone spurs, physical activity is likely to cause the inflammation to increase, and increase the pain. Rest, warm baths, warm epsom salts baths, and gentle massage is appropriate and can alleviate the pain during painful flare-ups. 

When the initial flare-up has subsided, approximately one to two weeks, physical therapy, exercise and manipulation often alleviates the pain of the bone spur. 

The objective should be to restore flexibility and strength to the area around the joint and decrease compression on the nerve tissue.

Home Remedies for Bone Spurs:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have beneficial effects on inflammation. Taking about 1000 mg twice daily has given relief to the inflamed areas, and decreased the pain of bone spurs. 

Rubbing cream containing capsaicin (the stuff that puts the hot in hot peppers) has provided relief to some who suffer with bone spurs. Just expect some stinging until you get used to it, and always wear gloves when applying it to the affected areas.

Glucosamine Chondroitin:

Glucosamine Chondroitin (600 mg three times a day) and Chondroitin Sulfate (300 mg. three times a day) have proved to be beneficial in controlling the spurring and the pain and inflammation associated with it. 

These should be taken with foods

Weight Control:

Even being a few pounds over weight aggravates bone spurs.  A diet rich in vegetables, especially green, leafy and beta-carotene rich vegetables and low in meat proteins is highly recommended for people who suffer with bone spurs.