How to Treat Bone Spurs
Surprisingly, many people have bone spurs and never know it. This is because most bone spurs don't really cause any sort of pain or affect a person's mobility, according to the Mayo Clinic. It isn't until the protrusion starts rubbing against a nerve or tendon that a person will actually begin to suffer any problems with the spur. More often than not, a doctor will recommend treatment for the bone spur rather than actual removal.
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Instructions
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Start off by losing some weight. This is an effective option when the bone spur is located in the lower extremities of the body. By losing weight, you will take pressure off the area and relieve yourself of the pain.
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Stretch the area that is troubling you. Bone spurs can develop almost anywhere on the body where there is a bone, so stretching to target the specific area each morning or before physical activity can lessen the pain the spur is causing you.
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Ice the painful area. While this may not rid your body of the bone spur, it can alleviate any pain you are currently suffering. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should apply the ice for no more than 20 minutes around 4 times a day (or when the pain presents itself).
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Change your footwear. If the bone spur is located on the foot, you can treat it by changing the type of footwear you don each day. Look for shoes that not only have good arch support but also feature additional padding, like tennis shoes. If need be, you can also pick up an insert to add both arch support and cushioning to a dress shoe.
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Relax your body. Another fairly effective way to treat bone spurs is to rest the area that is bothering you. This can help eliminate the pain and allow you to move around more freely.
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Make an appointment with a massage therapist. A good massage can serve to effectively treat the area in which the bone spur is located. Though it won't necessarily rid the body of the spur, it can help to lessen any pain and improve the problems you may be experiencing with mobility.
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Consult your doctor. Sometimes, a bone spur will need to be removed surgically, especially if it is causing a great deal of discomfort and is limiting your mobility.
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Tips & Warnings
When you do feel pain due to a bone spur, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to lessen both inflammation and pain.
