Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are outgrowths that appear on the edges of a bone. They are usually found in joints where two or more bones come together, and occur as we age and form over an extended period. They are smooth and are not painful. However, they can hurt when they start affecting nearby organs, like the nerves or the spinal cord. Also, when bone spurs develop at the opening for the nerve roots, they make the space narrower and that puts pressure on the nerve.
This condition is called foramen stenosis. There is no specific treatment for bone spurs because usually they go unnoticed and a majority of bone spurs go away on their own. The US National Library of Medicine states that 38% of people are unaware of their bone spur problems.
What Are the Causes of Bone Spurs?
A variety of factors cause bone spurs, like heredity, ageing, poor posture, malnutrition, sports injuries, physical deformities, etc. Some other conditions which can contribute to bone spurs are arthritis, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases(1) states that bone spurs are common in people who are 60 and older.
Some common symptoms of bone spurs are muscle defect, muscle cramps, numbness, dull pain in the neck, tingling sensation in hands and feet, loss of body coordination, pain in thighs, etc. Continuous muscle activity makes the soreness worse, but rest and sleep tend to make it better.
Where Do Bone Spurs Occur?
Some common parts where bone spurs occur are the neck, lower back, heel, hip, shoulder, spine, and knee. In severe conditions, other areas like the foot, wrist, hands, arch of the foot, and toes are also affected.
In severe cases, you should consult a doctor where they use several approaches depending on the symptoms. However, there are several home remedies for bone spurs, which can easily be followed to keep the symptoms in control.
How To Get Rid Of Bone Spurs by Naturopathic Remedies
Did You Know!
| The only bone in the human body is not connected to another is the hyoid, a V-shaped bone located at the base of the tongue. |
Here is what to do for bone spurs:
[Also Read: Natural Ways to Get Rid of Bone Spurs]
CURE 1: Home Remedies for Bone Spurs
1. Ice pack
Why does this work?
Ice pack helps in relieving tenderness, controlling swelling, and inflammation.
How to use?
You can freeze a water bottle and use it as an ice pack. You can also put 5-6 ice cubes in a handkerchief, tie it tightly with a rubber band and use it as an ice pack.
How much to use?
Roll the pack on the sore area for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat it thrice in a day in case of severe pain.
[Also Read: Treat Leg Cramps Naturally]
2. Epsom Salt Bath
Why does this work?
Epsom salt baths can soften the muscles and reduce swelling and inflammation. It is one of the best ways to dissolve bone spurs naturally.
How to use and how much?
For an Epsom salt bath, put 2-3 tablespoons in a bucket of warm water and soak the affected part in the water. In case of soreness in the neck, back, shoulders, etc. take a warm bath with salt in it. Soak for 10-15 minutes and massage it after taking it out. Dry it with a towel and then apply moisturizer.
3. Baking Soda
Why does this work?
Baking soda helps reduce inflammation and maintain pH levels.
How to use and how much?
To make a paste, mix half a spoon of baking soda in water and apply on the affected area. Let it dry for 15 minutes and then remove from a wet piece of cloth.
4. Stretching
Why does this work?
Stretching exercises keep the muscles and tendons flexible. It also lessens the severity of the pain while preventing further spurs. A heel spur, for example, can be best treated with stretching as it strengthens the plantar fascia and the tissue surrounding it.
How to do and how much?
There are many stretching exercises for each part of the body. Some exercise can be done standing against the wall, while some can be done sitting on a chair while some can be done lying down on the floor. Try to engage in 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day to get rid of bone spurs.
5. Massage
Why does this work?
Rightly done massage can greatly relieve pain. It relaxes the muscle which dissolves the bone spurs.
How to do and how much?
Move your hands circularly while applying pressure on the affected area for massaging. Consult a doctor in case you are not sure about the technique. Massage the affected area for 15-20 minutes every day.
6. Weight Loss
Why does this work?
Losing extra weight from the body is an assured way to lower the risk of bone spurs. Painful heel spurs are usually caused due to obesity. Weight loss eliminates extra calcium deposit which relieves strain and stress.
How to do and how much?
Regular exercise every day is the best way to lose weight. Calculate your BMI to know what should be your ideal weight.
CURE 2: Essential oils for bone spurs
1. Rosemary Oil
Why does this work?
Known best as a food seasoning, rosemary oil has many health benefits like relieving pain, increases blood circulation, reduces joint inflammation, etc.
How to use?
It is very easy to use and can be inhaled or applied directly. As it is very concentrated, it is recommended to use a few drops at a time.
How much to use?
Use it daily if possible, if not, then at least thrice a week as it is one of the best home remedies for bone spurs.
2. Lavender Oil
Why does this work?
Lavender is used for aromatherapy for several centuries, lavender oil helps reduce stress and calms you thus helping you sleep properly. It is also helpful for reducing inflammation and pain experienced due to bone spurs.
How to use?
You can get a lavender oil massage or use it in the form of bath salts. Make sure you do not consume it directly.
How much to use?
Try to use lavender oil in any form at least thrice a week to get rid of bone spurs.
3. Flaxseed Oil
Why does this work?
It has alpha-linolenic acid which is a form of omega 3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
How to use and how much?
Pour some drops of oil in a warm bucket of water and dip a towel in it. Then wrap the towel around the affected area and leave it for at least 1 hour.
CURE 3: Herbs
1. Turmeric
Why does this work?
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which heal joint pains and swelling.
How to use?
Add one teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of milk, heat it and drink it.
How much to use?
Make sure you drink it every night before going to bed to see good results.
2. Ginger
Why does this work?
Ginger also has inflammatory and antioxidant properties which reduce swelling and joint ache.
How to use?
There are many ways ginger can be consumed. You can add ginger in your tea and also in the vegetables you cook. You can also drink ginger juice directly with a pinch of honey in it.
How much to use?
Try to consume ginger in one form or another once a day.
3. Cayenne Pepper
Why does this work?
It is a natural pain killer, which relaxes muscle aches and strains.
How to use and how much?
You can add half a spoon of cayenne pepper powder in warm water and dip the affected area in it or dip a towel in it and wrap it. Keep the part soaked for a minimum of 15 minutes to dissolve bone spurs naturally.
4. Rosehip and Horsetail Tea
Why does this work?
Rosehip and horsetail are effective herbs for relieving pain and inflammation. It also has antioxidant properties which are very beneficial for bone spurs.
How to use and how much?
Herbal tea can be made out of both of them by boiling the extract in hot water for sometimes. This herbal tea should be consumed four times a day to see results.
CURE 4: Foods
1. Banana
Why does this work?
Banana is rich in magnesium which keeps the bones healthy and relaxed.
How to use and how much?
Eat a banana directly every day to make bone spurs go away. If not directly you can also drink a banana milkshake.
2. Avocado
Why does this work?
Avocado is also a great source of magnesium which treats bone spurs effectively.
How to use and how much?
Eat an avocado a day in a salad or include it any other food item you like.
[Also Read: Top 5 Foods for Reduction of Osteoporosis]
3. Spinach
Why does this work?
Spinach has a lot of roughage and magnesium which keeps the body healthy and active.
How to use and how much?
Spinach can be eaten in salads or mixed with lentils or can also be taken in the form of soup. Try to include spinach in one of the meals in a day.
4. Milk
Why does this work?
Milk makes the bone strong and healthy as it is rich in vitamin C.
How to use and how much?
Milk can be drunk directly in the raw form or after boiling. It is advisable to drink milk in the morning and at night before going to bed to dissolve bone spurs naturally.
5. Aloe vera
Why does this work?
Aloe vera has numerous health benefits like reducing pain and cramping.
How to use and how much?
If fresh aloe vera is not accessible you can buy aloe vera juice easily available in the grocery stores. Drink 1 cup a day to get rid of bone spurs.
CURE 5: Supplements
1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Why does this work?
Omega 3 fatty acid helps reduce inflammation and also improves muscle strength.
How to take and how much?
It can be taken in the form of tablets and capsules which are readily accessible. Also try to consume seafood like fish, oyster, and flax seeds which are rich in omega 3 fatty acid. If taking supplements you can take one tablet every day.
2. Calcium
Why does this work?
Calcium helps in maintaining strong bones and muscles and also reduces joint aches.
How to use and how much?
Eat food rich in calcium and also take supplements of it if possible. Take one tablet every day to keep your bones healthy.
3. Vitamin C
Why does this work?
It is a strong antioxidant that fights inflammation and keeps the bones strong and healthy.
How to use and how much?
Try to eat foods which are rich in vitamin C like lemon, oranges, cauliflower, guavas, etc. Eat something of this kind every day to prevent bone spurs.
4. Proteolytic Enzymes
Why does this work?
They reduce inflammation and are beneficial for preventing muscle pain and joint aches.
How to use?
They are easily available at medical stores in the form of supplements. Pineapple is also rich in this.
How much to use?
If eating the fruit pineapple, try to eat it twice a week. If taking supplements then at least thrice a week.
Let’s Not Be Scared of Bone Spurs
Do not stress yourself thinking, do bone spurs go away? Bone spurs do not usually cause symptoms and most of the times people have bone spurs but are not aware of it. They are not usually painful but in case you have increased the pain you can visit your doctor. However, there is nothing to worry about as the doctor can suggest numerous treatments and alternative therapies for it.
There is no exact way to prevent them but maintaining a good lifestyle and being physically fit helps a great deal. Combine your routine exercises with some easy to follow home remedies for bone spurs and live a stress-free life.
More than half your bones are in your hands and feet
FAQs
1. What is cervical bone spurs?
These are bone spurs that develop along any of the seven vertebrae in the spinal cord. This can be a little more painful than other bone spurs.
2. Are bone spurs genetic?
Yes. Some people are genetically predisposed to developing bone spurs.
3. Do bone spurs go away on their own?
Bone spurs do not go away on their own but specific home remedies and treatment can control them.
