Over time, the cartilage that protects the bone may be destroyed.
In response, your body attempts to repair the damage by creating new bone in the damaged area.
Calcium, the main component of bone, can grow to help pad the affected area.
Verywell / Laura Porter
This growth is referred to as a bone spur and may be more harmful than helpful.
These conditions tend to be more prevalent as you age.
What Do Bone Spurs on Feet Feel Like?
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This bony outgrowth can become painful when it is inflamed or rubs on surrounding neurovascular structures in the foot.
A proper diagnosis is made based on your clinical symptoms and imaging.
Additional imaging may be needed if the X-ray is inconclusive or indicates more damage than anticipated.
OTC medication won’t shrink a bone spur, but it will help with pain.
Good OTC medications for bone spurs on feet include the anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen and naproxen.
When you are feeling pain, take arestfrom physical activities that place pressure on your feet.
After, wear a footcompressionsleeve to help improve circulation, stretch the plantar fascia, and support the arch.
A corticosteroid injection provides near-immediate relief that lasts for approximately four to 12 weeks.
Does Losing Weight Help with Bone Spurs?
Weight loss can help reduce the pressure on your foot and bone spur and relieve or eliminate your discomfort.
Orthotics
The use of orthotics may also help to take the pressure off of the bone spur.
This possibility should be discussed with you prior to surgery.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Cheilectomy Surgery?
Full recovery generally takes about three months.
To avoid surgery, it is best to use OTC anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the inflammation.
It is also important to figure out the underlying cause of your foot pain.
Treating the underlying causes of your bone spur can help limit further damage and bone spur formation.
What Happens If Bone Spurs Are Left Untreated?
It is very important to take care of a painful bone spur as soon as you are able to.
However, there are some steps you could take to reduce your risk.
Eating a nutritious diet will also help you maintain ahealthy body weight.
This is important,as excess body weight places extra pressure on your bones and joints.
Whether you are trying to lose weight or not, do weight-bearingstrength exercisesregularly.
These keep your bones strong and protect your joints by strengthening the muscles that surround them.
Wearing well-fitted,supportive shoeswith arch support is critical for preventing bone spurs as well.
Summary
Bone spurs can be extremely painful and limit your mobility or affect your daily life.
Early treatment can prevent this from being the case.
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