Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are not in fact spur like in shape, but, a smooth bone growths which forms over a long period of time.

The Causes of Bone Spurs

A bone spur forms on a site that is prone to pressure, rubbing or stress on a regular basis. It is a response by the body which builds extra bone to repair itself. Common places for bone spurs to occur include the feet (in particular heel spurs), knees, hips, hands, shoulders and the spine.

Some bone spurs may also form as we age due to a process called 'osteoarthritis' where by the cartilage at the ends of the bones breaks down and wears away. In a similar way this happens in the spine when the discs between the bones break down. Bone spurs can occur along the edges of the joint.

An Example of a Bone Spur

A great example of a cause of a bone spur is the 'pump bump' which is often seen in women who wear high heels – in this case the spur is formed due to pressure at the back of the heel when the shoes are too tight.

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