How is osteophyte treated?

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on February 11, 2025
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Bone hyperplasia is mainly caused by degenerative changes in the joints, chronic strain, trauma, and other reasons. There may be no symptoms when there is no pressure or irritation on the surrounding tissues. However, when the surrounding tissues or nerve roots are stimulated, symptoms such as pain and numbness or weakness in the limbs can occur. For the treatment of bone hyperplasia, if there are no symptoms, treatment is not necessary, and attention to rest is usually sufficient. When the aforementioned symptoms occur, anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs, nerve-nourishing drugs, and cartilage-nourishing drugs can be used, along with heat therapy, physical therapy, block therapy, and traction. These methods can play a positive role in improving symptoms. Surgical treatment can also be considered when conservative treatment is ineffective or functional impairment occurs. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Age of onset of osteophyte formation

Bone hyperplasia is generally caused by degenerative changes that form bony structures, leading to localized pain. In severe cases, it can press on important nerves, causing a range of symptoms. Bone hyperplasia is generally a result of aging-related degeneration and is common in the elderly. However, heavy laborers or athletes can also develop localized bone hyperplasia due to repeated strain and injury. For example, football players may experience bone hyperplasia in the ankle and knee joints, while weightlifters may develop it in their lower back. Therefore, the age at which bone hyperplasia occurs varies depending on specific circumstances.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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What should not be eaten with osteophyte formation?

Patients with bone hyperplasia should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, high-fat and high-calorie foods, such as fatty meat, barbecue, fried foods, and foods with high sugar content, as these are detrimental to health and can easily lead to diseases such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Patients with bone hyperplasia are encouraged to consume more calcium-rich foods, such as milk, shrimp shells, beans, and ribs. These foods are rich in calcium. Additionally, it is beneficial to get more sun exposure, adequately supplement with vitamin D, and engage in proper physical exercise, all of which help promote the absorption of calcium.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Can osteophytes be treated by taking calcium supplements?

Bone hyperplasia should not be treated with calcium supplementation. This is because bone hyperplasia is caused by the hardening of bone tissue near the joints due to degeneration and wear and tear. Therefore, clinically, only patients with osteoporosis need calcium supplementation. How do we treat bone hyperplasia? The main approach is symptomatic treatment, such as using massage, acupuncture, electrotherapy, and magnetotherapy to relieve local pain and symptoms of restricted movement. Additionally, injection therapy can be used to immediately alleviate local pain, but the number of injection treatments is clearly limited to once or twice a month at most. Excessive use can damage local muscles and ligaments.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Can osteophytes be massaged?

Osteophyte, or bone spur, symptoms such as localized pain can be alleviated through massage. However, massage only serves as a relief and does not aim to treat the bone spur itself. Clinically, the treatment for bone spurs also focuses merely on symptomatic relief; it is impossible to completely eliminate bone spurs through oral medications or other physical therapies. Besides massage, options such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, as well as medications that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, can be used to relieve pain. Additionally, local injections, such as block injections, can also provide relief. However, it is important to remember that the dosage and frequency of block injections are limited; generally, one to two injections per month is the maximum. Excessive use of block injections can damage local muscles and ligaments, worsening the symptoms of bone spurs. (Please consult your doctor before using any medications and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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What are the symptoms of bone hyperplasia?

Bone hyperplasia is mainly caused by degenerative joint changes. The symptoms vary depending on the affected area. For example, bone hyperplasia in the cervical spine can cause symptoms such as limb pain, numbness, weakness, dizziness, and nausea when it compresses and irritates vessels and nerves. Bone hyperplasia in the joints can lead to joint pain, swelling, fluid accumulation, restricted movement, and even deformities. In the case of lumbar spine bone hyperplasia, when it stimulates the nerve roots, it can cause symptoms like back and leg pain, and numbness and weakness in the limbs. Thus, it is evident that the symptoms of bone hyperplasia differ depending on the location.