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 Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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What medicine is there for bone hyperplasia?

The treatment primarily depends on the condition and location of the patient's bone proliferation. If the bone proliferation occurs in the joint area, early treatment can often involve oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, as well as medications that nourish the cartilage. If the bone proliferation occurs in the cervical or lumbar spine and is accompanied by spinal nerve compression, treatment should include oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, anti-proliferative agents, and medications that nourish the nerves. Additionally, strict attention should be given to rest and protection, as these are the best conditions for patient recovery. Local applications of heat or washing with hot water can further improve the symptoms of bone proliferation. (Specific medications should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhang Ying Peng
Orthopedics
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Can people with bone hyperplasia drink alcohol?

Bone hyperplasia is a protective response caused by the bones at joint areas being subjected to long-term muscle traction and wear. Bone hyperplasia itself is not a disease, nor does it affect drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol has neither therapeutic effects nor does it cause pain related to bone hyperplasia, so whether patients with bone hyperplasia drink alcohol is not very significant. For the treatment of bone hyperplasia, the most important things are rest, reducing heavy labor, and avoiding heavy physical work or extensive sports activities. Medications can include oral anti-inflammatory pain relievers, blood circulation-promoting drugs, and cartilage-protecting drugs for symptomatic treatment. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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What is bone hyperplasia?

Bone hyperplasia is primarily caused by degenerative changes in the joints or due to trauma, chronic strain, and other factors, leading to the destruction of cartilage and subsequently causing a reactive proliferation of cartilage. Bone hyperplasia is a physiological phenomenon, commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly patients. When bone hyperplasia is asymptomatic, treatment is not required; however, when it irritates surrounding tissues, symptoms such as pain and restricted movement can occur, and treatment is necessary. Treatment mainly involves symptomatic medication, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics, drugs that nourish the cartilage, and drugs that nourish the nerves, among others. Additionally, treatment can include hot compresses, physical therapy, or surgery, all of which can effectively improve symptoms. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor and do not use them indiscriminately on your own.)

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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How to recover from bone hyperplasia?

Bone hyperplasia is mainly caused by degenerative joint changes, trauma, chronic overuse, and other factors, leading to the destruction of cartilage and consequently causing a reactive proliferation of the cartilage. When bone hyperplasia is asymptomatic, it does not require treatment. However, when it causes irritation to surrounding tissues, symptoms such as pain and limited mobility may occur, and treatment is necessary. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory analgesics, drugs that nourish the cartilage, and other medical treatments. These can be combined with hot compresses, physical therapy, and joint injections. These methods can contribute to symptom improvement. When symptoms are more severe, conservative treatments are ineffective, and functional impairments occur, surgical methods may also be considered for treatment. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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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.)