Bone spurs are part of a painful condition that often occurs as a result of arthritis in middle age. They can limit your range of motion and cause pain to the surrounding areas. While surgery is an option, there are alternative methods that are less invasive that can you give you relief from the resulting symptoms.
Definition of a Bone Spur
Bone spurs (also known osteophytes) are abnormal projections that grow along the edges of bones. The spurs can grow on any bone of the body but are most frequently on the spine, feet and fingers. While the spurs don't hurt on their own, they may rub up against nearby bones and nerves, which can cause extreme pain. Our age-induced inability to absorb calcium leads to eruptions on the bone; these eruptions are bone spurs. These bone spurs can result from several conditions as well, such as plantar fasciitis, spondylosis and spinal stenosis. The condition that causes bone spurs most often is osteoarthritis. Traditional treatment may begin with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofin to ease the pain and inflammation and end with operation if needed.
Vitamins and Supplements
Alternative treatment of bone spurs begins with a proper vitamin and supplement plan. A combination of glucosamine sulfate (500 mg), shark cartilage (doctor directed), bromelain (two capsules between food) and evening primrose oil (500 mg) can treat the inflammation of the spur and the surrounding area along with treating any joint damage you have sustained. The absorption of these remedies can be improved by adding the digestive aid betaine HCl. B complex vitamins and vitamin C can also improve bone health.
Herbal Remedies
Arnica is an herb that is able to improve circulation to a particular area while relieving pain in bruises, torn muscles and bone spurs. You can purchase a homeopathic cream with the herb at most natural food stores. An herbal tea made from the herb horsetail can begin to heal and repair the injured tissues near your bone spurs. Use one teaspoon of the herbs in a cup of boiling water, let them steep then strain them and enjoy the tea three times a day. The Indian spice tumeric and its extract curcumin can be taken as a 500-mg capsule three times a day to provide natural relief similar to cortisone. This can reduce inflammation and pain without the medicinal side effects of cortisone.
Treatment at Home
Foot baths can be especially effective to remedy the pain of bone spurs in the feet when you alternate hot and cold water. Hot flax seed packs (or any other herbal pack) helps soothe away some of the pain and inflammation. Wearing heel cushions and replacing old worn out shoes can improve ankle and foot bone spurs. Since food allergies and digestion problems can lead to bone spurs in some patients, consult a naturopath to make sure that you not exacerbating problems with a food that you're eating. Sometimes they will recommend that you try a detoxification diet to test which foods might be causing a problem.
Warnings
Since bone spurs may be a sign of a bigger problem (like arthritis), consult your doctor as soon as you discover them. Certain herbal remedies may cause allergic reactions or interact improperly with the medication you currently take. Clear everything with your doctor or an integrated medical practitioner before you add herbs to your routine.
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