Bone spurs are small outgrowths that develop along the edges of the joints, usually at the back of the spine as one advances in age. It is important to mention that they can also develop on the feet, the heel, toes and hands.The primary cause of these outgrowths is the damage that often results from osteoarthritis, a condition which affects the bones and causes their degeneration.

foot pain

This condition is also accompanied by instability. In some cases, bone spurs may result from conditions that cause inflammation around the joints. Additional risk factors include obesity, strenuous exercise routines and excess pressure applied on the joints.

One of the major characteristics of bone spurs is that they often go unnoticed for many years largely because the symptoms do not present themselves immediately. Once the symptoms start manifesting, they often present themselves as swelling around the affected joint, inflammation and limited mobility. In some cases, the bone spurs may cause numbness of the surrounding region. Note that bone spurs will usually present symptoms dependent on where they are.

On the spine for instance, affected people experience immense pain and lose their mobility. Sometimes, the spurs touch the nervous system in the spinal cord causing weakness in the limbs. Heel spurs on the other hand, often cause pressure points that lead to the formation of corns due to the additional pressure.

Depending on the stage in which the spurs are in, there home remedies that one can use to ease the symptoms and manage the condition with the aim of reducing the pain. Below are some of the options available. Always remember that in case the symptoms do not subside after a considerable period of time, you should always seek the services of an orthopaedic.


1. Cold Compress:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: A handful of ice cubes and a clean towel.
Difficulty: Easy

 

One of the simplest ways to manage the pain and inflammation that accompanies bone spurs is to use a cold compress on the affected joint. How does this work to offer pain relief? The ice cubes have a low temperature that works by reducing the pain sensation in the affected joint. What’s more, the ice plays a key role in relaxing the muscles around the joint so that there is improved mobility. The most important thing to remember when using this remedy is not to place the ice directly on the skin to avert the risk of frostbites. This is particularly important in cases where the affected suffers numbness in the body. Failure to do this increases the risk of injuries resulting from the skin’s overexposure to frigid temperatures. The simple directions below outline how to use this simple remedy.

Directions:

  1. Transfer the ice cubes in the thin towel and make a knot to hold them in place.
  2. Place the ice pack on top of the affected joint and press as gently as you can.
  3. Do this in intervals of 2 minutes and repeat as often as needed.
  4. Change the ice cubes once they start melting but remember to create some space between the applications.

 


2. Turmeric:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1 Teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 cup of milk.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Harness the healing powers of this potent natural herb best known for its pain relieving properties – turmeric. The main ingredient in turmeric is known as curcumin. This powerful pigment is what is responsible for easing the pain and inflammation that accompanies bone spurs. The herb’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a preferred home remedy. Use the simple directions below to make the most of this herb – all you need is a tablespoon of turmeric powder and a cup of milk for ingestion.

Directions:

  1. Place the turmeric powder in the cup of milk and stir to disperse.
  2. You will then heat the mixture to allow the powder to mix well before drinking.
  3. Take this remedy daily.

CAUTION: You may need to check with your doctor before using this remedy in case you are on blood thinning medication.


3. Chamomile Tea:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1 Teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers and 1 cup of hot water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Dealing with bone spurs and wondering how to treat them naturally? Tap into the health benefits of chamomile tea and enjoy its excellent soothing properties that provide much-needed relief from the pain and inflammation. All you need for this remedy is dried chamomile flowers and a cup of water which you will use as follows.

Directions:

  1. Put the dried chamomile leaves in the cup of water and let the mixture simmer. This is done with the intention of allowing the active ingredients to steep into the water, which is what you will use topically.
  2. Turn off the heat after 5 minutes and let the mixture steep.
  3. Allow it to cool before draining to prevent scalds and burns.
  4. Soak a clean towel in this chamomile tea and use to rinse and massage the area around the affected joint.
  5. Use this remedy daily for quick relief.

 


4. Epsom Salts:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 2 Cups of Epsom salts and a tub of warm bath water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Epsom salts are an excellent option for the natural treatment of bone spurs. The salts, which constitute Magnesium and sulphate salts are used for their ability to reduce pain and inflammation at the site of the affected joint. Regular use of the salts is also helpful in keeping the swelling down, which is ideal in cases where the affected joint reduces mobility and makes it hard to get from one place to another. When using Epsom salts however, make sure that you note this remedy is not recommended for those with diabetes as well as those suffering from disorders affecting the kidney.

Directions:

  1. Place the two cups of the Epsom salts in the tub and run the warm water.
  2. Mix the salts until they completely dissolve in the water.
  3. Proceed to soak the affected joint in the water for about half an hour. In cases where the bone spurs have developed on the spine, it helps to soak the whole body for a holistic effect.
  4. Use this remedy at least twice daily until you get relief from the pain at the site of the spurs.

 


5. Gentle Exercises:

Time Required: Varies depending on the preferred routine.
What You Need: Appropriate workout gear.
Difficulty: Easy

 

One of the main symptoms of bone spurs is the limited mobility that accompanies the condition when it affects the joints in the limbs. To counter this, it helps to indulge in gentle exercises that will go a long way in reducing the intensity of symptoms while enhancing mobility. Listed below are some of the relatively easy options available for you to manage bone spurs.

Directions:

Gentle exercises to indulge in to ease the symptoms of Bone Spurs:

  1. Stretching exercises are recommended or at least half an hour on alternate days for a start. You can then build on this, but do the exercises at least 5 times weekly, particularly in the morning when the benefits are immense.
  2. Get moving by taking short walks or gentle jogging. The idea is to get the joints in motion. Remember to get a pair of comfortable shoes to go with the exercises to prevent adding pressure especially if the affected region is a heel spur.
  3. Swimming also works as it also helps with general fitness.
  4. Look out for low impact exercises that improve core strength and stretch the muscles in the limbs.

NOTE: Remember to always warm up before doing the exercises to reduce the pain that occurs before and after working out. To do this effectively, warm the specific joint with light movement.

 


6. Flaxseeds:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Flax seed oil, warm bath and clean towel. You may also prepare a hot pack using 1 cup of flaxseeds, 1 piece of cloth and a microwave.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Flaxseeds are recommended for the natural treatment of bone spurs, largely because the seeds are rich in alpha-linoleic acid. This is a fatty acid that belongs to the omega-3 family. It is notably significant because it has an incredible effect on the pain signal pathway, thus providing relief from the pain and inflammation. There are two ways you may use flaxseed oil: prepare a hot pack or use the oil directly as indicated in the simple steps below.

Directions:

Method 1

  1. Warm the flaxseed oil in the warm bath to avoid heating it directly which destroys its structure.
  2. When the oil is warm enough to apply topically, soak the clean towel in the oil and squeeze the excess oil.
  3. Place a hot water bottle on top of the soaked cloth to keep it warm. This helps with the absorption of oil while soothing the affected joint.
  4. Use this remedy at least once daily to get relief from bone spurs.

Method 2

  1. Place a cup of flax seeds on a clean piece of cloth.
  2. Tie the cloth so that you have an easy-to-use pack.
  3. Place the pack in the microwave to warm it for a minute or so.
  4. Put the pack on the affected joint, gently pressing in for a couple of minutes.
  5. Use this remedy as often as needed. The advantage of using this remedy is that the pack can be recycled multiple times.
  6. Do not forget to add flax seeds to your daily diet.

 


7. Handy Tips Used to Manage Bone Spurs:

 

Below are some simple tips you can incorporate in your treatment options for the natural management of bone spurs:

  1. Consider getting a deep tissue massage on the affected area. If this is not possible, make an effort to warm some oil and use it to massage the affected part.
  2. For spurs that develop on the heels, it is important to invest in shoes with a proper fit to avoid applying excessive pressure. It also helps to take a foot bath that soothes the pain and helps keep the swelling down.
  3. Keep stress at bay as this contributes significantly to pain and inflammation in the body.
  4. Remember to get adequate rest too to allow the body make a full recovery.
  5. Maintain a good posture to prevent bone spurs from worsening.

 


It helps to seek professional medical advice in case you have any doubts about the progress you are making when dealing with bone spurs.