Foot pain can hobble your everyday routine by causing discomfort whenever you stand or walk for long periods. These bony projections can form in various parts of the foot and occur alongside other irritating conditions. If you think you might suffer from this problem, take a look at the following frequently asked bone spur questions.

Where and Why Do Bone Spurs Develop?

Bone spurs can develop in many areas of the body, most commonly near joints. You can develop bone spurs in your knees, hands, or spinal column as well as in your feet. Foot bone spurs can develop on the top of the foot, underneath the heel, or near the first joint of a toe.

These bony lumps, which can take a long time to form, often affect people with arthritis. Heel spurs may occur alongside a soft tissue inflammation called plantar fasciitis. Risk factors for foot bone spurs include obesity, fractures or other injuries, flat feet or low arches, shoes that pinch the feet, and activities that strain the feet.

What Symptoms Can Bone Spurs Cause? 

Many bone spurs create no symptoms and cause no problems. However, if a bone spur in your foot rubs against neighboring structures, compresses nerves, or interferes with normal joint motion, you may experience serious discomfort in the affected part of the foot.

Hallmark symptoms of a possible bone spur in the foot include pain when walking or standing, stiffness, redness, swelling, and the development of a corn or bunion. near the potential bone spur. Bone spurs on the toes may look like hard lumps or knobs beneath the skin. A nerve pinched by a bone spur may cause numbness or weakness.

How Can Treatment Relieve Bone Spur Issues?

You don't need treatment for a bone spur in your foot unless it starts to cause problems, at which point your podiatrist will recommend conservative care as a first response. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ice, and rest can soothe bone spur pain. You might also need to lose excess weight or switch to more supportive footwear.

Physical therapy and prescription medications may help if these initial remedies cannot. In the most stubborn cases, you may need surgery. Podiatry surgeons can simply remove the offending bone spur, eliminating your pain, stiffness, and irritation at the source.

How Can You Avoid Future Bone Spurs?

Even after successful treatment, you might develop more bone spurs in your feet unless you take preventative measures. Keep your weight under control, wear shoes that fit well and offer proper support, get balanced nutrition, and try not to subject your need to needless stress. Contact your podiatrist for additional guidance.

For more information, contact a company like Ankle & Foot Specialists of Puget Sound.