How to treat osteophyte growth?

Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Bone hyperplasia mostly occurs in people over the age of 45, with symptoms becoming more apparent as age increases. It represents degenerative, hyperplastic, and aging changes in bone. Bone hyperplasia commonly affects major joints such as the cervical spine, lumbar spine, knee joint, heel, etc. Radiographic examinations are typically used to clearly diagnose the location of hyperplasia, which characteristically shows pointed changes on X-rays, and may stimulate surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and muscles to varying degrees. In cases like the knee joint, it is prone to synovitis, and symptoms become more noticeable when walking, climbing, or descending stairs. Upon diagnosis, treatment may involve anti-bone hyperplasia medications, and strict bed rest is recommended to avoid vigorous exercise. Application of local heat to the joints, and performing some traction treatments on the cervical or lumbar spine can help restore the normal physiological curvature of the spine and effectively alleviate symptoms.

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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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Symptoms of the early stage of bone hyperplasia

The early symptoms of osteophyte formation mainly include pain and limited local movement. If these symptoms occur in the early stage of osteophyte formation and there is no further protection of the affected area, or if vigorous exercise or injury occurs, it can lead to a gradual worsening of the symptoms. Patients may develop conditions such as lumbar disc herniation, cervical disc herniation, and osteoarthritis, which can worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial to take early symptoms of osteophyte growth seriously and manage them carefully. For instance, first and foremost, rest is important to avoid strenuous activity. Secondly, the local application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, as well as medications that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, can be used to alleviate local pain.

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Written by Zhang Ying Peng
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At what age does bone hyperplasia occur?

Bone hyperplasia occurs around the age of 30, after the body has completely stopped developing. Bone hyperplasia often occurs in joints and is caused by repetitive pulling of bones by tendons and ligaments, resulting in minor bone damage followed by a protective response. Generally, there are no obvious symptoms for bone hyperplasia and it does not require treatment. No non-surgical methods can eliminate bone hyperplasia; only in cases where the bone hyperplasia is particularly large and affects the joints or daily life, surgical methods to remove bone spurs may be considered.

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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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How to exercise with lumbar spondylosis?

For patients with lumbar spondylosis, it is recommended to exercise through swimming. Swimming exercises the muscles in the lower back and since the body is in a non-weight-bearing position during swimming, it does not aggravate the symptoms of lumbar spondylosis. Remember not to engage in exercises that put weight on the waist, such as playing ball, running, or participating in marathons. These activities should be avoided as they can increase the burden on the waist, exacerbating the degree of spondylosis. They may also lead to complications such as lumbar disc herniation and spinal stenosis, causing gradual increase in lower back pain and symptoms of numbness in the lower limbs.