Can osteophytes be massaged?

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on November 01, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
52sec home-news-image

symptoms of bone hyperplasia

Under normal circumstances, in the early stages of osteophyte formation, the condition mainly manifests as localized pain in patients, especially during periods of increased activity or exposure to cold, when the pain is more pronounced. If the osteophyte formation progressively worsens over time and occurs in the spine, it may lead to conditions such as cervical or lumbar spine diseases. This, in turn, causes patients to experience neck pain, back pain, and in severe cases, symptoms such as dizziness, numbness in the arms, unsteady walking, a sensation of walking on cotton, and even abnormalities in urination and defecation. Additionally, if the osteophyte formation occurs in the joints, it often leads to joint deformities.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
54sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
1min 4sec home-news-image

How is osteophyte treated?

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
34sec home-news-image

Does bone hyperplasia hurt?

Bone hyperplasia commonly arises due to degenerative changes in the elderly, especially at the sites where muscles and tendons attach, leading to abnormal bone growth. This can cause localized pain and restricted movement. For instance, bone hyperplasia around the knee joint, patella, and on one side of the tibial plateau in the knee joint can cause repeated friction against surrounding ligaments and tendons, leading to painful symptoms, as well as joint deformities. Thus, bone hyperplasia is associated with some painful symptoms.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Ying Peng
Orthopedics
51sec home-news-image

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.)