Can osteophytes be treated by taking calcium supplements?

Written by Wang Cheng Lin

Orthopedics

Updated on March 30, 2025

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Bone hyperplasia should not be treated with calcium supplementation. This is because bone hyperplasia is caused by the hardening of bone tissue near the joints due to degeneration and wear and tear. Therefore, clinically, only patients with osteoporosis need calcium supplementation. How do we treat bone hyperplasia? The main approach is symptomatic treatment, such as using massage, acupuncture, electrotherapy, and magnetotherapy to relieve local pain and symptoms of restricted movement. Additionally, injection therapy can be used to immediately alleviate local pain, but the number of injection treatments is clearly limited to once or twice a month at most. Excessive use can damage local muscles and ligaments.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao

Orthopedics

41sec

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What to eat for calcium supplementation for osteophyte growth

It is advisable to use calcium carbonate or calcium lactate containing vitamin D, as vitamin D can promote the absorption of calcium in the body. Additionally, it is appropriate to sunbathe moderately and engage in regular exercise, maintain a balanced diet, and consume foods rich in calcium such as fish, shrimp, eggs, and milk, all of which help supplement calcium and enhance its absorption. If bone hyperplasia is severe, even sufficient calcium supplementation cannot reverse the localized excess bone growth. If bone hyperplasia severely affects mobility, surgical treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin

Orthopedics

1min 10sec

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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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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

43sec

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Age of onset of osteophyte formation

Bone hyperplasia is generally caused by degenerative changes that form bony structures, leading to localized pain. In severe cases, it can press on important nerves, causing a range of symptoms. Bone hyperplasia is generally a result of aging-related degeneration and is common in the elderly. However, heavy laborers or athletes can also develop localized bone hyperplasia due to repeated strain and injury. For example, football players may experience bone hyperplasia in the ankle and knee joints, while weightlifters may develop it in their lower back. Therefore, the age at which bone hyperplasia occurs varies depending on specific circumstances.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin

Orthopedics

42sec

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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.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin

Orthopedics

54sec

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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.