How are bone spurs treated?

How are bone spurs treated?

Some home remedies and lifestyle changes help ease osteophyte symptoms:

• Ice to reduce swelling.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDS like ibuprofen.
• Rest.
• Supportive shoes or shoe inserts.
• Weight loss to decrease joint and bone stress.

If those methods aren’t enough, your healthcare provider can prescribe:

• Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can reduce pain, improve range of motion and strengthen muscles around joints.
• Prescription pain medications: If over-the-counter pain medicines don’t provide relief, your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger option or cortisone shot.
• Surgery: If symptoms continue after a year of treatment, surgery can remove the bone spurs.