osteophyte Osteophyte is a self-repairing pathological process. It often grows along the edge of the bone, forming a bony protuberance, also known as a bone spur. It typically forms at the articulating ends of bones, occurring in the limbs as well as on the vertebral bones of the spine. Its characteristic feature in imaging is primarily demonstrated as bony outgrowths protruding outward in a lip-like manner along the joint margins.

Osteophyte is a self-repair pathological process. It often grows along the edges of the bones, taking the form of bony protrusions, also known as bone spurs. They typically form at the junctions of bones, primarily in joint areas where limbs meet or along the vertebrae of the spine. The characteristic radiographic feature of osteophytes is the outward projection of bony growth along the joint margins.

Osteoarthritis: Joint damage resulting from osteoarthritis is a common cause of osteophyte formation.

Mechanical stress: Changes in joint mechanics occur with aging, leading to localized abnormal stress on the joint, promoting osteophyte formation through repetitive stimulation.

Other autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout are also common causes of osteophyte formation.

Most osteophytes do not cause symptoms. However, when they compress surrounding nerves, tendons, or other structures, they can lead to corresponding symptoms:

- Pain, numbness, swelling, and restricted joint movement

- For instance, tibial spine spurs can cause knee joint pain

- Lumbar spine spurs can compress nerve roots, causing lower back and leg pain, weakness, and numbness

- Anterior cervical spurs can even compress the esophagus and trachea, leading to swallowing difficulties and breathing problems

- Spurs around the joint can sometimes limit the range of joint motion

Appropriate exercise

Having osteophytes does not mean avoiding movement. On the contrary, appropriate exercise can strengthen the muscles and ligaments around the joint, increase joint stability, and activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming with less stress on the knee joint can be chosen.

Rest

When pain occurs after activity, it's important to rest, as pain is a signal of joint protection. Therefore, activities that cause pain should be limited. For example, if squatting causes pain, switch to using a sitting toilet; if climbing hills or stairs causes pain, reduce or avoid these activities.

Weight reduction

Excessive body weight can accelerate joint wear, especially in the knee joint. Proper weight reduction can reduce the pressure on the knee joint, slow down joint wear, and inhibit osteophyte formation.

Keep warm

Joints are sensitive to cold and dampness, and many elderly people feel joint pain in cold and damp weather. Dressing warmly is beneficial for joint protection.

Pure osteophytes do not necessarily require surgical treatment. However, surgery may be necessary if the patient experiences severe pain symptoms, significant joint restriction, or if the osteophyte compresses nerves, blood vessels, tendons, etc. Depending on the specific condition, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to remove osteophytes or open surgery, such as joint replacement, may be performed.

Weight reduction: Shedding excess weight is considered one of the factors that accelerate joint aging. When walking, wear shoes that provide good support for the feet, cushioning the pressure on the feet and other joints. Maintain good posture and follow ergonomic principles to prevent spinal osteophytes. If there are any signs of joint problems, such as pain, swelling, or stiffness, seek medical attention early and receive treatment for arthritis promptly.

Daily life management

Change poor lifestyle and work habits to avoid prolonged running, jumping, and squatting. Choose the right exercise and develop an individualized exercise plan to alleviate pain and improve and maintain joint function. For example, select low-intensity aerobic exercise and engage in muscle strength training around the joints. Pay attention to joint mobility and balance exercise and conduct joint function training to keep the joints active and maintain maximum mobility.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and functional exercise helps prevent and treat osteophytes. See the section on daily life management for specific details.