Freedom of movement can be restricted for several reasons. For example, it could be due to an injury, trauma, or perhaps part of the ageing process. Osteophytes, also commonly known as bone spurs, can also restrict a person’s range of motion. Bone spurs can occur in any joint, including the knees, shoulders, waist or hips. If you want to know more about a bone spur in the hip or shoulder joints, then this article is for you. The body determines that when a joint is involved in strenuous activity, which can cause excessive wear, it needs to heal by growing more tissues within the joint. The resulting bone spurs can cause considerable pain and a significant decline in a person’s range of motion.
Symptoms
One of the common problems with a bone spur in the hip or knees, or any joint for that matter, is that they do not pose any signs or symptoms. The damage can be revealed by pain only as the condition worsens. More specific symptoms also include localized joint pain, restricted range of motion & overall stiffness. A bone that has already experienced friction, such as when the cartilage has been damaged, and the resulting new tissues that get in the way, can only lead to more issues. Advancing age is a significant risk factor for developing bone spurs as well. If you have a family history of osteoarthritis, or if you are obese, the chances of developing these spurs are higher. The same is true if you have experienced previous hip injuries, or in cases of hip dysplasia. People who have structural abnormalities can also develop this condition.
Different treatment options
A bone spur in the hip can be treated in a variety of ways. Bone spurs can be effectively managed by losing any excess weight. This can help to alleviate the pain. It also helps in taking some of the load off the shoulders. Anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed by doctors for pain management. Physical therapy is definitely a part of any treatment plan for bone spurs. Surgery is an option to be considered if none of the above-mentioned methods is successful in reducing pain.
Regenerative treatment
The preferred way to treat a bone spur in the hip is through less invasive methods. Hip arthroscopy is a surgical technique that causes fewer scars and shorter recovery periods. However, the best way is to aid the body’s natural healing process. Regenerative medicine helps by utilizing the patient’s stem cells within the body. Injecting these stem cells helps the body to heal faster, and to ensure a more successful recovery. Because this is a natural method, there are few if any side effects. This is the only alternative to surgery, which often becomes inevitable if you have been suffering from bone spurs for years. Stem cell treatments effectively help in improving the overall functioning of the affected joints. It can also increase a patient’s range of motion, & this proves to be invaluable for athletes since after getting this treatment they can return to doing what they love again.
Ana Miller is a creative writer. Her topics of interest and expertise range from psychology to all sorts of disciplines such as science and news.