The elbow joint.
The most common symptoms of bone spurs in the elbow are pain, locking of the joint, and loss of motion of the elbow. Bone spurs are more common in patients suffering from osteoarthritis, a degenerative bone disease. Many people do not experience symptoms of a bone spur unless it reaches a certain size or forms near a tendon or ligament.
The most common cause of bone spurs in the elbow is osteoarthritis.
Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are bony growths that form on some joints in the body. They are caused by constant stress on the bones, such as overuse of the elbow, or as a result of diseases, such as osteoarthritis or bursitis. Elbow trauma can also cause a bone spur to form.
The most common cause of bone spurs in the elbow is osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that protects and surrounds the bone wears down, causing the bones to rub together or protrude. If there is trauma to the bones in the elbow, the healing process can overcompensate and create a buildup of calcium, which in turn creates a bone spur.
Pain is the main symptom of a bone spur in the elbow.
If there is pain as a result of a bone spur, it usually means the area of overgrowth is large enough to put pressure on surrounding tissue, compress a nerve, or grate another bone. In addition to pain, there may be swelling, redness, and inflammation. If the bone spur loosens, it can lodge in the joint and temporarily lock the elbow until it dislocates again.
Bone spurs in the elbow are usually only found through x-rays that are taken while looking for another problem.
Most of the time, bone spurs have no symptoms, especially in their early stages. Often they are only found as a result of an X-ray or other test looking for another problem. Bone spurs are usually not treated if this is the case. If there are any symptoms, such as pain, loss of movement, or locking of the joint, surgery may be required. Cortisone injections and anti-inflammatories are usually given first to see if they reduce pain or swelling.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that protects a bone breaks down over time.
Surgery for a bone spur in the elbow is usually a last resort, as most symptoms can be treated with medication. In the case of osteoarthritis or any other disease that can cause bone spurs, the underlying cause must be treated so that no more spurs appear.
