Bone spurs are something we run into from time to time, with clients who have sustained repetitive aggravation from an injury. This pointed outgrowth of bone, is most often caused by inflammation. Inflammation can encourage cells to deposit bone, eventually causing the formation of a spur.
For example, inflammation of ligaments surrounding a degenerative disc between the vertebrae, can create bone spurs. Inflammation on the Achilles tendon can lead to a heel spur. Since these bony outgrowths often develop in areas of inflammation, near injured cartilage or tendons, they are commonly found in the back, some areas of the foot and around joints. Inflammation from degenerative issues like arthritis or tendinitis can also cause spurs.
Symptoms
Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. When symptoms are present they are dependent upon the location of the spur. Some complaints include:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tenderness
In the heel, spurs are often the cause of pain, tenderness and swelling that can lead to difficulty walking. This residual pain and inflammation on the bottom of the foot is called plantar fasciitis. Spurs on the spine can affect adjacent nerves causing numbness, tingling, and pain or weakness.
Treatment
Bone spurs can be aided in a multitude of ways, helping to relieve pain, inflammation and even helping to dissolve the spur.
Deep tissue massage
Regular treatment to help the body dissolve the spur is necessary until it resolves. Using hand and foot tools in the affected area really helps to break adhesions in fascia and connective tissue, thereby releasing tension and pain caused by the pulling on the joint.
Supplementation
Since osteoarthritis has been linked to calcium and mineral deficiency, and osteoarthritis can be treated and prevented with a high calcium and mineral diet, it only makes sense that bone spurs can also be treated with the addition of high calcium and mineral in your diet.
Because it’s very difficult to obtain the recommended daily intake of calcium and other important minerals, the next best solution is supplementation. Super Blue Green Algae is a supplement with a whole complex of minerals, which interact with one another to keep a healthy balance and prevent and treat bone spurs.
Essential oils
Some people report relief and even dissolution of bone spurs through the use of essential oils. This is within the arena of vibrational healing and is purported to work based upon the principles of the electromagnetic frequencies of these essential oils.
Proper stretching
Those with heel spurs caused by plantar fasciitis often find relief rubbing the bottom of their feet by rolling a tennis ball with their foot. As you do this more regularly you can move up to a golf ball, for a more intense stretch. Do this while sitting watching TV or working on the computer. It gives those muscles and tendons a great stretch and mini-massage, breaking up adhesions and increasing blood flow to the area. It feels great after a long day on your feet, even if you don’t have spurs!
Other treatments include:
- Weight loss
- Orthotics in shoes (as prescribed by a podiatrist)
- Resting the injured area to reduce stress on the affected joint
Personal Experience
Tara was developing spurs on her lower spine and treated them by starting an anti-inflammatory diet paired with a blue green algae supplement and regular stretching via yoga and regular massage. Her constant pain has disappeared, but she continues with the regimen that helped rid her of the pain, helping ensure that it doesn’t return.
If you’re having trouble with those pesky spurs, let us know and we can perform some appropriate bodywork, within your session, to help relieve and restore that area of the body.
As with any medical issue, if you have concerns, seek the advice of your physician. This blog is meant to be informative and does not act as a treatment plan.
Related Articles
- Treating Heel Spurs (brighthub.com)
