Osteophytes or spur: what they are?

Dear Ask The Doctor: What is osteophytic spurring and how long does it take to manifest? Can an injury or fall cause this to occur?

Dear Therese: Osteophytes are degenerative bone changes and they can occur in the feet, spine and other bones causing pain and the disability in the affected joint. The treatment options depend on the age, severity of the pain, neurologic symptoms and if there is some other associated health issues or conditions. Depending on the affected joint you may try with conservative treatment first as physical therapy and if there is poor or no improvement you should get a reevaluation by an orthopedic surgeon to decide if surgery  may be consider as a treatment option for you.