I Have A Bone Spur On My Thumb - What Do You Suggest?

When an x-ray confirms a bone spur, your doctor will advise if specific medication or treatment is required; particularly if it is a large bone spur or there is inflammation and/or pain. A small bone spur may not require any treatment.

• Medication

If no medication was prescribed by your doctor, anti-inflammatory tablets can still be obtained to relieve any swelling and pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin are food supplements and it is claimed that they rebuild cartilage although there is little scientific evidence to support these claims.

• What is a bone spur?

A bone spur is a growth of bone that forms on normal, healthy bone. It can be uncomfortable when it rubs or presses against anything. The most likely locations for bone spurs are the spine, shoulders, hands, hips, knees and feet.
Bone spurs are usually caused by imperfections or chips in the bone and as the body repairs the bone, surplus bone results. It can also form as cartilage breaks down and this often happens in knees and other joints during the ageing process. Bone spurs often occur in feet, particularly women's feet. Causes are ill-fitting shoes, ballet and other dance routines, too much pressure on the feet due to weight gain.

Bone spurs on fingers and thumbs can occur as cartilage between the joints wears away. It can occur at any age but is most common in men under 45 and women is over 55.