About Osteophytes
Osteophytes, which are also known by the name of bone spurs, are small bony projections or bumps which usually grow on the bones of the spine but can form in other areas also.1 Apart from the bones of the spine, Osteophytes can be found adjacent to the joints which are affected by osteoarthritis which is a medical condition which causes the joints to become stiff and painful. Other areas where Osteophytes can grow are the neck, shoulder, knee, low back, fingers, and foot.
In most of the cases, Osteophytes are relatively asymptomatic but they tend to cause symptoms in cases if they start rubbing against a bone or a tissue. In some cases, Osteophytes can also cause restriction of motion of a joint. Nerve impingement is also something that can occur as a result of Osteophytes.
While treatment is usually not required for Osteophytes which do not cause any symptoms, but if a person experiences any symptoms of osteophytes then there are medications which can help relieve the symptoms. Alternatively, there are also certain Home Remedies which not only help with the symptoms of Osteophytes but also help dissolve them.
Can Osteophytes Dissolve On Their Own?
The answer to this question is, NO, osteophytes do not go away by themselves. It normally requires treatment either in the form of medications to relieve symptoms caused by Osteophytes or in some cases even a surgical removal of the Osteophytes is done for symptom relief. Surgery is usually recommended for removal of Osteophytes when there is severe impingement of a nerve causing significant neurological symptoms around the region of the Osteophytes.2
Osteophytes can also be treated naturally by using vitamins and certain home remedies which are quite effective in alleviating the symptoms of Osteophytes and even help in dissolving the osteophytes completely. These home remedies are:
Ginger: Ginger is a natural antiinflammatory and osteophytes are usually caused as a result of inflammation. Thus consuming ginger based products or supplements can significantly help in getting rid of osteophytes.
Turmeric: This is yet another natural antiinflammatory and pain reliever which can be used for relieving symptoms caused by osteophytes. Turmeric contains curcumin which helps in decreasing inflammation and calming down the pain caused by osteophytes. An individual needs to take turmeric supplement two to three times a day or mix a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of milk at least twice a day for optimal relief from symptoms of osteophytes.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This is yet another natural antiinflammatory that can be used for relief of symptoms of osteophytes and even help dissolve the osteophytes. The individual just needs to dilute a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink the solution at least twice a day for best results.
Vitamins: Vitamins also play a crucial role in helping to alleviate the symptoms of osteophytes. Just consuming a glass of milk everyday gives an individual the necessary vitamin D required for healing of osteophytes.
Vitamin E is also quite beneficial in getting relief of symptoms of osteophytes. This vitamin is found in green vegetables, whole grains, soybean oil, tomatoes, and mangoes.
Vitamin K is also quite beneficial for treatment of osteophytes naturally. This vitamin can be found in abundance in cauliflower. Additionally, magnesium and calcium supplements are also quite beneficial in getting rid of the symptoms of osteophytes or even help dissolve them naturally.
Also Read:
- Bone Spurs or Osteophytes- Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
- Neck Bone Spurs or Cervical Osteophytes: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
- Shoulder Bone Spurs: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
- Disc Osteophyte Complex: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
- Osteophyte Formation in Cervical Spine: Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis
