Bone spurs are sharp spikes of bone that form at the margins of joints with arthritis, or within tendons in the case of tendonitis. Sometimes you can actually feel the bone spur as a hard lump under the skin. Bone cysts are just small holes or cavities that form inside the bone around arthritic joints. They also sometimes form spontaneously in healthy bone. These can’t be felt but are detectable on x-ray.
Arthritis literally means “inflamed joint”, and generally refers to any damage to the joints of the body. There are 36 joints in the hand and wrist, and several sites that are commonly are affected by arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type and is a degenerative breakdown of the joints over time. The CMC joint at the base of the thumb is commonly affected. Less common forms of arthritis include damage to the joint due to injuries (post-traumatic arthritis), and inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, gout, psoriatic).
CAUSES
Bone spurs and cysts commonly occur in association with the various types of joint arthritis.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
While the arthritic joint may hurt, the bone spur or cyst is usually not what is causing the pain. Occasionally a very prominent bone spur can put pressure on the skin or irritate an overly tendon causing pain or snapping sensation. Prominent bone spurs also may cause a visible lump under the skin which is hard to the touch and not mobile like a ganglion cyst would be.
IS THERE A TEST FOR BONE SPURS AND CYSTS?
X-rays of the hand and wrist can generally detect significant bone spurs and cysts, which also may serve as evidence of arthritis of the joint. Some large bone spurs may be felt on physical exam.
TREATMENT
Treatment for bone spurs and cysts is usually the same as treatment for the associated arthritis. Occasionally a bone spur may be large or symptomatic enough to warrant surgical removal. Bone cysts rarely require individual treatment.
READY TO CONFIRM A DIAGNOSIS AND FIX THE PROBLEM OR JUST WANT TO LEARN MORE?
I am here to help! I can often diagnose the problem in one visit, and get you started with a treatment plan. I offer a wide variety of both nonoperative and operative treatment options.
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This article is not a substitute for expert medical advice or diagnosis and is for educational purposes only.
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