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Foot & Ankle Arthritis & Joint Care

Bone Spurs & Osteochondral Defects

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for bone spurs and osteochondral defects, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.

Part of Foot & Ankle Arthritis & Joint Care

Understanding bone spurs and osteochondral defects and your options.

A bone spur is a small extra growth of bone, often near a joint or where tendons pull. An osteochondral defect is a damaged spot in the joint's cartilage and the bone beneath it.

Many spurs cause no trouble, but some rub on tissue or limit motion. Defects can cause deep joint pain, so a clear diagnosis helps guide care.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788
Bone Spurs & Osteochondral Defects care

Symptoms

Signs of bone spurs and osteochondral defects.

If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    A hard bump you can feel or see

  • 02

    Pain when a shoe presses on the area

  • 03

    Deep joint ache with activity

  • 04

    Limited motion or a catching feeling

Why it happens

What can cause bone spurs and osteochondral defects.

  • 01

    Long-term stress or friction on the bone

  • 02

    Arthritis in the joint

  • 03

    Past injuries to the joint surface

  • 04

    Tight or poorly fitting shoes

Care groupFoot & Ankle Arthritis & Joint Care

Diagnosis and care

How we treat bone spurs and osteochondral defects.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

X-rays show most bone spurs clearly. For a defect in cartilage and bone, we often use an MRI or CT scan. We also check how your joint moves and where it hurts.

Step 2 · Treatment

Shoes with a roomy toe box or extra padding can take pressure off a spur. Orthotics, taping, and activity changes ease stress on the area. Physical therapy helps with joint motion and strength. Injections may calm painful, swollen tissue. Defects may need a boot or protected weight-bearing to heal.

A painful spur can be removed with surgery. Defects can be cleaned out, repaired, or encouraged to regrow cartilage, depending on their size.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

Simple spur pain often eases in a few weeks with shoe changes. Surgery for a spur or defect may take two to six months for full recovery.

When to book

Do not wait it out.

See a podiatrist if a bump keeps hurting or a joint aches deeply for weeks. Also come in if pain is changing how you walk.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Foot & Ankle Arthritis & Joint Care.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Do bone spurs need to be removed?

Most do not. They are treated only if they cause ongoing pain or limit movement.

Will a spur grow back after surgery?

It can in some cases, especially if the cause remains. Good shoes and follow-up lower the chance.

Get help with bone spurs and osteochondral defects.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788

Where we treat it

Bone Spurs & Osteochondral Defects care at 15 clinics.

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