Bones are the building blocks of the body. They are the frameworks on which a human body stands. Therefore, health care regime should always include certain steps that aim at promoting health of the bones. Moreover, people with strong bones are always considered as lucky because they are saved from several diseases of the bones. Those with weaker bones are often vulnerable to problems that are both trivial and major ones as well. These bone related problems might range from simple aches to severe conditions, like osteoarthritis. A common problem of the bones in the recent times is bone spur or osteophyte. It is actually a situation when a narrow outgrowth of bones occurs and it starts protruding outwards gradually.
At initial stages it is hardly noticeable. But in the later stages it becomes painful and causes localized deformities. Moreover, such an outgrowing bone can eventually tear the muscles and the flesh of the adjoining areas, causing bleeding and swelling too. It is always associated with intolerable pain. Therefore, an immediate treatment is recommended in such stages.
Causes
- There are several triggers of bone spurs. On occasions of minor injury, the bones try to get healed all by themselves. This leads to bone spurs.
- Age is another major cause for bone spurs as the cartilages and tissues starts wearing away slowly. Moreover, the discs which act as ball bearing in between the bones and the spines, start degenerating. This gives rise to tremendous pain along with formation of bone spurs along the edges of the joints.
- But there are other vital causes of bone spurs too. Those who perform physically strenuous activities regularly or those who have the habit of wearing ill fitted and tight shoes or are extremely overweight become victims of this disease.
Home remedies for treating bone spurs
Treatments for bone spurs include physio therapeutic massages, oral medicines, specified exercises, plastering the area, anti inflammatory balms and ointments etc. One of the most effective yet safe ways to arrest bone spurs is home remedy. There are medicines available at home that offer great cure for bone spurs if a patient adheres to them meticulously along with medical treatments. Some of these home remedies are enlisted below.
1. Ice compress on the affected area
Bone spurs are associated with extreme pain and swelling. The affected area becomes tender to touch. A quick and effective way to promote comfort to the sufferer on a temporary basis is ice compress. Take ice cubes inside the layers of clean cotton cloth or an ice compress medical bag apply on the affected spot. The nerves on that area will become numb due to the relief caused by ice and the pain will vanish for sometime.
2. Gentle massage can be helpful
Once the pain has subsided a bit, massaging the area with soft hands will be able to bring comfort to the sufferer. Massage aimed at curing bone spurs must be gentle and in a circular movement. That way the circulation of blood will get normalized and the pain and swelling in the affected area will get reduced.
3. Heat compress is quite relaxing
The affected area becomes stiff with pain when a person suffers from bone spurs. So, heat compress is a great way that can encourage the normal blood flow through the affected area. It can also soothe the pain. Thus the inflamed part of the body will also get comfort as a result.
4. Flax seed pad is effective
Among several other home remedies, flax seed is popularly known for its anti-inflammatory attributes. Hence, flax seed is a great home remedy for the pain and swelling in bone spurs. If you make a paste of flax seeds and apply locally on the affected area directly, it will reduce the inflammation and the subsequent pain. But remember to apply this home remedy for at least three to four times a day for at least a week minimum in order to get your desired effects.
5. Great cure offered by Curcumin
Another well known product from the kitchen shelf, which is effective in treating bone spurs are curcumin seeds. Those who are suffering from bone spurs will get immense benefits if you consume five hundred grams to a kilo of curcumin seeds everyday for at least a month, on an empty stomach every day. You can make a paste of the same and mix with water so that the process of eating the curcumin seeds becomes convenient for you.
6. Turmeric is a natural healer
Turmeric has been known all over the world for the great deal of remedial measures it offers. It is widely used in treating aches, pains, inflammations and fractures. The yellow turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medicine. Application of turmeric paste on the affected area will benefit a sufferer immensely.
7. Herbal preparation of Rose Hip and Horsetail Tea
Rose hip is a favorite herb among the herbalists for its anti-oxidant properties. Similarly horsetail is also well known as an anti-inflammatory and pain relieving herb as it contains fair amount of silica. Herbal tea of horsetail along with rose hip is therefore a cure for bone spurs. You can prepare this herbal mixture at home by boiling water for sometimes. Now, add a teaspoon of fresh, pounded horsetail herbs to this boiling water. Similarly, add a teaspoon of the paste of rose hip petals, which you have prepared beforehand. Allow boiling further. After this, remove the tea for flame and allow cooling for ten minutes. Before consuming, stain it clearly. This herbal tea must be taken at least four times a day to get relief.
8. Check your footwear
Since ill fitted and tight footwear is one of the major reasons behind bone spurs, so the first thing to do is to get hold of proper footwear that fits well and has been provided with a soft padding. This padding acts as a shock absorber and prevents the strain on the ligaments and muscles. Therefore, bone spurs are arrested.
9. Exercises keep the disease at bay
Light exercises are recommended for those who are suffering from bone spurs. Yoga is also an effective form of exercise for such a disease. Regular exercises prevent the stiffness of the ligaments and the muscles and their accidental tearing.
