Bone Spur of Finger

Bone Spur of Finger

Article
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
Diseases & Conditions
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHMar 18, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Benign Bone Spur of Finger
  • Osteophytes of Finger

What is Bone Spur of Finger? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Bone spur is an abnormal bone growth that can develop on the surface of bones. Usually, bone spurs are not painful by themselves, but may cause pain when they rub against the nerves and press surrounding tissue
  • Bone spurs may develop on the surface of any bone. It most commonly involves the bones of the feet, elbow, and spine. Joint damage caused by degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, is the primary cause of bone spur in the joints
  • Individuals with Bone Spurs of Finger rarely experience any signs or symptoms. However, in some cases, individuals may experience pain in the affected finger
  • A majority of Bone Spurs of the Finger grow very slowly and are stable. However, in some cases, the growth is more rapid and unpredictable. In these cases, the healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove the bone spurs
  • Over-the-counter oral medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are recommended if the condition is painful. Surgery may be required, if Bone Spurs of the Finger reduce an individual's range of motion in the affected finger joint, presses on nerves, or if the pain is not controlled by medication
  • The prognosis of Bone Spurs of Finger is usually good and conservative methods are usually effective in treating many individuals. However, occasionally, a recurrence of the condition is noted

Who gets Bone Spur of Finger? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Bone Spurs of Finger may occur in individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and genders
  • No geographical localization has been noted

What are the Risk Factors for Bone Spur of Finger? (Predisposing Factors)

The common risk factors for Bone Spurs of the Finger include:

  • Advanced age
  • Repetitive stress on the finger, such as due to occupation or participation in high-impact sports
  • Excessive body weight associated with obesity
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis
  • Heredity predisposition; a family history of bone spurs

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Bone Spur of Finger? (Etiology)

  • Bone Spurs of the Finger are usually caused by a disease or condition that results from a degeneration of the cartilage
  • Excess bone formation occurs as a result of the body’s response to abnormal pressure on the affected area of the bone

In other words, bone spurs are caused as part of a reactive process to a bone injury.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bone Spur of Finger?

In many individuals, bones spurs are not painful by themselves and cause no significant signs or symptoms. However, in some, certain symptoms may develop depending on the severity of the condition.

The signs and symptoms of Bone Spurs of Finger include:

  • The appearance of a bony mass under the skin, of the affected finger
  • Uncontrollable pain in the hand/finger
  • Numbness, feeling of weakness, tingling sensation in the hands may be observed, if the surrounding nerves are pinched
  • Decrease range of motion in the affected finger

How is Bone Spur of Finger Diagnosed?

Bone Spurs of the Finger may be diagnosed by the following observations and tests:

  • A complete physical examination with thorough evaluation of medical history
  • X-ray of the hand: X-rays are noninvasive medical tests that use radiation to produce images of the bone
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the hand: A CT scan takes a series of X-ray images from several different angles. These images are then merged to create cross-sectional images of bones and soft tissues with the body
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the hand: An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses radio waves and a magnetic field that generates thorough images of interior bones and soft tissues
  • Electromyography (EMG): An EMG shows the electrical activity of the muscle during rest and muscle contraction. This test may be performed if the signs and symptoms indicate that there is muscle or nerve damage
  • Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies: Nerve conduction velocity shows the speed at which electrical signals move through the affected nerve. Slow nerve signal speed may indicate nerve damage

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Bone Spur of Finger?

The possible complications of Bone Spurs of Finger include:

  • Without treatment, in some individuals, bone spurs can cause severe uncontrollable pain, by impinging on surrounding structures such as the tendons and nerves
  • Individuals, who develop Bone Spurs in the Finger, may experience pain and difficulty performing simple/routine tasks
  • Surgery to remove bone spurs may lead to the following complications:
    • Infection at the site of surgery
    • Poor wound closure
    • Anesthetic complications
  • Permanent damage to the nerves in the finger
  • Occasionally, relief from surgery may only be temporary, since bone spurs may grow back (recurrent bone spurs)

How is Bone Spur of Finger Treated?

The methods for treating Bone Spurs of Finger depend on the severity of the signs and symptoms. Conservative methods for individuals with mild to moderate pain may include:

  • Rest: Any activity that aggravates the condition further should be avoided. The healthcare provider may advise individuals to refrain from participating in certain activities, until the symptoms get better
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen may be used to treat bone spurs. These medications can help decrease pain and swelling
  • Corticosteroid injections help provide temporary relief of symptoms, and in improving the range of motion. It is important to note that corticosteroid injections only give temporary relief. Prolonged episodes of such injections may injure the joints in the long-run
  • Physical therapy exercises that include strengthening and improving flexibility in the fingers can help reduce discomfort. It can also help decrease pressure on the nerves

Surgical treatment for Bone Spurs of the Finger: If conservative treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be recommended. A common surgical procedure is:

  • Bone spur removal: This procedure involves the surgical removal of any abnormal bony growth in the finger

How can Bone Spur of Finger be Prevented?

Bone Spurs of Finger is a condition that cannot be prevented in most individuals. However, in some cases, following certain guidelines may help reduce the risk of developing bone spurs.

  • Maintain a healthy body weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise
  • Take frequent breaks while working on the computer to limit repetitive finger actions
  • Limit activities that may involve repetitive stress on the fingers; wear appropriate safety equipment when participating in any (high-impact) sports. Significant stress on the finger joints may lead to the development of bone spurs

What is the Prognosis of Bone Spur of Finger? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • In a majority of cases, the prognosis of Bone Spurs of Finger is usually good and symptoms are resolved with suitable conservative treatment
  • However, there is still a risk that the bone spur will continue to grow. in these cases, a healthcare provider will recommend surgery to treat the condition
  • Occasionally, recurrent bone spurs may be observed and the relief obtained from surgery may only be temporary

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Bone Spur of Finger:

Please visit the following link for more information on bone spur removal surgical procedure that may be performed if Bone Spurs develop on any surface of the bones.

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-surgical/bone-spur-removal/

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
Approved by

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!