Bone Spur of the Wrist
Bone spurs are generally the abnormal bony outgrowths that develop on the surface or the bones.1 Bone spurs of the wrist are essentially such bone growths on the surface of the wrist bone. Bone spurs on the wrist grow very slowly in general. Nevertheless, sometimes wrist spurs may grow rapidly and in an unpredictable way.
What are The Symptoms of a Bone Spur on the Wrist?
Most often it is seen that bone spurs on wrist do not cause any form of significant symptoms. Nevertheless, symptomatic conditions may arise depending on the severity of the spur so occurred. Some of the symptoms include-
- A form of bony mass may seem to appear under the skin on the wrist.
- The patient may complain of excruciating pain the wrist.
- The patient may feel numb or week around the wrist area.
- The patient may also feel a tingling sensation in the wrist when surrounding areas are pinched.
- The patient may have reduced range of motion of the wrist.
What are the Common Risk Factors of Bone Spur of the Wrist?
Various risk factors of bone spur may include increased age, excessive body weight or obesity, improper nutrition and unhealthy diet practice, repetitive stress on the wrist and hereditary predisposition.
One should know that having a risk factor does not mean that he will have bone spurs on the wrist. It is just a condition that makes one susceptible to bone spurs on the wrist. Preventing such conditions is seen to be helpful in preventing wrist bone spurs to occur.
What are The Risks and Complications of Having a Bone Spur on the Wrist?
Bone spurs may cause severe pain if left untreated. This occurs because the spur presses on the adjacent nerves and tendons and causes inflammation. Bone spurs may cause permanent damage of the nerves in the wrist area. Sometimes the patient may go for surgery to remove the spurs on the wrist. Surgery may cause infection if properly not done. Surgery also increases the risk of wounds and complications associated with anesthesia. Bone spurs on wrists are known to grow back sometimes even after surgery. Such spurs are called recurrent bone spurs.
Treatment for Bone Spurs on the Wrist
Bone spurs on wrists are treated in several ways. The method most suitable for a particular patient depends on the severity of the symptoms. Some of the treatment procedures include-
Rest: It should be noted that a lot of wrist activity will aggravate the condition of bone spur of the wrist. Thus rest on the wrist should be provided. The patient may be advised to refrain from certain forms of activity for proper relief from the painful symptoms.
Medications: Medicines may be given to reduce the pain and ease out the inflammation caused by the bone spurs of the wrist. Such medications have to be non-steroidal as well as anti-inflammatory. Medications may be given orally or at times even injected in case of severe pain and lack of mobility.
Injections: In case of injections, it should be noted that such will be given only for temporary relief from bone spurs of the wrist. Prolonged episodes of injection injure the joints and thus it has to be avoided.
Physical Therapy: Some form of physical therapy exercises may be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Such exercises will be aimed at improving the mobility of the wrist and also reduce the pain. The exercises will also help to decrease pressure caused.
Surgery: Surgical removal of bone spurs from the wrist may be advised by the doctor in case the patient becomes resistant to all forms of medication and physiotherapy.
