Everyone loves food. Throughout history, sharing meals has brought people together from all walks of life and varying cultures. San Antonio has its own event to celebrate this delicious aspect of life: Restaurant Week. This year’s Restaurant Week is happening now, and will end Saturday, August 23. Just beware: you might end your meal with a bulging belly! A tummy bulge from a great meal is one thing; bony bulges on your feet from bone spurs are far less welcome and not at all satisfying. The risk factors for bone spurs are more common than you might think. You could develop a bony growth without even realizing it.
Bone spurs can be surprisingly common. They are projections of extra bone growth and typically develop near a joint or tendon. Your body produces this little growth under pressure, friction, and repetitive stress. Bones grinding together or tendons pulling on the skeleton create this effect. After a while, your body builds more bone tissue in that area to protect it.
The greatest risk factors for bone spurs are conditions that strain your skeleton. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common. The wear and tear on your joints can cause bumps to grow out of them, which often impairs normal foot movement. Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis also increase your risk. Both involve a tightened connective tissue pulling on your heel bone. Chronic plantar fasciitis can lead to a spur on the bottom of the heel, while Achilles problems can develop a pump bump on the back of the bone.
Where the bone spur occurs typically determines how much of a problem it will become. No matter where it is, however, there are ways to minimize the discomfort and slow its growth. If need be, the protrusion can be excised as well. Let Dr. Darren Silvester at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic know if you’re struggling with a hard bump on your foot—particularly if any of these risk factors for bone spurs are affecting your feet. To reach our Pleasanton, TX, office, call (830) 569-3338 or send us a request online.