Can You Make Bone Spurs Go Away?

If you’ve been researching bone spurs online, you may have come across claims that they can be dissolved naturally with certain diets, supplements, or home remedies. Unfortunately, these claims aren’t supported by medical evidence. However, there are proven ways to reduce pain, improve mobility, and manage symptoms effectively. In fact, most treatments for bone spurs don’t involve removing them at all.

Do Bone Spurs Ever Go Away on Their Own?

Bone spurs typically don’t go away on their own. Once they form, they’re considered a permanent structural change in the body. However, in rare cases, a spur may stop growing or even shrink slightly if the underlying cause improves. While that may sound discouraging, it’s important to remember that many bone spurs never cause symptoms at all. For many people, they may go unnoticed for years and never require treatment. 

What Bone Spurs Actually Are (and Why They Form)

Bone spurs — or osteophytes — are small growths of extra bone tissue that can develop along the edges of bones or within joints. They tend to form gradually over time in response to ongoing stress, inflammation, or instability in a joint. In the absence of symptoms, they’re not inherently harmful. However, those that form in the spine can sometimes press on nearby nerves. In more serious cases, this can lead to symptoms like tingling, muscle weakness, or nerve pain. In rare cases, bone spurs in the cervical (neck) region can affect functions like swallowing.

Some of the most common causes of bone spurs include:

• Osteoarthritis: Breakdown of cartilage that cushions joints, leading to bone-on-bone contact
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints
• Degenerative disc disease: Wear and tear on spinal discs over time
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spaces in the spine that can put pressure on nerves
• Repetitive strain injuries: Ongoing stress from repeated movements or overuse
• Accidents or sports injuries: Trauma that affects joint stability

Bone spurs commonly form in the spine, hips, knees, shoulders, hands, and feet. When located close to the skin, they may appear as small, firm bumps that you can sometimes feel or see near a joint. 

Why Most Bone Spurs Don’t Disappear — But Can Stop Hurting

Unlike soft tissue injuries, which can heal on their own over time, bone spurs are made of solid bone. So, once they form, they tend to stay in place, even if symptoms come and go over time. 

However, pain usually isn’t caused by the spur itself. Instead, it’s often linked to inflammation, joint damage, or nerve irritation in the surrounding area. When these underlying causes are addressed, symptoms can improve significantly or even resolve altogether. 

Conservative Treatments That Reduce Bone Spur Pain

You may be relieved to learn that most people with bone spurs don’t need surgery to feel better. With conservative care options that focus on reducing inflammation and improving joint or spine mobility, many people see symptom improvement within 4 to 8 weeks. Common non-surgical treatment options for bone spurs include:

• Physical therapy: Guided exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and support the spine or joint
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Reduce swelling and discomfort
• Corticosteroid injections: Target inflammation near irritated nerves for more direct relief
• Activity modification: Avoiding movements that worsen symptoms while remaining active safely
• Ice or heat therapy: Helps calm inflammation and relax tight muscles

Additionally, supportive therapies, such as stretching programs, posture correction, or low-impact activities, can play an important role in long-term relief. For bone spurs in the ankle or feet, supportive footwear can help reduce pain while walking or standing. 

Can Bone Spurs Be Dissolved Naturally? What the Evidence Says

Despite what you may have heard or read online, there’s no reliable way to dissolve bone spurs naturally. Since they’re made up of hardened bone tissue, they won’t be affected by dietary supplements, special diets, or “detox” remedies.

However, natural strategies can still support overall well-being and symptom relief. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing inflammation through lifestyle habits can ease stress on joints and improve how you feel. 

When Surgery Is the Right Option

Since most people can find relief through conservative treatments, surgery for bone spurs is rarely the first step. However, it may be recommended when symptoms persist despite these efforts or when a bone spur is clearly affecting nearby nerves or the spinal cord. In these cases, removing or reshaping the spur can relieve nerve pressure and restore function. You may be a candidate for surgery if you experience:

• Ongoing or worsening pain that doesn’t improve with non-surgical care
• Nerve-related symptoms, including numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” feeling
• Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
• Difficulty standing, walking, or performing daily tasks

Modern techniques for bone spur removal are often minimally invasive, which means they use small cuts to cause less disruption to surrounding tissue. Common procedures include: 

• Laminectomy: Removal of a small portion of bone to create more space in the spinal canal and relieve pressure on nerves
• Microdecompression: A targeted procedure that relieves pressure on a pinched nerve using specialized instruments

Dr. Melamed makes treatment decisions that are tailored to each individual patient, with a strong emphasis on choosing the least invasive option that delivers lasting relief.

Signs That Your Bone Spur Needs Professional Evaluation

While bone spurs don’t always require treatment, certain symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. If discomfort begins to interfere with your daily routine or limits your ability to stay active, it’s worth getting evaluated by a medical professional. Changes in how your body moves or functions can signal that something more complex is going on.

Consider seeking professional care if you notice persistent or worsening stiffness, reduced range of motion, or difficulty performing normal activities. Early evaluation can help identify the underlying issue and prevent symptoms from progressing or becoming harder to manage over time.

Make an Appointment Today

If bone spur symptoms are affecting your daily life, expert care can help you find relief. Dr. Melamed provides personalized, patient-focused treatment plans that prioritize conservative, non-surgical care options whenever possible. Request an appointment today to learn more about your options.