Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are a manifestation of osteoarthritis, which is a major headache in the eyes of the people, and many people even believe that osteophytes are an incurable disease. Let’s talk about osteophytes with a few common clinical questions: What is osteophyte? Is osteophytes a disease? First of all, it is clear that osteophytes are not a disease, but a normal physiological response of the bone and joint, just like aging, usually manifesting as spine-like or lip-like growth of bone around the bone and joint. It is only when the proliferating bone irritates local tissues such as the nerves and blood vessels and produces symptoms such as pain and swelling or limited joint function that it is called hyperplastic osteoarthropathy. Why does osteophytes occur? Bone and joints are complex mechanical systems, like mechanical bearings, that rely on the smooth joint surfaces to move in contact with each other, while the surrounding soft tissues limit and stabilize the normal movement of the joint. Bones and joints also have a lifespan, and wear and tear will occur with prolonged overload use. As we age, the bones and joints and their surrounding soft tissues will gradually degenerate, especially in the heavily loaded joints and mobility of the cervical spine and lumbar spine, if not protected or overused will make the degeneration advance, which will destroy the original balance of the spine and joints, and the instability of the spine and joints, in the process of adapting to these changes, the body will increase the bone and joint through changes such as osteophytes. In the process of adapting to these changes, the body will increase the contact area of the bones and joints, reduce the direct contact stress of the joints, and bring the joints to a new stable equilibrium. Do I need treatment for osteophytes? Do I need surgery? Usually, in clinical treatment, if there is no obvious discomfort, we do not deal with osteophytes because they are a product of self-protection of the joint and can make the joint relatively more stable, but if they irritate the nerves, blood vessels or affect the function of the joint, resulting in pain, swelling, limited joint function or neurological symptoms that affect the patient’s life, then it is necessary to perform The main goal is to stop and delay the progression of the disease and to protect the joint function. However, drugs are usually unable to eliminate bone spurs, and it is conceivable that if there were drugs that could remove bone spurs, then the bones of the whole body would be “melted”. Most of the symptoms caused by osteophytes can be relieved by medication and do not require surgery. Only when the osteophytes seriously affect the function of the joints, or compress the nerves and blood vessels to produce numbness, abnormal sensation, unstable walking and other symptoms, then surgery is required. How to prevent and exercise? 1, to moderate exercise: such as swimming, jogging, etc. are very good exercise, because the main function of the joint is movement, and exercise can promote the circulation of joint fluid, the normal physiological metabolism of the joint, the prevention of joint degeneration is very beneficial, the 2013 edition of the osteoarthritis guidelines emphasize the positive significance of low-intensity aerobic exercise such as jogging for knee osteoarthritis. 2, strengthen the muscles around the joint exercise: on the one hand, it helps to improve joint blood circulation, which in turn increases joint nutrient supply, while increasing muscle strength helps to maintain joint stability. Of course, in the exercise to avoid long-term, excessive damaging sports and chronic injuries, common damaging sports include climbing mountains and buildings, frog jumping, etc., while chronic injuries are mainly like driving, computer people immobile work, etc., will cause damage to the bone and joint, over time it is easy to form bone and joint degeneration. 3, pay attention to nutritional balance, weight control: the greater the weight, the greater the load on the joints, and obesity is often prone to complications such as diabetes, exacerbating joint wear and tear degeneration. Studies have shown that the risk of knee osteoarthritis in obese people is as much as 18 times higher than in people with normal weight. At the same time in the daily diet intake of calcium and trace elements necessary for bone health can also help prevent bone and joint degeneration. 4, avoid cold and moisture: bone joints are very sensitive to cold and moisture, cold and moisture will stimulate the tissue around the joint, causing pain. Compared with men, the prevalence of osteoarthritis in women is higher, because women love to wear skirts or thin pants, which is not conducive to keeping the lower limbs warm. Therefore, a proper understanding of osteoarthritis and proper prevention with regular exercise can reduce pain and prolong the life of the bone and joint.