Bone spurs in the knee that cause only mild pain or discomfort are generally treated with nonprescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin, while bone spurs that limit motion often require surgical removal, according to Mayo Clinic. Bone spurs that press on nerves also require surgery.
A bone spur in the knee can make it difficult to bend or straighten the leg, Mayo Clinic says. Depending on its position and size, the spur can interfere with the tendons and bones of the knee and prevent it from operating smoothly. Swelling, pain or difficulty moving the knee are all reasons to seek medical attention.
A bone spur is an abnormal projection of bone that grows on the edges of bones, most commonly at the joints, according to Mayo Clinic. They are most commonly associated with joint damage that occurs with osteoarthritis. As arthritis breaks down the cartilage in the joint, the joint attempts to compensate by growing additional bone tissue, forming a spur. A bone spur does not always cause symptoms, and asymptomatic bone spurs often go undetected and require no treatment. Generally, these types of bone spurs are only detected when an X-ray is performed for another condition.
