Bone Spurs in the Hand What Causes Them

Bony bumps on the fingers or wrist may seem harmless at first but they could be bone spurs, a common condition often tied to aging or joint wear-and-tear. Also known as osteophytes, bone spurs are extra pieces of bone that develop over time, particularly in joints affected by osteoarthritis or injury.

In the hands, these outgrowths can lead to stiffness, pain, or visible deformities, impacting how you grip, type, or carry out basic tasks. Here's what causes bone spurs in the hand, how to recognize them, and what your treatment options look like.

What Are Bone Spurs in the Hand?

Bone spurs in the hand typically form over years as cartilage the tissue that cushions joints wears down. This wear can occur due to repetitive use, injury, or age-related joint changes. As cartilage deteriorates, bones rub together, triggering the body to produce new bone in an attempt to protect the joint. This results in bony overgrowths called osteophytes.

Common Types of Bone Spurs in the Hand

Several types of bone spurs can appear in the hands and wrists:

• Bouchard’s Nodes
These form at the middle joints of the fingers (proximal interphalangeal or PIP joints). Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. They may or may not be painful.

• Heberden’s Nodes
These develop at the end joints of the fingers (distal interphalangeal or DIP joints), just below the fingernails. Like Bouchard’s nodes, they may limit finger function and can have a genetic component.

• Carpal Boss
A carpal boss is a hard bump that forms on the back of the wrist, typically at the base of the index or middle finger. It’s often mistaken for a cyst, but unlike cysts, a carpal boss is fixed in place and is made of bone.

What Causes Bone Spurs in the Hand?

• Osteoarthritis
The most common cause of bone spurs is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition. As the cartilage wears down, bones grind together, prompting the body to generate extra bone to stabilize the joint. Research shows this process is more likely in older adults and women, particularly on the dominant hand.

• Joint Injury or Overuse
Bone spurs can also form in response to repetitive joint use or trauma. Activities such as typing, weightlifting, tennis, or other sports that strain the hands can cause small joint injuries or stress that leads to bone spur development.

Athletes and people with jobs that require repetitive hand movements are at greater risk. Even small injuries can prompt the body to produce extra bone as part of its healing response.

When to See a Doctor

Although many bone spurs are asymptomatic, others can cause significant problems. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Severe swelling or redness

• Pain that limits daily function

• Drainage or signs of infection (especially near the fingertips)

• Fever or unexplained fatigue

• Progressive stiffness or loss of finger mobility

These may indicate complications like infection or inflammatory arthritis and should not be ignored.

Diagnosis and Imaging

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and a review of your symptoms. If your provider suspects a bone spur, they may order an X-ray or other imaging tests. Bone spurs are often discovered incidentally during X-rays taken for other reasons.

Treatment Options for Hand Bone Spurs

Not all bone spurs require treatment, especially if they’re not causing discomfort. But if they are painful or limiting your range of motion, several approaches may help:

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Adjustments

• Rest: Avoid overusing the affected hand and minimize gripping or pinching.

• Splinting: Wearing a splint can immobilize the joint and reduce inflammation.

• Ice Therapy: Applying cold packs helps decrease pain and swelling.

• Rehabilitation: Physical or occupational therapy can improve hand function, flexibility, and strength.

Medications

• NSAIDs: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen may reduce inflammation and pain.

• Steroid Injections: For more persistent symptoms, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections into the joint.

Surgical Treatment

If other treatments don’t help, surgery may be needed to:

• Remove bone spurs or floating bone fragments

• Improve joint function

• Reduce long-term pain and stiffness

In severe cases of thumb joint osteoarthritis, a trapeziectomy removal of the trapezium bone may be performed.

It's important to note: Even after removal, bone spurs may return over time if the underlying arthritis continues to progress.

How to Prevent or Slow Bone Spur Formation

While not all bone spurs can be prevented, there are steps you can take to protect your joints:

• Use proper ergonomics when typing or doing repetitive tasks

• Stretch your hands regularly to maintain flexibility

• Avoid overuse or strain, especially in high-impact sports

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints

Final Thoughts

Bone spurs in the hand are common especially as we age or experience joint wear from daily tasks. While often painless, they can lead to stiffness, reduced range of motion, and even visible changes in the fingers or wrist. If your symptoms are affecting daily life, early diagnosis and treatment can help restore comfort and hand function.

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