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How to Dissolve Bone Spurs Naturally

By PureHealth Research Mar 9, 2025

Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by our experts

Medically reviewed by 9 min read

Medically reviewed by 14 citations

Man holding his heel in pain with red highlight on the foot wondering how to dissolve bone spurs naturally.
Man holding his heel in pain with red highlight on the foot wondering how to dissolve bone spurs naturally.

Are you experiencing persistent discomfort in your joints or along your spine? Bone spurs, those small calcium deposits that form on bones, affect millions of people worldwide. While these bony projections might sound alarming, understanding how to dissolve bone spurs naturally can help you maintain comfort and mobility in your daily life. 

This guide explores natural approaches that may support bone and joint health when dealing with bone spurs. From lifestyle modifications to time-tested natural methods, we’ll examine various ways to alleviate discomfort associated with bone spurs. Whether you’re just learning about this condition or seeking alternative approaches to support your joint health, this comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights into managing bone spurs naturally.

What are Bone Spurs?

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are extra bone growths that develop along the edges of bones. Think of them as your body’s natural response to pressure or stress on a bone – similar to how a callus forms on your skin. These smooth projections of bone tissue typically form where bones meet each other at joints.

X-ray comparison of a normal bone and a bone with spurs.

Common places where bone spurs appear include:

  • The spine (neck, mid-back, and lower back regions)
  • Feet, particularly in the heel area and near the big toe
  • Shoulder joints
  • Hip joints
  • Finger and hand joints

Many people have bone spurs without knowing it since they don’t always create noticeable changes. But when these bony growths press against nearby tissues or nerves, they can make movement more difficult. Some bone spurs stay tiny, while others might grow bigger as time passes.

X-rays and imaging techniques can show the location and size of bone spurs, helping to understand their impact on surrounding structures. This information becomes valuable when developing strategies for maintaining joint comfort and mobility.

Bone Spurs Causes and Symptoms

Understanding what leads to bone spur formation helps explain why they develop. These bony projections often appear as your body attempts to repair itself, particularly in response to ongoing physical stress or joint pressure.

Common causes include:

  • Joint wear and tear over time
  • Repetitive movements and activities
  • Sports activities that put recurring stress on specific bones
  • Inherited bone structure variations
  • Extended periods of poor posture
  • Natural aging processes
  • Previous bone or joint injuries
  • Regular heavy lifting or physical labor

When bone spurs affect nearby tissues, you might experience these symptoms:

  • Dull or sharp sensations during specific movements
  • Morning stiffness that improves with activity
  • Reduced flexibility in the affected area
  • Swelling around joints
  • Pinching or pressuring feeling in the affected area
  • Weakness in nearby muscles
  • Tingling or numbness if the bone spur affects nearby nerves
  • Visible hard lumps under the skin in some cases
  • Limited range of motion in affected joints
  • Crackling sounds during joint movement

The intensity of these experiences can vary significantly from person to person. Some may notice minimal changes, while others might find their daily activities affected more substantially.

Can Bone Spurs Really Be Dissolved?

Many people ask about how to dissolve bone spurs naturally. The truth is, once formed, these calcium deposits become a permanent (not dissolvable) part of your bone structure. So the short answer is no – you cannot dissolve existing bone spurs.

Natural Approaches to Bone Spur Management

While many people search for information about how to get rid of bone spurs, the focus should be on supporting bone health and maintaining comfort naturally. Though we can’t make bone spurs disappear, natural approaches offer various ways to support joint function and maintain daily activities. Let’s explore evidence-based strategies that can help you stay active and comfortable.

1. Dietary Strategies

Images of leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fish for bone health.

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining bone strength and overall joint health. Certain foods can help support your body’s natural comfort levels and promote healthy bone tissue.

Foods that support bone health include:

  • Dark leafy greens
  • Fresh berries and citrus fruits
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Cold-water fish
  • Whole grains
  • Green tea
  • Pineapple
  • Cherries

Foods to minimize include:

  • Processed foods
  • Refined sugars
  • Excess salt
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Red meat
  • Fried foods

2. Exercises and Stretches

While searching for how to dissolve bone spurs in neck and other areas, gentle exercises and stretches can help maintain mobility and comfort. Regular movement supports joint flexibility and helps maintain muscle strength around affected areas. Start these exercises slowly, and always stay within your comfort zone.

Collage of people stretching their neck, back, feet, and shoulders.

Key exercises for different areas:

  • Neck – Gentle neck rotations and side bends
  • Back – Cat-cow stretches and pelvic tilts
  • Feet – Toe stretches and ankle rolls
  • Shoulders – Pendulum swings and wall slides

Perform these exercises 2-3 times daily. Start with 5 repetitions and gradually increase as comfortable. Remember to:

  • Move slowly and deliberately
  • Stop if you feel increased discomfort
  • Maintain proper posture
  • Breathe steadily throughout

Consistency matters more than intensity – gentle daily movement often provides better results than occasional intense sessions.

3. Low-Impact Activities

People engaging in tai chi, yoga, walking, stationary cycling, and using elliptical machines.

Regular movement helps maintain joint flexibility without adding stress to your bones. Swimming offers an excellent full-body workout that’s easy on your joints. Water walking provides natural resistance while supporting your body weight. Other beneficial activities include:

  • Tai chi
  • Gentle yoga
  • Walking on soft surfaces
  • Stationary cycling
  • Elliptical machines

Start slowly and gradually increase duration as your body adjusts. Even 10-15 minutes of these activities can help maintain mobility.

4. Home Remedies

Various natural remedies including Epsom salt, cool compresses, massage, and hot-cold therapy.

Several natural options can help support comfort at home:

  • Warm Epsom salt baths – These baths can help relax muscles and provide temporary comfort. Add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt to warm bathwater and soak for 15-20 minutes. The magnesium may help reduce muscle tension while the warm water increases circulation.
  • Cool compresses – Apply a cool, damp cloth or a cold pack wrapped in a thin towel to affected areas for 15-20 minutes at a time. This can help reduce discomfort and inflammation. Avoid applying ice directly to skin.
  • Gentle massage with appropriate essential oils – Many people find that castor oil for bone spurs helps maintain flexibility in the affected area. Apply warm castor oil to the area and cover with a warm compress for 15-20 minutes.
  • Alternating warm and cool therapy – Alternating warm and cool therapy involves applying heat for 3-5 minutes followed by cold for 1 minute, repeating this cycle three times while ending with cold, which can be done 2-3 times daily using heating pads or compresses.

Always test these methods on a small area first and pay attention to how your body responds.

Lifestyle Changes for Long-Term Relief

While many wonder if can bone spurs go away, focusing on lifestyle modifications can help maintain comfort and support joint health over time. Small changes in your daily routine often make significant differences in managing bone spur discomfort.

Proper posture plays a vital role in reducing stress on your joints and bones. Learning how to sit with SI joint pain and other bone-related discomfort can make a significant difference in your daily comfort. Whether sitting at a desk or standing, keep your spine aligned and shoulders back. Consider ergonomic furniture and take regular breaks to move around.

Supportive footwear helps distribute pressure evenly across your feet and provides stability for your entire skeletal system. Look for shoes with:

  • Adequate arch support
  • Cushioned soles
  • Proper fit with room for toes
  • Heel support

Remember that consistency with these changes, combined with professional medical guidance when needed, creates the best foundation for long-term relief and improved quality of life.

Medical Procedures

When natural approaches need additional support, various medical options are available. These interventions aim to maintain comfort and joint function, with more intensive procedures reserved for situations where daily activities become significantly affected.

  • Physical therapy sessions can help by teaching specific movements and techniques to maintain joint mobility. A professional can create a personalized plan that focuses on your particular needs and circumstances.
  • Minimally-invasive procedures exist for situations where more support is needed. These might include various types of injections to help maintain comfort in the affected area.

In rare cases, when bone spurs significantly affect movement or press on nearby tissues, surgical options might be considered. However, most people maintain comfort and mobility through less intensive approaches, including the natural methods and lifestyle modifications discussed earlier.

Summary

While searching for how to dissolve bone spurs naturally, it’s important to understand that managing bone spurs effectively involves a combination of approaches. Though these calcium deposits can’t be dissolved, you can maintain comfort and mobility through natural methods and lifestyle modifications.

From supportive dietary choices and gentle exercises to proper footwear, you have many options to help maintain joint health. The key lies in finding the right combination of approaches that work for your situation and remaining consistent with them.

Take the first step today by incorporating some of these natural approaches into your daily routine. Start with gentle movements, make mindful food choices, and gradually adjust your lifestyle habits. Small steps now can lead to significant improvements in your comfort and mobility over time.

What Is the Difference Between Bone Spurs and Arthritis?

Bone spurs are extra bone growths along bone edges, while arthritis is joint inflammation causing pain and stiffness. Though they often occur together, they’re distinct conditions. Bone spurs can form without arthritis being present.

Are Bone Spurs Always Painful?

No, bone spurs aren’t always painful. Many people have bone spurs without experiencing any discomfort. Pain typically occurs only when the bone spur presses against nerves, tendons, or other nearby tissues.

Can Bone Spurs Go Away on Their Own?

Bone spurs don’t go away on their own once formed. However, their effects can be managed through various natural approaches and lifestyle modifications that help maintain comfort and mobility.

How Long Does It Take To Get Relief From Bone Spur Pain?

The timeline for experiencing comfort varies for each person. Some may notice improvements within weeks of starting natural approaches, while others may need several months of consistent lifestyle modifications.

Who Is Most at Risk for Developing Bone Spurs?

Adults over 50, people with repetitive joint stress from work or sports, those with previous joint injuries, and individuals with inherited bone structure variations have higher chances of developing bone spurs.

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