At what age do osteophytes start? Exploring the timeline of bone spurs

By age 70, up to 95% of adults have osteophytes, the bony growths also known as bone spurs. This guide explores the question of at what age do osteophytes start, detailing their causes, risk factors, and what you can expect as you age.

Quick Summary

Osteophytes, or bone spurs, often begin forming subtly in early adulthood and middle age, with prevalence increasing significantly over age 50. Their development is closely linked to age-related joint wear and tear, and can also be accelerated by injuries or lifestyle factors, although many remain asymptomatic.

Key Points

• Early Onset: Osteophyte formation can begin in some people as early as their 30s or even younger, although they often remain asymptomatic at first.

• Age-Related Progression: The prevalence and likelihood of experiencing symptoms from osteophytes increase significantly after the age of 50 and 60, largely due to osteoarthritis.

• Primary Cause: The most common cause is osteoarthritis, where cartilage breakdown triggers the body's repair mechanism, creating extra bone tissue.

• Contributing Factors: Beyond aging and osteoarthritis, factors such as joint injury, repetitive stress, genetics, poor posture, and obesity can accelerate osteophyte development.

• Asymptomatic Often: Many bone spurs are discovered incidentally on imaging tests for other conditions and do not cause any pain or require treatment.

• Management Focus: Treatment for symptomatic osteophytes typically focuses on conservative management, including medication, physical therapy, and weight control, rather than direct removal.

Understanding Osteophytes

An osteophyte, commonly called a bone spur, is an extra bony growth that forms on the edges of bones, often in or around a joint. They are a hallmark of degenerative joint disease and are the body's response to damage or instability in a joint. While the name 'spur' might sound sharp, these growths are typically smooth and rounded. They become problematic only when they rub against other bones, nerves, or soft tissues, leading to pain, stiffness, or numbness.

The Initial Onset: It's Earlier Than You Think

Contrary to popular belief that bone spurs are exclusively a concern for the elderly, their formation can begin much earlier in life. While prevalence increases dramatically with age, the process of joint degeneration that leads to osteophytes can start in early adulthood. For instance, a study on lumbar spines found that individuals aged 31 and older could have a risk of developing osteophytes, with prevalence increasing from there. Other research has noted the presence of osteophytes in individuals as young as 19. This phenomenon is especially noted in younger, active populations, such as athletes, where repetitive high-impact activities put extra stress on joints. In some cases, these initial growths may even be a transient physiological response rather than a sign of developing osteoarthritis.

The Role of Age and Osteoarthritis

As people move into middle age and beyond, the primary driver for osteophyte formation becomes the natural wear and tear on joints, a process known as osteoarthritis (OA). In a joint affected by OA, the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually breaks down. In an effort to repair this damage and stabilize the joint, the body produces new bone tissue. This leads to the formation of osteophytes.

Prevalence by Age

Numerous studies highlight the strong correlation between advancing age and increased osteophyte prevalence.

• Over 50: Prevalence becomes more noticeable, with around 60% of women and 80% of men over 50 having osteophytes.
• Over 60: Bone spurs are common, and symptoms requiring medical attention can become more frequent.
• Over 70: Prevalence is extremely high, with estimates reaching 95% in both men and women.

What Triggers Osteophyte Formation?

Age and OA are the most significant factors, but other elements can contribute to or accelerate osteophyte development:

• Joint Injury: Traumatic injuries, such as from sports or accidents, can damage a joint and initiate the body's repair response, leading to bone spur formation.
• Repetitive Stress: High-impact activities or occupations involving repetitive movements can cause ongoing micro-trauma to joints, triggering osteophyte growth over time.
• Genetics: There is evidence that a hereditary factor may influence a person's predisposition to developing osteophytes.
• Poor Posture: Maintaining improper posture can put abnormal stress on the spine, leading to accelerated wear and tear and subsequent osteophyte formation.
• Obesity: Excess body weight places increased pressure on weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, hastening degenerative changes.
• Underlying Conditions: Certain inflammatory conditions, such as lupus or gout, can also contribute to bone spur formation.

A Comparison of Osteophyte Triggers

Factor	How it Contributes to Osteophytes	Affected Population
Aging	Natural wear and tear on joints; primary cause after age 50.	All individuals, with prevalence increasing with age.
Osteoarthritis	Cartilage breakdown, prompting the body to produce new bone for stability.	Typically older adults, but can occur younger after injury.
Joint Injury	The body's response to trauma by creating new bone to repair damage.	Anyone, especially athletes and those with physically demanding jobs.
Genetics	Hereditary predisposition that can influence joint structure and repair.	Individuals with a family history of bone spurs.
Repetitive Stress	Chronic, repeated micro-damage from high-impact activities or occupation.	Athletes, dancers, and those with repetitive manual jobs.
Obesity	Increased pressure on weight-bearing joints, accelerating cartilage wear.	Overweight or obese individuals of all ages.

Managing Osteophyte Symptoms

Since many osteophytes are asymptomatic, they often require no treatment. For those that do cause problems, several conservative strategies can help manage symptoms:

1. Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), can help reduce pain and inflammation.
2. Physical Therapy: Specialized exercises can strengthen muscles around the affected joint, improve range of motion, and help reduce nerve pressure.
3. Weight Management: Losing excess weight can significantly reduce the stress on weight-bearing joints, which can help slow the progression of cartilage wear.
4. Footwear Support: For bone spurs in the feet, wearing proper shoes with good arch support and cushioning can provide relief.
5. Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce severe inflammation and pain.

For severe cases where conservative treatments fail, and the bone spur is causing significant nerve compression or limiting mobility, surgery may be considered to remove the problematic growth.

Prevention and Joint Health

While you cannot entirely prevent osteophytes, especially those linked to age, you can take steps to promote long-term joint health and potentially slow their development:

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone strength.
• Engage in regular, low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or cycling to strengthen muscles without putting undue stress on joints.
• Practice good posture, especially if you sit for extended periods, to minimize strain on the spine.
• Listen to your body and avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort. It is crucial not to overdo high-impact or repetitive motions.
• Learn more about the link between aging and joint health by visiting the Cleveland Clinic website.

Conclusion

While symptomatic osteophytes are most common in people over 60, the underlying degenerative processes that cause them can begin much earlier in life. Factors like genetics, injury, and lifestyle can contribute to their formation alongside the natural aging process. By understanding the causes and adopting healthy habits focused on joint support, individuals can take proactive steps to manage symptoms and promote better joint health throughout their lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can young people get osteophytes?

Yes, while more common with age, younger adults and even adolescents can develop osteophytes. This is often due to athletic injuries, repetitive strain from certain activities, or specific medical conditions.

What is the most common cause of bone spurs?

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause. It involves the breakdown of protective cartilage in joints, prompting the body to produce new bone tissue to stabilize the area, which can result in osteophytes.

Do all osteophytes cause pain?

No, most osteophytes are asymptomatic and do not cause any problems. Pain only occurs if the growth irritates or compresses nerves, tendons, or other soft tissues, which happens less frequently than the formation itself.

Can you dissolve bone spurs naturally?

No, bone spurs are extra bony growths and cannot be dissolved naturally. Treatments focus on managing the symptoms like inflammation and pain, rather than removing the bony growth itself, which can only be done surgically.

How are osteophytes typically diagnosed?

Diagnosis often involves a physical exam where a doctor checks for any lumps or limited motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are then used to visualize the bone growth and confirm the diagnosis.

How can you prevent osteophytes?

While not always preventable, especially if they are a result of the natural aging process, you can slow their development. Key strategies include maintaining a healthy weight, practicing proper posture, and engaging in low-impact exercise to reduce joint stress.

Does exercise help with osteophytes?

Yes, physical therapy and low-impact exercise can be very beneficial. They help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, improve mobility, and reduce pain associated with osteophytes.