Do I need surgery for a bone spur on my finger?

Whether bone spurs on fingers require surgery depends on the severity of the spurs and their impact on daily life. Mild symptoms can be relieved through conservative treatment, while surgical treatment may be required when the function is severely affected or the pain is unbearable.

1. Causes and symptoms of bone spurs

Finger bone spurs, also known as bone hyperplasia in medicine, are often related to long-term joint wear, aging, or overuse. Common causes include the following:

-Joint degeneration: As we age, joint cartilage wears away and bone spurs form as the body's self-protection mechanism.

- Uneven force on joints: Long-term repetitive movements or excessive use of fingers, such as frequent typing and handicrafts, will increase the risk of bone spurs.

-Trauma or inflammation: Trauma to the joint or long-term chronic inflammation (such as osteoarthritis) may stimulate the formation of bone spurs.

Bone spurs usually present as local stiffness and pain, and in severe cases may lead to limited movement or nerve compression.

2. Conservative treatment methods

If bone spur symptoms are mild, they may be relieved by:

-Drug treatment: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen and diclofenac) can be used to relieve inflammation and pain. Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor to avoid long-term abuse that may cause gastrointestinal damage.

-Physical therapy: Heat or ice can help relieve pain, and functional exercises of the finger joints can improve flexibility. Rehabilitation therapy such as acupuncture, electrotherapy, etc. can also provide auxiliary effects.

-Use of protective gear: Wearing a knuckle brace can reduce excessive force on the fingers and help control the progression of symptoms.

3. Surgery required

If conservative treatment is ineffective or bone spurs significantly affect joint function, the following surgical methods may be considered:

-Joint cleaning: Minimally invasive techniques are used to remove bone spurs and reduce the impact on the joints.

-Osteotomy: In some cases, it is necessary to correct joint deformity and restore function by removing abnormal bone structure.

-Joint replacement: Severe cases may require joint replacement surgery to relieve pain and restore function. This is usually done for people with advanced osteoarthritis.

The decision to operate should be made by the doctor after a clear diagnosis based on X-ray or MRI.

The treatment of finger bone spurs varies from person to person. People with mild symptoms should not worry too much and should give priority to conservative treatment. If symptoms gradually worsen or finger dysfunction occurs, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation in time.