Hip Bone Spurs

What are Hip Bone Spurs?

Hip bone spurs are bony projections that may develop near the junction of the hip bones at the hip joint and at areas where muscles, tendons, and ligaments are attached.

Causes of Hip Bone Spurs

Bone spurs develop as the body attempts to repair areas of bone damage. Common factors associated with the development of hip bone spurs include:

• Osteoarthritis(age-related wear and tear of cartilage at the joints)
• Trauma to the hip
• Obesity
• Poor posture

Symptoms of Hip Bone Spurs

Most hip bone spurs cause no signs or symptoms and may be observed incidentally on an X-ray. In some cases, you may experience symptoms that include:

• Painful hip movement
• Reduced hip range of motion
• Sensation of pain in the thighs and buttocks
• Weakness, numbness

Diagnosis of Hip Bone Spurs

Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be used to identify the bone spur and the damage it is causing to the surrounding structures.

Treatment for Hip Bone Spurs

Pain and discomfort due to hip bone spurs can be managed by nonsurgical treatment including rest, ice, compression, activity modification. If these measures fail, you may require: 

• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxant medications initially provide pain relief and reduce swelling.
• Steroid injections: Cortisone (steroid) injections have a stronger anti-inflammatory effect and are administered around the area of the bone spurs to decrease swelling and pain.

In severe cases, surgical removal of the bone spur may be recommended.