Are you getting new lumps on your bones? Let's talk about Exostosis!

Do you sometimes feel a little lump on your heel, big toe, hip, or somewhere else? Maybe you feel a little pain or tightness when you walk or bend a joint? These can often be an extra bone growth called an exostosis, which is a new bone that grows on a bone in our body. Don't be scared when you hear this name. It's not cancer. So, let's talk about everything in simple terms today.

Simply put, what is Exostosis?

Exostosis is, simply put, a new bone growth on top of a healthy bone in our body. These are not cancerous conditions , and they do not spread to other parts of the body. It's like a new branch growing from the trunk of a tree, but this one grows from the bone itself.

This condition can occur in anyone. However, it is especially common in young children and young adults who are growing up . This is because their bones are growing very rapidly during that time. Also, adults with arthritis can also develop these bone spurs as they age.

Most of the time, these are asymptomatic and you may not even know they are there. However, sometimes these lumps can cause pain and discomfort.

What are the main types of exostosis?

These bone spurs can be divided into two main types based on how they are attached to the bone. They are also known by different names depending on their location.

Types according to how they attach to the bone

Common types by location

• Heel spurs:This is very common. This extra bone can develop due to a stretch in the plantar fascia, a band of tissue on the bottom of our feet that connects to the heel bone. If you often feel severe pain when you step out of bed in the morning, this could be the cause.
• Bunions in the big toe: The most common cause of arthritis in our feet is the joint at the base of the big toe. When a bone spur forms here, the big toe cannot be bent properly while walking. This condition is also called `Hallux Rigidus`.
• Pump Bump: Also known as `Haglund's Deformity`, this bump can develop when the back of the heel is rubbed repeatedly by wearing tight, tight shoes (especially high heels).
• Hip bone spurs: When the cartilage in the hip joint wears down and the bones rub against each other (Osteoarthritis), the friction can cause extra bone spurs to grow.

Types that require special attention

Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas (HMO)

This is a genetic condition. It is usually diagnosed in childhood. This is when these bone growths develop in several places on the body at the same time. They most commonly occur in places like the legs, arms, fingers, and shoulders. These growths grow as the child grows, but they stop growing after puberty. Although this is a hereditary condition, it is possible for a child to develop this condition even if no one in the family has it.

Surfer's Ear

As the name suggests, this condition is most common in people who swim in cold water or play water sports. Prolonged exposure to cold water causes bone growth in the external ear canal. Although most people are asymptomatic, some people may experience hearing loss, ear infections, and ear itching.

Why does this exostosis occur? What are the causes?

There is no single cause for these bone tumors. Several factors can contribute.

• Genetic mutations: As in conditions like HMO.
• Heredity.
• Accidents or injuries (Injuries/Trauma).
• Aging.
• Arthritis/Osteoarthritis: This is a very common cause. When the cartilage in a joint wears down, the body tries to stabilize the joint. As a result of that effort, these extra bone spurs form.
• Poor posture.
• Spinal stenosis.

What are the symptoms of exostosis?

Many people have no symptoms. A bone spur is not painful. Pain occurs only if the spur presses on a nearby nerve, rubs against another bone or tissue, or interferes with the movement of a joint.

If symptoms occur, they may be like this:

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment depends on your symptoms. If there is no pain or discomfort, most of the time no treatment is needed. However, if there is pain, you can try these things.

Things you can do at home

• Ice: Can reduce swelling and pain.
• Rest: Stay away from activities that cause pain.
• Painkillers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can be used. However,It is best to ask your doctor before taking any medication.
• Inserting insoles into shoes: If you have bunions on your feet, you can reduce pain with soft supports (shoe inserts/insoles) placed inside your shoes.
• Losing weight: If you are overweight, losing weight can reduce the pressure on your joints.

Medical treatment

If home remedies don't relieve the pain, your doctor may refer you to these types of treatments.

• Physical Therapy: Exercises and other methods improve joint movement and reduce pain.
• Medication: Strong painkillers prescribed by the doctor.
• Cortisone shots: This injection, which is injected directly into the joint, can quickly reduce pain and swelling.
• Surgery: Only if no other treatment works and the pain is severe, surgery is performed to remove this extra bone. If children with HMO have different limb lengths, surgery is also performed to correct them.

Can exostosis be prevented?

We can't prevent some things, like genetic factors. However, these things can help reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Maintain proper posture (sit up straight, stand up straight).
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit you well.
• Warm up (stretch) well before exercising.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• If swimming in cold water, wear earplugs.