“A physiotherapist may also be able to help you by recommending exercises that can strengthen the muscles surrounding the problem area, and by helping to improve your range of movement,” noted the NHS.
According to the health site, surgery can sometimes be used to help manage any underlying arthritis in the joint – it can be helpful for osteoarthritis that affects your hips, knees or joints, particularly those at the base of your thumb.
“There’s usually no need to remove an osteophyte, unless it’s irritating a nerve in the spine or restricting a joint’s range of movement,” explained the health body.
If you do need surgery to remove an osteophyte, your surgeon will explain the procedure’s risks and benefits, it added.
