Bone spurs or osteophytes are smooth, hard, calcium deposits that form on the edge of a bone. They usually develop in the main joints where two bones meet. [1]
Bone spurs can appear places like shoulders, hands, neck, hips, spine, knees, and feet (heels).
Bone spurs are usually harmless. But they can cause extreme pain and stiffness if they press on nerves or rub against other bones. [2]
The pain is so severe that you would want to get rid of it as fast as possible. Some essential oils for bone spurs can help soothe your pain and discomfort.
This article looks at some essential oils to get relief from bone spurs.
Essential Oils for Bone Spurs
Essential Oils contains potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It means they can help reduce pain and inflammation Due to bone spurs.
1. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense essential oil originates from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It’s an excellent anti-inflammatory and pain-relief treatment.
Frankincense essential oil is quite famous because of its numerous health benefits. [3]
Since the ancient time, this oil has been treating pain, swelling, and promoting circulation in the extremities.
In a study published in 2015, researchers experimented on Adjuvant-induced Arthritis (AIA). It proves the anti-inflammatory effects of frankincense oil. [4]
The oil also contains sedative properties. So, you can use this oil for stress relief as well.
RELATED: 12 Health Benefits of Frankincense Oil + How to Use It
2. Myrrh Oil
Myrrh essential oil comes from the Commiphora myrrha tree. It’s derived from the resin of the tree that is closely related to frankincense.
Myrrh oil is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can soothe swelling and stimulate blood flow to the tissue to provide relief.
The same study for frankincense oil proved the efficacy of myrrh oil as an anti-inflammatory agent as well. [4]
RELATED: 11 Health Benefits of Myrrh Oil (Backed by Scientific Evidence)
3. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil originates from the lavender tree that is native to the Mediterranean region.
The oil is popular due to its calming and relaxing properties. The pain from bone spurs can lead to anxiety and stress. Lavender oil can soothe those symptoms. [5]
Lavender oil has soothing properties that help relax the aching muscle. The oil works well on the nervous system and relieves pain due to bone spurs. [6]
RELATED: Lavender Essential Oil for Sleep: How Effective?
4. Wintergreen Oil
Wintergreen oil is a popular remedy for muscle pain and achy joints. It is useful for those who have arthritis, rheumatism, and bone pains.
The oil has a high amount of anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These components make it one of the effective oil for pain-relief. [7]
Due to its aspirin-like chemical components, wintergreen oil can soothe muscle pain as well.
5. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil comes from peppermint, a hybrid between water mint and spearmint. This oil is rich in nutrients and minerals.
Peppermint oil contains cooling properties that can soothe warm and swollen joints.
The oil also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-spasmodic properties. Therefore, it can provide relief to pain and swelling in the bone. [8]
RELATED: Peppermint Oil for Hair : 8 Reasons to Use
6. Ginger Oil
Ginger oil is a natural antioxidant that boosts your digestive health, treat the infectious area, and reduce inflammation.
This essential oil is rich in anti-inflammatory agents. It can reduce any pain and inflammation due to bone spurs and some other bone injuries. [9]
Ginger essential oil can improve your blood circulation in the area on bone spurs. It can also reduce menstrual cramps, joint pain due to excessive exercise and broken bone. [9]
RELATED: How to Use Ginger For Acne: 19 Effective Ways With Directions
How to Use Essential Oils for Bone Spurs
Topical application is the best way to treat a bone spur with essential oil.
- Dilute some of the essential oil with coconut oil or jojoba oil.
- You can also heat the carrier oil for extra relief of pain and inflammation.
- Gently massage your affected area with the oil.
Safety Measures to Take Before Using an Essential Oil
Essential oils are a safe and inexpensive way to treat pain from bone spurs. But you must take some extra precautions to avoid any damage:
- Apply a few drops essential oils on the insensitive part of your skin. It will help you to know if the oil suits you or not.
- Do not apply the oil without diluting it before unless they are instructed to use directly.
- Do not apply any essential oil on damaged skin.
- If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding mom, it’s better to avoid using essential oils.
Causes and Symptoms of Bone Spurs
Usually, a bone spur forms due to an injury to a tendon or joint. When your body detects there’s a bone damaged, it tries to resolve it by adding another bone to the affected area. That’s when the bone spurs occur.
Some common reasons include:
- Overuse of body.
- Injury.
- Genes.
- Diet.
- Obesity.
- If you were born with bone problems.
- Narrow spine.
It’s difficult to understand the symptoms of bone spurs until you get an X-Ray. The pain only occurs when they put pressure on nerves, tendons, and other parts in your body. Any of the following symptoms may appear if you have bone spurs:
- Pain and stiffness in the affected joint.
- Difficulty in bending the affected joint.
- Numbness, weakness, and tingling in your legs or arms. It happens if the bone spur put pressure on nerves in your spine.
- Bumps under the skin.
- Muscle spasms, and cramps.
- Weak muscle.
- Controlling bladder or bowel movement becomes harder.
The symptoms might get worse if you don’t get enough rest and put stress on your body. Hence, you should be cautious not to let that happen.
Do Bone Spurs Require a Doctor?
It’s highly recommended to see a doctor when you have a bone-related issue. The essential oils mentioned above can soothe the pain and inflammation. But, if things get worse, you need to see a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Take a doctor’s appointment if:
- You have trouble bending your joint due to bone spurs.
- You develop a bone spur because of an accident.
- The affected area is swelling.
- You have a fever.
Conclusion
Once developed, bone spurs don’t go so easily. And the worst part is, they don’t always show symptoms.
You can perform some light exercises to make your bones strong. Consume foods that have calcium.
Milk, cheese, broccoli, cabbage, okra, nuts, sardines, etc. are rich in calcium.
It’s highly recommended that you immediately see a doctor once you have an accident. Take proper rest and give it time to heal.
Try not put too much pressure on your affected bones. In the meantime, use essential oils to get rid of pain and inflammation.
Always check the label before using the essential oil. If you’re under medication, check with your doctor first to avoid any chemical reaction.
READ NEXT: 10 Best Essential Oils for Bone Healing & How to Use Them
