Overview
Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are extra growths of bone tissue that appear like smooth lumps on the outsides of your bones. They’re common and they often don’t cause any problems. But they may cause symptoms if they irritate your soft tissues, interfere with the movement of a joint or put pressure on a nearby nerve.
Bone spurs tend to occur on bones that take a lot of stress, like your spine or your heels. They also occur at joints and sites where tendons or ligaments attach to the bone. They happen when your body is trying to repair tissue damage near the bone, or as a response to stress. Sometimes, your body creates new bone tissue to replace the damaged tissues — like a bony scar. This process is called osteophytosis.
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Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.
Prevention
Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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