Try physical therapy to fix bone spurs

Q: My ankle has been chronically sore, so I had it X-rayed. It showed a bone spur. My doctor wants me to do physical therapy before deciding on surgery. Is PT really going to help? — Jerry H., Roanoke, Virginia

A: As a general rule, always try physical therapy first. Bone spurs occur when the cartilage between bones breaks down and the bones generate lumpy outgrowths. The cause of the cartilage loss is usually osteoarthritis, but bone spurs also can be caused by an accident or injury.

When you do PT, the goal will be to strengthen the muscles around the spur, which will relieve some of the pressure. If that solves your problem, you might avoid surgery. But if you do end up having the surgery, your joint will heal faster.

Your PT probably will include heat, stretching and strengthening exercises, ultrasound, massage and ice. You also might ask your doc about taking an anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medication to reduce pain and possibly even a cortisone injection.

Q: My great aunt is 76 and swims or walks almost every day, but she has the beginnings of a hump between her shoulders. What can she do? — Patricia O., New York

A: What you’re describing calls for a physical exam and perhaps a bone scan. Your great aunt may be developing osteoporosis (loss of bone density leading to easy fractures). There are several self-care steps she can take. If she has to be treated for bone loss, they will make her treatment more effective.

First, she should have a blood test to check her calcium level. Whatever the results, she should make an effort to eat calcium-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, sunflower seeds, carrots, green beans, almonds, broccoli, and lowfat dairy. A supplement of 600 milligrams of calcium with 300 milligrams of magnesium daily is safe to take and may provide benefits.

Also, vitamin D is important for bone health. She should talk to her doc about taking a supplement of vitamin D-3 — at least 800 to 1,000 international units (IU) daily.

But there’s another dietary component doctors are beginning to realize is particularly important for seniors: protein. The International Osteoporosis Foundation just released a meta-analysis that found: “dietary protein levels even above the current RDA may be beneficial in reducing bone loss and hip fracture risk, provided calcium intakes are adequate.”

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.