Fact check: What is the likelihood of having bone spurs without symptoms?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, bone spurs are commonly asymptomatic, meaning many people have them without experiencing any symptoms. Multiple sources confirm that bone spurs often cause no symptoms and individuals might not know they have them until discovered incidentally on X-rays performed for other conditions ^[1]. The analyses consistently indicate that bone spurs don't always cause symptoms and can be present without any noticeable effects, particularly in areas such as the feet, hands, shoulder joints, hip joints, knee joints, neck, and spine ^[2].

Specific statistical data reveals that for plantar calcaneal spurs (heel bone spurs), 10-63% of asymptomatic controls have a plantar calcaneal spur, indicating a substantial portion of people can have these bone growths without symptoms ^[3]. The research shows that many individuals may have osteophytes (bone spurs) without realizing it, as the growths are often asymptomatic ^{[4] [5]}.

The prevalence increases with age, with 55% of individuals over 62 having plantar calcaneal spurs, and 98.4% of those with spurs being over 40 years old ^[3]. However, the coexistence of bone spurs with other conditions like plantar fascia thickening is common, though tenderness on palpation doesn't necessarily differentiate between different clinical presentations ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important contextual information about location-specific variations in symptom likelihood. The analyses reveal that bone spurs can occur in multiple locations throughout the body, and symptom presentation may vary depending on the specific anatomical site ^[2].

Medical professionals and diagnostic imaging companies would benefit from the narrative that bone spurs are often asymptomatic, as this supports the need for regular imaging and medical monitoring even in the absence of symptoms. This perspective encourages preventive healthcare spending and routine diagnostic procedures.

The analyses also highlight differential diagnoses that are often overlooked, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, and bursitis ^[7]. Additionally, certain underlying medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis may increase the likelihood of developing bone spurs ^[7], context that wasn't addressed in the original question.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself doesn't contain misinformation, but it lacks specificity that could lead to incomplete understanding. The question doesn't specify which type of bone spurs are being discussed, as the likelihood of being asymptomatic may vary significantly between spinal osteophytes, heel spurs, and joint-related bone growths.

The framing of the question as seeking a single "likelihood" percentage oversimplifies the complexity of the condition. The analyses show a wide range of 10-63% for asymptomatic cases in heel spurs alone ^[3], indicating that providing a single likelihood figure would be misleading without considering factors such as age, location, and underlying health conditions.

The question also doesn't acknowledge that bone spurs frequently coexist with other conditions ^[6], which could influence both symptom presentation and diagnostic accuracy. This omission could lead to oversimplified medical decision-making that doesn't account for the complex interplay between bone spurs and related musculoskeletal conditions.