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3. Bone Spurs
A healthy joint is the meeting point of two bones, each capped with cartilage and cushioned with synovial fluid. When the cartilage at the ends of the bones begins to wear away – as is the case with OA – bone may begin to grow out into the spaces between and around the bones.
These bits of excess bone, called bone spurs, tend to protrude and distort the joint. In hands affected with severe osteoarthritis, the knuckles can begin to bulge and twist, eventually leading to permanent deformity. Bone spurs can occur elsewhere on the body, too, so any hard lumps around your joints are cause for suspicion.
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