Orthopedic Conditions
What are orthopedic conditions?
Orthopedic conditions are disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Orthopedic conditions can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, age, overuse, and genetics.
Who is at risk for orthopedic conditions?
Anyone can develop an orthopedic condition, but certain people are at increased risk. These include:
- Older adults
- People who are overweight or obese
- People who participate in sports or other activities that put stress on the musculoskeletal system
- People with a family history of orthopedic conditions
What are the symptoms of common orthopedic conditions?
The symptoms of common orthopedic conditions can vary depending on the specific condition. However, some general symptoms include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Weakness
- Deformity
When should you see an orthopedic doctor?
You should see an orthopedic doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above, especially if they are severe or persistent. Orthopedic doctors can diagnose and treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including:
Arthritis is a general term for inflammation of the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that cushions and protects the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own joints.
Back pain is one of the most common orthopedic conditions. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis.
Bone fractures are breaks in the bones. They can be caused by trauma, such as a fall or accident, or by overuse, such as stress fractures.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae in the spine break down. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the back or neck.
Flat feet are feet that have low arches. This can cause pain and discomfort in the feet and ankles
Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. It can be caused by injury, overuse, or certain medical conditions.
Herniated disc is a condition in which the disc between two vertebrae in the spine bulges or ruptures. This can put pressure on the nerves in the spine and cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms or legs.
Hip pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and hip dysplasia.
Knee pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including arthritis, meniscus tears, and patellar tendinitis.
Meniscus tear is a tear in the cartilage in the knee joint. It can be caused by a sudden injury, such as twisting the knee, or by overuse.
Muscle strain is a stretch or tear in a muscle. It can be caused by overuse, improper lifting, or sudden injury.
Osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis, caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints.
Muscle strain is a stretch or tear in a muscle. It can be caused by overuse, improper lifting, or sudden injury.
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It can cause pain in the heel and arch of the foot.
Rotator cuff tear is a tear in the tendons of the rotator cuff, a group of muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint. It can be caused by overuse, injury, or age-related wear and tear.
Sciatica is pain, numbness, or tingling in the leg caused by nerve compression. It is usually caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. It can be mild or severe, and it can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the back.
Shin splints is pain along the inner edge of the shinbone. It is caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the leg
Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including rotator cuff tear, bursitis, tendinitis, and arthritis
Sports injuries are injuries caused by participating in sports or other physical activities. Common sports injuries include muscle strains, ligament sprains, and bone fractures.
Tennis elbow is inflammation of the tendons at the elbow. It is caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm.
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon. It can be caused by overuse, injury, or certain medical conditions.
Trigger finger is a condition in which a finger or thumb becomes locked in a bent position. It is caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath.
Different types of treatment for common orthopedic conditions:
Medication
A variety of medications can be used to treat orthopedic conditions, including:
Pain relievers: These medications can be over-the-counter or prescription. They can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory drugs: These medications can help to reduce inflammation and pain. They are often used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Corticosteroids: These medications are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. They are often used to treat severe inflammation or to provide relief before surgery.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These medications can help to slow the progression of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Biologic drugs: These medications are newer drugs that target specific molecules involved in inflammation and the immune system. They are often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is a type of treatment that uses exercise, stretching, and other techniques to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility.
Surgery
Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat orthopedic conditions. Some common orthopedic surgeries include:
Joint replacement surgery: This surgery replaces a damaged or diseased joint with a new artificial joint. It is commonly used to treat arthritis in the hip and knee.
Arthroscopic surgery: This surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside the joints.
Spinal surgery: This surgery is used to treat a variety of spinal conditions, such as herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis.
Fracture repair surgery: This surgery is used to repair broken bones.
Tendon repair surgery: This surgery is used to repair torn tendons.
Other treatments
In addition to medication, physical therapy, and surgery, there are a variety of other treatments that can be used to treat orthopedic conditions. These include:
Injections: Injections of corticosteroids or other medications can be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
Braces and splints: Braces and splints can be used to support and protect injured or weakened joints.
Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet, can help to improve symptoms and prevent further injury.
Prevention of common orthopedic conditions
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a healthy diet
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Wear proper footwear and protective gear when participating in sports or activities
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment for orthopedic conditions can vary depending on the specific condition and its severity.
