Common orthopaedic conditions specifically refer to injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. These conditions can dramatically impact one’s quality of life by limiting mobility, causing pain, and reducing the ability to perform daily activities. This guide aims to shed light on these common orthopaedic conditions, offering insights into their symptoms, causes, and the various treatment options available.
Most Prevalent Orthopedic Conditions
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is a leading cause of disability worldwide, characterized by inflammation in one or more joints, leading to pain and stiffness. For most of us, arthritis manifests as swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The two most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA, the wear-and-tear arthritis, typically affects older adults and is most common in the knees, hips, and hands. RA is an autoimmune disorder that can affect any joint in the body. In rheumatoid arthritis, our immune system attacks our own healthy cells, resulting in inflammation in the affected parts of the body.
Treatment Options:
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the joints.
- Surgery: Joint replacement in severe cases, or where conservative managements have failed.
2. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both, resulting in bones that are weak and may break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, from simple actions like sneezing.
Treatment Options:
- Medications: Drugs to slow bone loss and build bone strength.
- Lifestyle Changes: Diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercises.
- Supplements: Calcium and vitamin D supplements to support bone health.
3. Fractures
Fractures are breaks in the bone that are usually caused by trauma, such as a fall, or by conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis. They can range from minor cracks to complete breaks and can occur in any bone in the body. The signs of a fracture include pain, swelling and deformity. Most fractures medical attention , to prevent further deformity and allow proper healing. When a fracture is suspected, early visit to a doctor is necessary.
Treatment Options:
- Casting or Bracing: To immobilize the bone and allow it to heal.
- Physical Therapy: To restore movement and strengthen the area around the injury.
- Surgery: To fix the bones with plates, screws, or pins in severe cases.
4. Tendinitis/Tendinopathy
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, the thick cords that attach muscle to bone. It is usually caused by repetitive, minor impact on the area or from a sudden, more serious injury. Common types include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, De Quervains tendinitis. Tendinopathy can also present as pain in the case of rotator cuff tendinopathy (shoulder pain), patella tendinopathy (runner’s knee), Achilles tendinopathy.
Treatment Options:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the condition.
- Ice: To reduce inflammation and pain.
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Injections: such as shincort/lignocaine injections or platelet rich plasma inections
5. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm, is pressed or squeezed at the wrist (carpal tunnel). Diagnosis is clinical, and additional tests such as nerve conduction study may be needed.
Treatment Options:
- Wrist Splinting: Especially to keep the wrist straight during sleep
- Activity Modification: Ergonomic modification at workplace, reduction of handphone usage
- Occupational Therapy: Modalities such as nerve mobilization, gliding exercises, iontophoresis or therapeutic ultrasound may be helpful
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain.
- Surgery: To relieve pressure on the median nerve in severe cases.
6. Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. A tear can occur due to acute injury or wear and tear, leading to pain and difficulty in arm lifting.
Treatment Options:
- Rest and Ice: Initial treatment to reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical repair of the torn tendon may be recommended.
The ACL is a cruciate ligament in the knee that can tear during sports. It usually leads to immediate pain and swelling in the knee. Initially many patients will also have difficulty achieving full extension of the knee. After the swelling resolves, patient may experience knee instability or a sensation of giving way. This is especially so if the patient engages in pivoting sports. Recurrent knee instability may result in progressive injury to other knee structures such as the cartilage and menisci.
Treatment Options:
- Rest Ice Elevation Compression
- Bracing and Physical Therapy: For partial tears, hamstring strengthening to regain knee strength and stability.
- ACL Reconstruction Surgery: For severe tears, surgery is often necessary to regain the full function of the knee.
8. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition causing heel pain stemming from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue along the bottom of your foot. It’s common in runners and those who are overweight.
Treatment Options:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): Initial treatment to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can relieve pain and improve foot function.
- Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts can provide support and reduce symptoms.
- Injections: in refractory cases, shincort/lignocaine injections may help
Prevention and Management
Preventing orthopaedic conditions involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing further damage. If you’re experiencing persistent pain or discomfort in your bones, joints, or muscles, it’s essential to consult an orthopaedic specialist who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Orthopaedic conditions affect millions of people worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life. Understanding these common conditions, their symptoms, and treatment options is the first step toward effective management and recovery.
Hip & Knee Orthopaedics Approach
Orthopaedic conditions, particularly those affecting the hip and knee, touch the lives of countless individuals across the globe, deeply influencing their ability to live fully and actively. At Hip & Knee Orthopaedics, we believe that a deep understanding of these conditions is crucial for effective management and a successful recovery journey. We emphasize the importance of early intervention. By addressing orthopaedic conditions promptly, we can work together to prevent long-term damage and help you return to a life marked by activity, strength, and well-being.