Orthopedic problems are musculo-skeletal issues that cause pain and discomfort. They often affect daily life. The increase in obesity and sedentary lifestyles in Hyderabad has lead to a surge in orthopedic problems in the population.
In this short post, we will explore the five commonest orthopedic conditions, their causes and treatments.
5 Common Orthopedic Conditions
Orthopedic conditions affect the bones, muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons. These conditions usually cause pain, reduced mobility and stiffness, among other symptoms.
Here are five common conditions that can limit an individual’s ability to perform daily activities:
1.Fractures: Fractures or broken bones require immediate treatment. If treatment is avoided, the fracture may heal incorrectly and cause complications. Simple fractures can be treated with rest and support from a splint or cast. In contrast, complex fractures require surgery.
2.Sprains and strains: These conditions develop when ligaments and tendons are extended beyond their normal range of movement. Sprains and strains cause pain and swelling, and they can also affect movement.
3.Tendinitis: When the thick cords that attach the muscles to the bones become swollen and irritated, it is called tendinitis. This condition can develop in any tendon of the body. But it most commonly affects the wrists, elbows, knees, shoulders and heels.
4.Rotator cuff injuries: The muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint make up the rotator cuff. Injury to the rotator cuff causes a dull pain that gets worse at night. The risk of rotator cuff injuries increases with age.
5.Osteoarthritis: It is one of the most common forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops when the cushioning tissues (the cartilage) present between the bones of a joint become thin and wear out.
Major Causes for Orthopedic Problems
Learning about the main causes of orthopedic problems can help you prevent them. More importantly, learning about the causes helps you determine whether you need to consult an orthopedic specialist in Hyderabad to manage your risk of orthopedic problems. The major causes of orthopedic problems include:
1.Trauma: Falls and accidents are two common traumas that cause orthopedic problems. Trauma can also develop due to occupational or sports-related injuries. Besides ligament injuries and tears, bone dislocations and fractures fall under the category of traumatic injury.
2.Overuse: Orthopedic problems can develop when a muscle or a joint is used repeatedly and not given enough rest. Stress fractures and tendonitis are two common conditions that develop due to overuse.
3.Poor posture: Sitting for long periods or performing the same task repeatedly in the wrong posture leads to orthopedic issues. Poor posture puts unnecessary pressure on the muscles and joints and causes pain and injuries over time.
4.Age-related changes: The muscles and bones lose their strength as we age, and they become more vulnerable to injury. The risk of orthopedic conditions such as degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis increases with time.
5.Genetic factors: Individuals with certain genetic mutations have a higher risk of orthopedic problems. In other words, some people are born with certain weaknesses in their musculoskeletal system and are more prone to ligament tears and joint dislocations.
Treatments
The human body is susceptible to hundreds of different orthopedic problems. And each orthopedic problem requires a unique treatment. But in general, there are four orthopedic treatments that the best orthopedic doctor in Hyderabad most commonly recommend:
1.Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE): The RICE method can provide relief from many of the milder forms of orthopedic problems. It involves resting the affected area, applying ice on it, compressing it with a bandage and elevating it above the heart to reduce the swelling.
2.Medications: Pain medications that are available without prescription can provide sufficient relief from minor orthopedic problems. However, a doctor may prescribe some anti-inflammatory medicines if the patient has swelling or extreme pain.
3.Physical therapy: Physiotherapists help patients by making personalised exercise plans to recover from orthopedic conditions. The exercises make the affected part stronger and more flexible while improving the range of motion. Physical therapy is a must when someone has not moved the affected part for a long period, such as after a getting a cast for a broken bone.
4.Surgery: Some orthopedic problems, such as damaged knee joints and fractures, require surgical treatment. In such cases, surgery is the only way to repair the damaged bones or tissues. Minimally-invasive surgeries have become more common, allowing doctors to treat patients without making large cuts.
Conclusion
Orthopedic conditions are common and can be very painful. But you can prevent these conditions by avoiding repetitive movements and following body mechanics when lifting objects.
If you do get affected by an orthopedic condition, you must consult a orthopedic doctor and follow their treatment plan. The doctor will not only help you recover, but also advise you on how to prevent the problem from occuring again.
