Are you active and enjoy participating in sports or hitting the gym? Perhaps you work in a profession that requires a lot of physical labor. Whatever the case, it is vital to understand the most common orthopedic injuries from these activities. When you understand orthopedic services Benbrook, you can identify and prevent these injuries and stay healthy and active for longer.
The following are some of the orthopedic injuries:
Sprains and strains
A ligament, the connective tissue between two bones in a joint, can get stretched or ripped, resulting in sprains. Strains happen when a muscle or tendon, which connects muscle to bone, is stretched or torn. Both can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. The severity of the injury can range from mild to severe, and treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as physical therapy and pain medication if necessary.
Fractures
Fractures, or broken bones, can occur due to a traumatic injury such as a fall or collision. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected limb. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture but may involve immobilization, surgery, or physical therapy.
Dislocations
A dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its normal position at a joint. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and an abnormal appearance of the joint. Treatment typically involves reducing the dislocation, immobilizing the joint, and physical therapy.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon, often caused by overuse. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Treatment may involve rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and corticosteroid injections.
Rotator cuff injuries
A collection of tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint is known as the rotator cuff. Repetitive action or trauma can injure the shoulder, resulting in discomfort and a restricted range of motion. Rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, or surgery may all be used as treatments, depending on how bad the condition is.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
When a nerve in the wrist is squeezed, it can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes discomfort, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. Wearing a wrist splint, using anti-inflammatory medications, getting corticosteroid injections, resting, and physical therapy are all possible treatments. Surgery may be required in extreme situations.
Causes of orthopedic injuries
Here are some common causes of orthopedic injuries:
- Trauma can result from various activities, such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Traumatic injuries can include fractures, dislocations, and sprains, ranging from mild to severe. Trauma can be caused by sudden force, impact, or twisting of a limb or joint, leading to tissue damage and pain.
- Overuse injuries are common among athletes or individuals who perform repetitive motions or activities. Overuse injuries can include tendinitis, bursitis, and stress fractures. They are typically caused by repetitive stress on a particular joint or muscle group and can result in inflammation and pain.
- Genetics – Certain genetic conditions can increase the risk of orthopedic injuries, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that causes brittle bones, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. This disorder affects the connective tissue in the body.
Talk to your orthopedic specialist at Southwest Orthopedic Associates to receive proper diagnosis and treatment if you experience any of these injuries.
