Our bodies go through a lot of stress, whether it be at home, at work, or anywhere else. While our bodies can initially handle these stresses, they’ll eventually give way. That’s why many individuals who are of older age suffer from musculoskeletal injuries, simply because our bodies have been through a lot more than those of younger age. But of course, this doesn’t exempt young individuals from such injuries either. Anyone can experience orthopedic injuries, and unfortunately, some are a lot worse than others.
Today, we want to talk about some of the most common orthopedic injuries that you may come across or even experience:
1. Sprains and Strains
Sprains occur when ligaments, the tissues that connect bones to one another, are stretched or torn. Strains occur when muscles or tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones, are stretched or torn. Both sprains and strains can be caused by overuse, trauma, or poor posture. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and elevation and may also require the use of a splint or brace.
2. Fractures
A fracture is a break in a bone. Fractures can be caused by trauma, overuse, or osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to breaks. Treatment typically involves immobilization of the affected limb in a cast or splint.
3. Dislocations
A dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its normal position in a joint. Dislocations can be caused by trauma, overuse, or poor posture. Treatment typically involves realigning the bone and stabilizing the joint with a splint or cast.
4. Tendonitis
Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendonitis can be caused by overuse, injury, or infection. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and elevation and may also require the use of a splint or brace.
5. Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of a bursa, a small sac of fluid that cushion and lubricate joints. Bursitis can be caused by overuse, injury, or infection. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and elevation and may also require the use of a splint or brace.
6. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by overuse, injury, or repetitive motion. Treatment typically involves splinting the wrist, taking breaks from activities that aggravate the condition, and, in severe cases, surgery.
7. Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is a condition that can occur when the tendons that attach the muscles of the forearm to the elbow become irritated or inflamed. This condition is also sometimes called medial epicondylitis or “thrower’s elbow.” Golfer’s elbow is treated with a combination of rest, ice, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Physical therapy may also be helpful. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Conclusion
These are just some of the many orthopedic injuries that you may encounter. Hopefully, you never have to experience any of them. However, if you do, it doesn’t mean you will have to live with the injury forever. There are many health centers out there that offer various therapies and services to help individuals overcome their orthopedic injuries. So, if you are experiencing any type of injury, be sure to reach out to them right away!
Family Medicine and Wellness offer various health and wellness services to treat a variety of injuries and diseases. If you are looking for a physical exam and more in Troy, contact us today!
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