The 10 Most Common Orthopedic Injuries
Orthopedic injuries are very common and can affect people of all ages . These injuries occur due to accidents, trauma , overuse , or as a result of various orthopedic conditions . Understanding the most frequently seen orthopedic injuries can help you seek proper treatment if you experience any concerning symptoms.
This article will overview 10 of the most common orthopedic injuries the occur, including :
- ACL Tears
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Fractures
- Tennis Ellbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Sprains
- Dislocated Shoulder
- Stress Fractures
- Meniscus Tears
Knowing the typical symptoms and treatment options for these prevalent orthopedic injuries can help improve outcomes.
ACL Tears
ACL tears are one of the most common knee injuries, especially among athletes. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL ) provides stability to the knee joint . ACL tears often occur due to sudden stop/change of direction or direct contact to the knee .
Symptoms include pain , swelling , instability, and difficulty bending the knee . Treatment usually involves physical therapy and surgery to reconstruct the torn ligament . Proper rehabilitation can return ACL tear patients to sports and activity.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons around the shoulder joint Rotator cuff injuries like tears are common, often caused by repetitive overhead motions or falls . Symptoms include shoulder pain and weakness , especially with overhead motions.
Treatment options range from physical therapy to medications and surgery for more severe rotator cuff tears . Protecting the shoulder and restoring strength are goals of rehabilitation.
Fractures
Fractures or broken bones are among the most common orthopedic injuries . They occur due to significant trauma like falls , accidents, or sports impacts affecting any bone. Symptoms involve severe pain , swelling, bruising , and inability to use the injured limb.
Treatment depends on fracture type and location . Severe fractures may require surgery to stabilize bones. Casts , splints or braces help protect bones as they heal over several weeks.
Tennis Elbow
Lateral Epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow , involves pain around the elbow joint. It’s causes by overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, often by repetitive motions like tennis strikes .
Symptoms include pain focused on the elbow’s outer side that worsens with activity. Treatment focuses on rest, ice, braces, physical therapy. medication, and time off the aggravating activity . Cortisone injections can also help reduce inflammation.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common and caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. Symptoms include numbness, tingling , and pain in the hand and fingers, especially the thumb and index finger.
Treatment may involve wrist splinting, anti- inflammatory medications , and modifying activities. Surgery can relieve compression in more severe cases with persistent numbness and weakness.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot. It results from overuse and excessive stretching of the plantar fascia and causes heel pain .
Treatment focuses on rest , ice , arch, supports , physical therapy and shoe inserts to relieve tension on the p0lantar fascia. Cortisone injections and other medications can reduce inflammation . Surgery may be a last resort.
Sprains
Sprains are very common orthopedic injuries involving stretched or torn ligaments . They often occur in the ankles , knee , or wrists due to sudden stresses like twists and impacts. Symptoms include pain , swelling , bruising and instability in the joint.
Mild sprains can heal with rest, ice , compression , elevation , and immobilization with a brace . Physical therapy helps strengthen the joint after more severe sprains once swelling subsides. Surgery may repair badly torn ligaments .
Dislocated Shoulder
Shoulder dislocations occur when the head of the humerus bon becomes displaced from the shoulder socket. This often results from falls or trauma to the shoulder joint . Symptoms include severe shoulder pain , swelling, and inability to move the arm.
Treatment aims to relocate the shoulder joint into proper position, often done in the emergency room with sedation. Sling immobilization, pain management , and physical therapy help with recovery. Surgery may be needed for repeat dislocations.
Stress Fractures
Stress Fractures are tiny cracks in bones most often caused by repetitive and overuse . They typically occur in the weight- bearing bones of the lower body like the feet, ankles , and shins when to much stress is placed on the bone.
Symptoms involve swelling , pain and tenderness concentrated at the fracture site. Treatment requires rest from the aggravating activity along with immobilization, ice, and over- the counter pain medication.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus cartilage in the knee joint can tear due to forceful twisting injuries. Meniscus tears causes knee pain , swelling , catching , or locking during activity. Minor tears often require arthroscopic meniscectomy surgery to remove damaged tissue.
Understanding common orthopedic injuries helps identify concerning symptoms and seek proper treatment. Consulting an orthopedic specialist provides expert diagnosis and care options to relive your condition . With the right treatment, most orthopedic injuries can fully heal and allow return to activity.
Key Takeaways
Orthopedic injuries like ACL tears, rotator cuff damage, fractures , sprains, and meniscus tears are very prevalent.
They often occur due to accidents , repetitive overuse, or age – related degeneration.
Seeking prompt treatment tailored to each type of injury improves healing and outcomes.