Common Orthopedic Injuries: Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Overview
Orthopaedic injuries are a serious concern for people of all ages and activities. Maintaining mobility and overall well-being, whether you're an athlete pushing yourself to the limit or simply going about your everyday activities, necessitates a grasp of the origins, symptoms, and treatments for common orthopaedic injuries. In this blog, we will study common orthopaedic injuries.
Orthopaedic Injury
The musculoskeletal system, which consists of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves, is the site of orthopaedic injuries. Sports, falls, accidents, and repetitive stress can all result in these injuries. Proper diagnosis and treatment are critical for a full recovery and avoiding long-term consequences.
Causes of Orthopaedic Injuries
Accidents, overuse, poor technique during physical activity, and genetics can all contribute to orthopaedic problems. Common causes include damage, overuse, poor technique, aging, and degeneration.
Most Common Orthopaedic Injuries
- Fractures that frequently occur in the arms, legs, wrists, ankles, and hips.
- Joint dislocations frequently occur in the shoulders, fingers, elbows, and knees.
- Sprains are ligament injuries caused by overstretching or tearing, which most commonly occur in the ankles, knees, and wrists.
- When muscles or tendons are overstretched or damaged, strain injuries result. They mostly impact the shoulders, hamstrings, and back.
- Overuse is usually the cause of tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendons. It mainly affects the knees, shoulders (rotator cuff tendonitis), and elbows (tennis elbow).
- Most often found in the knees (ACL tears) and ankles, torn ligaments are severe sprains that result in ligament tears.
- Meniscus rips are injuries to the knee joint's cartilage.
- Stress fractures, which are tiny breaks in the bone, usually happen in the feet, legs, and hips and are brought on by repetitive stresses.
- Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue that joins the heel and toes.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome arises when the wrist's median nerve is squeezed. It is more prevalent among those who work in reinforced systems.
Symptoms of Orthopaedic Injuries
Recognizing the symptoms of an orthopaedic injury is critical for timely intervention and effective treatment. Common signs include:
- Pain is a persistent, localised discomfort that worsens with movement.
- Swelling results from inflammation in the injured area.
- The inability to move a joint or limb as freely as before an injury is known as limited range of motion.
- A weakness is a reduced ability to bear weight on the afflicted area.
- Instability is defined as feeling wobbly or unable to sustain your weight sufficiently.
- In severe cases, the affected area may appear deformed due to fractures or dislocations.
Treatment Options for Orthopaedic Injuries
The treatment for orthopaedic injuries is determined by the nature and severity of the damage. A precise diagnosis and specific treatment plan require consultation with a medical practitioner. Common treatments include:
- Casts, braces, or slings can be used to immobilize and rest the injured area while it heals.
- Physical therapy focusses on particular exercises and stretches that aim to increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Over-the-counter pain painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling and pain.
- The RICE Method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is recommended to minimise discomfort and swelling in the initial stages.
- In cases of severe fractures, torn ligaments, or unstable joints, surgery may be necessary to restore appropriate function.
Preventing Orthopaedic Injuries
Even while not all injuries can be prevented, being proactive can significantly reduce the likelihood of orthopaedic problems:
- Warm-up: Warming up before exercising or indulging in rigorous activities helps to prepare muscles and joints.
- Correct technique: Learn and use the right techniques to prevent strain during exercises and activities.
- Cross-training: To prevent overusing particular muscles and joints, it is advised to partake in a range of physical activities.
- Wear protective gear: When engaging in sports or other activities that carry a risk of harm, it is imperative to wear the proper protective gear.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can put a strain on joints and increase your risk of developing orthopaedic problems.
Contact our orthopaedic specialists today
Orthopaedic injuries are common, but they may frequently be avoided with the right precautions, such as maintaining an active lifestyle, using suitable exercise techniques, and treating risk factors like weak muscles or poor bone health. Our orthopaedic specialists have extensive training and expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of orthopaedic issues, including fractures, sports injuries, joint discomfort, and degenerative disorders. SHALBY Sanar International Hospital in Gurugram is dedicated to your well-being. They go beyond treatment to guide rehabilitation. They monitor your progress and make any required changes to your care plan.
Dr. Rohit Lamba, Head of the Department & Senior Consultant
Bone, Joint Replacement And Orthopaedics
Book an Appointment
Find a Doctor 
Send a Query
Book an Appointment
Second Opinion