Health Library

Common Orthopedic Conditions

Orthopedic conditions can range from minor injuries to chronic disorders that require long-term care

Arthritis

Inflammation of joints leading to pain and stiffness.

Symptoms

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Reduced range of motion.Often worsens with age or overuse.

Solutions

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
• Weight management
• Joint replacement surgery (e.g., hip or knee replacements)

Fractures

Breaks in bones caused by trauma or stress.

Symptoms

• Severe pain
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Visible deformity
• Inability to move the affected area.Often caused by trauma, falls, or osteoporosis.

Solutions

• Immobilization using a cast or splint
• Surgical intervention (pins, plates, screws) for complex fractures
• Rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility

Tendonitis

Inflammation of joints leading to pain and stiffness.

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness around a joint, especially during movement
• Mild stiffness
• SwellingCommon in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees.

Solutions

• Rest
• Ice therapy
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Targeted physical therapy to prevent recurrence

Scoliosis

Abnormal curvature of the spine

Symptoms

• Uneven shoulders or hips
• Noticeable curve in the spine
• Back pain
• Difficulty breathing in severe cases

Solutions

• Observation for mild cases
• Bracing for moderate curvature during growth, or surgical correction (spinal fusion) for severe cases

Sports Injuries

Sprains, strains, and ligament tears often experienced by athletes

Symptoms

• Sharp pain
• Inability to bear weight
• Restricted movement in joints or musclesCommon injuries include ACL tears, sprained ankles, and rotator cuff injuries.

Solutions

• Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE)
• Physical therapy to restore function
• Surgery for ligament or cartilage repair in severe cases

Treatment Options

Treatment in orthopedics focuses on restoring function, alleviating pain, and preventing further damage

Non-Surgical Treatments

 Medications

• Pain relievers
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Supplements for bone health (e.g., calcium and vitamin D)

Physical Therapy

• Strengthens muscles
• Improves mobility
• Prevents recurrence

Braces or Orthotics

• Support for injured or weakened joints to promote healing

Injections

• Corticosteroids for inflammation or hyaluronic acid for joint lubrication

Surgical Treatments

 Arthroscopy

• Minimally invasive surgery for diagnosing and repairing joint issues

Joint Replacement

• Replacement of damaged joints (hip, knee, shoulder) with prosthetics

Fracture Fixation

• Using rods, plates, or screws to stabilize broken bones

Spinal Surgery

• For severe conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis

Preventive Care and Wellness

Preventing orthopedic conditions involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being proactive about bone and joint health

Symptoms

• Recurring pain
• Stiffness, or swelling in joints
• Reduced range of motion, or difficulty performing daily tasks

Preventive Solutions

 Healthy Diet

• Include calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified cereals to strengthen bones
• Vitamin D from sunlight or supplements aids calcium absorption

Regular Exercise

• Engage in weight-bearing exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming to maintain bone density and joint flexibility

Proper Posture

• Avoid prolonged sitting or slouching, especially during work or screen time

Injury Prevention

• Use protective gear during sports and maintain proper technique in physical activities

Routine Check-Ups

• Early diagnosis through regular health check-ups can prevent minor issues from becoming chronic

Exercises and Rehabilitation

Recovery from orthopedic conditions often requires structured rehabilitation and exercises tailored to individual needs

Symptoms

• Weakness
• Stiffness,
• Swelling
• Limited range of motion tasks

Solutions

 Strengthening Exercises

• Focus on rebuilding muscle strength around the affected area, such as leg presses for knee injuries or resistance training for shoulder issues

Flexibility and Stretching

• Improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness. Exercises like hamstring stretches or yoga are effective

Balance Training

• Helps prevent falls, especially in older adults or those recovering from lower-limb injuries

Pain Management

• Techniques like heat or cold therapy, therapeutic massage, and electrical stimulation for chronic pain relief

Tailored Rehabilitation Plans

• Supervised by physiotherapists, these plans are adjusted based on recovery progress, ensuring a safe and steady return to normal activities