10 Most Common Orthopedic Injuries
Our bodies hold up to a lot of wear and tear, but that doesn’t mean we are infallible. Orthopedic – bones and muscles – injuries are some of the most common injuries that doctors see in their offices, but they’re not just all bone breaks or muscle cramps.
Here are the 10 most common orthopedic injuries, as well as what to expect if you’re suffering from any of them:
1. Wrist fracture. Falling, sports, and even dancing accidents can result in a distal radius fracture. Sometimes, a cast is all that is needed. In other cases, surgery is required to stabilize the small bones.
2. Shoulder dislocation. It is rare for people to have shoulders that dislocate easily (called subluxation), but it can happen from accidents, sports, or other contact injuries. Once a shoulder dislocates, another dislocation is very possible. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
3. Stress fractures. These fractures rarely get diagnosed because people do not experience the same level of pain as a traditional “break.” These occur from too much stress and muscle wear. They most commonly happen in the feet and ankle. Rest and sometimes surgery are required to fix them.
4. Ankle and foot sprains. It’s expected that almost 2 million people sprain their ankle each year, making it highly common. Usually, rest, ice and compression are good enough to fix it, but sometimes the damage may injure ligaments and tendons which will require more treatment.
5. “Tennis elbow.” You don’t have to play tennis to get this injury; any repetitive, weight-bearing movement of your wrist and arm can do it. The tendons around the elbow get irritated, causing pain. Usually, rest is the best way to alleviate the problem.
6. ACL tear. The ACL is the main ligament in your knee and can be torn when you make any abrupt, awkward turns with your knee. Pain and instability when standing are the big signs. Rest and physical therapy may help your ACL heal, but severe tears will require surgery.
7. Plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is the ligament attached to the toes and heel of your foot. When it’s stressed, it causes severe pain, swelling, etc. There are some surgical options, but better shoes, rest, and decreased activity are the first options.
8. Rotator cuff tear. Your shoulder has a rotator cuff that allows it to move in circular motions. If that rotator cuff gets stressed, it can tear, resulting in severe pain and restricted movement. Depending on the degree of the tear, rest and a brace can help. Sometimes, surgery is required.
9. Carpal tunnel. If you type a lot or use your hands/arms for repetitive movements, the ligaments and tendons in your hand may get inflamed. This pinches the nerve in your hand, resulting in pain or tingling. Braces, physical therapy, and medications usually help.
10. Meniscus tear. The cartilage on your knee, called the meniscus, allows for easy movement of your leg. Awkward movements when the foot is planted can cause the meniscus to tear. Physical therapy and rest are the first options for treatment unless the tear is severe. Then surgery is required.
Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201 Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119