6 Common Orthopedic Disorders

There are many orthopedic conditions; some are more common. To ensure you and your loved ones are in good orthopedic health, it’s a good idea to learn more about these conditions. Here are six common orthopedic disorders you should know about:

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is a term that describes any inflammation of the joints. It is a joint disorder that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. There are many types of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. The type you have depends on your joint and its location.

2. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually wears away. It is common in the weight-bearing joints of your body, such as your knees, hips, or spine. It can also affect smaller joints, like your fingers and toes.

3. Low Back Pain

Low back pain is common among adults. Lower back pain can be caused by a number of factors including muscle strain, nerve damage, and fractured bones. Lower back pain can be treated with medications and physical therapy. In some cases, lower back surgery may be required to correct problems with the discs in your spine.

4. Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints. The cause of this condition is unknown, but it typically affects women more than men. The most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. Joints can become swollen and stiff with this disease, which causes deformity in the affected area.

5. Ligament Tears

Ligament tears are a common orthopedic disorder that occurs when the ligaments that hold a bone together have stretched out over time. This can lead to pain and swelling in a joint or muscles surrounding it. A fibrous band, ligament connects two bones together. Tears in these bands are common in lower extremities such as the ankle, knee, or hip.

6. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a degenerative condition characterized by the gradual loss of bone tissue and the development of fragile bones. Osteoporosis is prevalent in elderly women and men who have low calcium intake or who are on long-term corticosteroid medications.

If you’re noticing the symptoms of any of these disorders in yourself or your loved ones, reach out to a specialist orthopaedic surgeon for consultation and diagnosis.