10 Most Common Orthopaedic Injuries in Our Daily Life

Injuries can occur to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. They can be caused by accidents, falls, sports, or even by our daily routine. Orthopaedic injuries are those injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries can cause pain, discomfort, and limit mobility. In this article, we will discuss the 10 most common orthopaedic injuries that occur in our daily hustles.

1. Sprains and Strains: Sprains and strains are common injuries that occur when a ligament or muscle is stretched beyond its limit. They can happen during sports activities, falls, or sudden movements.

The symptoms of a strain and a sprain can be similar, but they involve different types of soft tissue injuries:

Symptoms of a strain:

1. Pain: Strains can cause pain that may be mild or severe and can become worse with movement or weight-bearing.

2. Swelling: Strains can cause swelling and inflammation around the affected muscle.

3. Muscle weakness: Strains can cause muscle weakness and make it difficult to perform daily activities.

4. Muscle spasm: Strains can cause muscle spasms, which can be painful.

Symptoms of a sprain:

1. Pain: Sprains can cause pain that may be mild or severe and can become worse with movement or weight-bearing.

2. Swelling: Sprains can cause swelling and inflammation around the affected joint.

3. Bruising: Sprains can cause bruising around the affected joint.

4. Limited mobility: Sprains can restrict movement and make it difficult to perform daily activities.

5. Instability: Sprains can also cause joint instability, which can increase the risk of future sprains and injuries.

2. Fractures: A fracture is a break in the bone. They can be caused by a fall, a direct blow to the bone, or an accident. Fractures can range from a hairline crack to a complete break in the bone.

The symptoms of a fracture can vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture, but common symptoms include:

1. Pain: Fractures can cause pain that may be mild or severe and can become worse with movement or weight-bearing.
2. Swelling: Fractures can cause swelling and inflammation around the affected area.
3. Bruising: Fractures can cause bruising around the affected area.
4. Deformity: In some cases, fractures can cause visible deformity, such as a limb appearing bent or twisted.
5. Limited mobility: Fractures can restrict movement and make it difficult to perform daily activities.
6. Numbness or tingling: Fractures can cause nerve damage, which may lead to numbness or tingling in the affected area.
7. Bone protrusion: In severe cases, a broken bone may protrude through the skin, which is called an open fracture.

3. Dislocations:A dislocation of a bone occurs when the bone is forced out of its normal position in a joint. Dislocation typically happens when a joint is subjected to a sudden or strong force, such as a fall or a collision during sports. Commonly dislocated joints include the shoulder, elbow, fingers, hip, and knee.Dislocations can cause significant pain, swelling, and deformity in the affected joint. Other symptoms may include:

1. Loss of movement: Dislocation can cause a loss of movement in the affected joint, making it difficult to move the joint.
2. Numbness and tingling: Dislocations can also cause nerve damage, leading to numbness and tingling in the affected area.
3. Weakness: Dislocation can weaken the affected joint, making it difficult to bear weight or perform activities that require strength.
4. Instability: Dislocation can also cause joint instability, which can increase the risk of future dislocations and injuries

4.Tennis Elbow: Tennis elbow is a condition that occurs when the outer part of the elbow becomes painful and tender.

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a type of overuse injury that affects the tendons in the elbow. Symptoms of tennis elbow include:

1. Pain: The primary symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow, which may be mild or severe and can become worse with activity.

2. Weakness: Tennis elbow can cause weakness in the affected arm, making it difficult to grip or lift objects.

3. Stiffness: Tennis elbow can cause stiffness in the affected arm, making it difficult to fully extend or flex the elbow.

4. Tenderness: The affected area may be tender to the touch.

5. Swelling: Tennis elbow can cause swelling and inflammation in the affected area.

6. Numbness or tingling: In some cases, tennis elbow can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness or tingling in the affected arm or hand.

7. Difficulty performing daily tasks: Tennis elbow can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as typing, cooking, or carrying objects.

5. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the wrist and hand, and it is caused by compression of the median nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand that houses the median nerve and tendons that control movement in the fingers.It can be caused by repetitive motions such as typing, using a computer mouse, or playing a musical instrument..

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can vary, but commonly include:

1. Numbness and tingling: The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are numbness and tingling in the hand, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

2. Pain: Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain in the hand and wrist, which may be intermittent or constant.

3. Weakness: Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip or hold objects.

4. Loss of dexterity: Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause a loss of dexterity and coordination in the fingers.

5. Burning sensation: Some people with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience a burning sensation in the hand or wrist.

6. Difficulty sleeping: Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause discomfort and pain that may make it difficult to sleep at night.

6. Rotator Cuff Injuries: 

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone and help to stabilize and move the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff injury is a common condition that occurs when one or more of these muscles or tendons become damaged or torn. Rotator cuff injuries can be caused by overuse, repetitive strain, or trauma to the shoulder.

The symptoms of a rotator cuff injury can vary, but commonly include:

1. Pain: The most common symptom of a rotator cuff injury is pain in the shoulder, which may be dull or sharp and can become worse with movement or at night.

2. Weakness: A rotator cuff injury can cause weakness in the affected arm, making it difficult to lift or move the arm.

3. Stiffness: A rotator cuff injury can cause stiffness in the shoulder, making it difficult to move the arm or perform everyday activities.

4. Clicking or popping: Some people with a rotator cuff injury may hear clicking or popping sounds in the shoulder when moving the arm.

5. Limited range of motion: A rotator cuff injury can cause a limited range of motion in the shoulder, making it difficult to perform certain movements or activities.

6. Muscle atrophy: In some cases, a rotator cuff injury can cause the affected muscle to waste away or become smaller.

7. ACL Injuries:

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament in the knee that connects the thigh bone to the shinbone. ACL injuries can occur during sports activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or pivoting. that helps to stabilize the joint and prevent excessive movement of the tibia (shinbone) in relation to the femur (thigh bone). An ACL injury is a common knee injury that occurs when the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn. ACL injuries are often caused by sudden stops or changes in direction, twisting movements, or direct impact to the knee.The symptoms of an ACL injury can vary, but commonly include-

1. Pain: The most common symptom of an ACL injury is pain in the knee, which may be mild or severe and can become worse with movement.

2. Swelling: An ACL injury can cause swelling and inflammation in the knee, which may develop quickly or over time.

3. Instability: An ACL injury can cause the knee to feel unstable or wobbly, making it difficult to bear weight or move the leg.

4. Popping sound: Some people with an ACL injury may hear a popping or snapping sound at the time of the injury.

5. Loss of range of motion: An ACL injury can cause a loss of range of motion in the knee, making it difficult to fully extend or flex the leg.

6. Difficulty walking or standing: An ACL injury can make it difficult to walk or stand, particularly if there is pain or instability in the knee.

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. It is a common cause of heel pain, especially in athletes and people who spend long periods of time on their feet. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed or irritated, usually due to overuse or repetitive strain.

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis can include:

1. Pain: The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially when first standing up in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

2. Stiffness: People with plantar fasciitis may experience stiffness or aching in the foot, particularly in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.

3. Tenderness: The heel may be tender to the touch, and people with plantar fasciitis may feel pain when pressing on the bottom of the foot or the heel.

4. Swelling: In some cases, plantar fasciitis can cause swelling in the heel or arch of the foot.

5. Difficulty walking: Plantar fasciitis can make it difficult to walk or bear weight on the affected foot, particularly during the first few steps after getting out of bed or after prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

 

9. Shin Splints: 

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a common condition that causes pain and discomfort in the lower leg, particularly along the shin bone (tibia). It is a common overuse injury that is often seen in runners, dancers, and athletes who engage in repetitive impact activities or improper footwear..

The symptoms of shin splints can include:

1. Pain: The most common symptom of shin splints is pain along the inside or front of the lower leg, particularly during exercise or activity.

2. Tenderness: The lower leg may be tender to the touch, and people with shin splints may feel pain when pressing on the affected area.

3. Swelling: In some cases, shin splints can cause swelling or inflammation in the lower leg.

4. Stiffness: People with shin splints may experience stiffness or aching in the lower leg, particularly in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.

5. Difficulty walking or running: Shin splints can make it difficult to walk or run, particularly during or after exercise or activity.

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that is caused by repetitive stress or overuse. It is a common injury that can occur in any bone in the body, but is most often seen in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot. Stress fractures are common in athletes and people who engage in high-impact sports or activities, such as running, jumping, or dancing.

The symptoms of a stress fracture can include:

1. Pain: The most common symptom of a stress fracture is pain in the affected area, which usually worsens with activity and improves with rest.

2. Swelling: In some cases, a stress fracture can cause swelling or tenderness in the affected area.

3. Weakness: People with a stress fracture may experience weakness or instability in the affected bone or joint.

4. Difficulty bearing weight: Stress fractures can make it difficult to bear weight on the affected limb, particularly during or after activity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, orthopaedic injuries can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. They can range from minor injuries to severe ones that require surgery. Knowing about the most common orthopaedic injuries and their symptoms can help you take appropriate measures to prevent them or seek timely

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