What Are Common Orthopedic Conditions?

In orthopedics, the primary focus is on treating conditions affecting musculoskeletal health, such as the joints, tendons, bones, ligaments, and nerves. Orthopedic conditions can be caused by overuse, trauma, genetic predisposition, and certain diseases.

Some of the most common ailments treated by orthopedic doctors include:
 
– Arthritic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.
– Bone fractures.
– Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, bursitis, muscle strains, and plantar fasciitis.
– Back problems, such as lower back pain and scoliosis.
– Joint issues, such as dislocation, meniscus tears, and knee dysfunction.
– Neuropathic pain, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
– Sports injuries, including ACL tears, runner’s knee, and tennis elbow.
– Chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia.

Orthopedic conditions can arise due to a variety of reasons, such as:
 
Aging: With age, our bones, joints, and muscles undergo wear and tear. This natural degeneration can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis, which is the breakdown of joint cartilage, and osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle.

Trauma: Sports injuries, falls, and other accidents can cause dislocations, fractures, sprains, strains, and other orthopedic problems.

Overuse: Repetitive activities or motions, particularly in sports or certain occupations, can result in conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, and stress fractures.

Autoimmune conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are examples of autoimmune conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system.

Lifestyle factors: If you have poor posture, poor nutrition, or don’t get enough physical activity, you are at a higher risk of developing orthopedic issues. As obesity results in extra stress on weight-bearing joints, it raises the risk of osteoarthritis and other joint conditions.

Genetic predisposition: Some orthopedic conditions are hereditary. For instance, certain types of arthritis, scoliosis, and congenital hip dysplasia can run in families.

Orthopedic problems can cause a range of frustrating and disruptive symptoms, including:
 
Pain: Many orthopedic conditions are characterized by chronic pain. The discomfort may be sharp, dull, throbbing, or intermittent. It’s common for this symptom to intensify with physical activity.

Stiffness: If you have joint problems, you may have difficulty in terms of mobility. Conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often cause morning stiffness that improves with activity.

Inflammation: Inflammation and swelling in the joints, muscles, or soft tissues are common in conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and after injuries. It’s common to notice that affected joints appear red or are warm to the touch.

Joint instability: If you feel like your joint is unstable or gives way when you put weight on it, it is a sign you have an orthopedic condition.

Numbness: Orthopedic problems that affect the nerves, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can lead to sensations of numbness or tingling.

Deformities: Visible deformities or misalignment of bones and joints can occur with fractures, severe arthritis, scoliosis, and congenital conditions.

Orthopedic doctors specialize in providing evidence-based and personalized treatments to patients affected by pain, joint instability, chronic inflammation, reduced range of motion, and other problems brought on by orthopedic conditions. The right orthopedic treatment for you depends on the specific condition you have and the nature of your symptoms.

Among the most common approaches to treating orthopedic conditions are:
 
Physical therapy: To improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or disease-modifying agents for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Injections: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.

Surgical intervention: Procedures such as joint replacement, ligament repair, or fracture fixation for severe cases.
 
In addition, your orthopedic doctor may recommend ergonomic adjustments, weight management, and alternative approaches to successfully managing your condition. If you have symptoms of orthopedic issues, it’s essential to be evaluated by a reputable professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and effective care. The skilled professionals at Southern Sports Medicine Institute specialize in surgical procedures to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

At Southern Sports Medicine Institute, we specialize in treating a wide range of common orthopedic conditions, from sports injuries and joint pain to arthritis and fractures. Our dedicated team of experts is committed to providing personalized care and cutting-edge treatments to help you achieve optimal health and mobility.  For more information, contact us today or schedule your appointment online to begin your journey towards better health and mobility. We have convenient locations to serve you in Gallatin, TN, and Nashville, TN. We serve patients from Gallatin TN, Nashville TN, Portland TN, Hendersonville TN, Lafayette TN, Castalian Springs TN, Westmoreland TN, Old Hickory TN, Red Boiling Springs TN, White House TN, Lebanon TN, Greenbrier TN, Bowling Green KY, Hartsville TN, Cottontown TN, Bethpage TN,  Goodlettsville TN, Springfield TN, Lavergne TN, Franklin TN, Hermitage TN, Mount Juliet TN, and surrounding areas.