Orthopaedic injuries are injuries to the musculoskeletal system. But what is a musculoskeletal system? It is the human system that defines our body shape and provides movement. It consists of over 200 bones and 650 muscles, supported by joints, cartilages, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues.
Speaking of orthopaedic injuries, falling is most common, irrespective of age. Other causes include accidents, violent attacks, sports, old age, or repetitive tasks that stress your musculoskeletal system. Having said that, here’s a brief of 7 common orthopaedic injuries.
1. Ankle and foot sprains
On December 28, 2021, during the first test against South Africa, cricketer Jasprit Bumrah suffered a nasty ankle sprain. One of the worst cricket injuries in India. There are numerous such instances in the history of sports. Yes, ankle and foot sprains are common among people involved in sports and high-impact activities. Such sprains may cause your ankle and foot to twist, turn or pivot awkwardly.
2. Dislocated shoulder
Contact sports like boxing, football or rugby, vehicle accidents and falls often result in the upper arm popping out of the shoulder blade socket. The result – shoulder dislocation. It is unbearably painful and will necessitate a medical professional moving the dislocated bone in place.
If your shoulder is dislocated once, chances are that it will happen again.
3. Stress fractures
Too much wear & tear weakens muscles, making them lose their ability to absorb shocks caused by impacts, even minor ones. Eventually, this transfers the stress to the bones, resulting in thin cracks or fractures. Unlike traditional fractures, stress fractures do not cause as much pain, but immediate medical attention accelerates the healing process.
4. Tennis elbow
As the name suggests, tennis elbow is caused due to the overuse of muscles in the arm, forearm and hand. Not just tennis players, but other professionals like painters, carpenters, hairdressers, and teachers, are prone to this injury. As their job involves continuous gripping and repetitive wrist and arm motions, pain develops outside the forearm and worsens with time. Rest, pain relievers and physiotherapy are possible treatments.
5. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If the median nerve that passes through the wrist to the fingers is compressed or pinched, it results in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It results in pain, numbness and tingling sensation in the hand, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers. That’s why people with this condition are clumsy and have difficulty gripping things.
6. ACL tear
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a band of tissues running through the middle of the knee. In this common knee injury, the ACL is torn due to quick stops or changes in direction, especially while running. Commonly experienced in sports, an ACL tear causes pain, swelling and difficulty in standing or bending your knee. If the tear is severe, it may require surgery from the best hospital in Chennai
7. Plantar Fasciitis
When the band of tissues that runs from the heel bone to the toes (Plantar Fasciitis) is inflamed, it results in pain, weakness or swelling of the affected heel. It can occur in one or both heels. While the recovery process may take months, only severe conditions call for surgery.
For any orthopaedic injuries and pain following them, do not self-treat or wait. Any delay may result in irreversible damage to your musculoskeletal system. Visit the best orthopaedic hospital in Chennai for further treatment.