What Are Orthopaedic Conditions?
Orthopaedic conditions are injuries or diseases that affect one or several parts of the body’s musculoskeletal system. Anatomical features commonly impacted include bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves, muscles, and other connective tissue types.
Common orthopaedic conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, bone fractures, tendinitis, muscle atrophy, musculoskeletal cancer, and many other issues. Each condition can range in severity, and this will influence what treatment options are possible.
What Are Symptoms of Orthopaedic Conditions?
Depending on the nature and severity of an orthopaedic issue, symptoms can vary greatly. Some of the common symptoms associated with orthopaedic problems include:
- Stiffness in joints that causes discomfort and limits range of motion.
- Muscle spasms.
- Tingling, numbness, and weakness.
- Mild, moderate, or severe pain ranging from a dull ache to a burning or stabbing sensation.
- Inflammation and swelling of the affected area.
- Joints appearing deformed.
These symptoms will often flare up and subside independently or depending on patient behaviours and level of activity. These symptoms will often force behavioural changes and limit what activities a patient can partake in for fear of exacerbating the issue.
What Causes Orthopaedic Conditions?
Orthopaedic conditions are commonly caused by acute or chronic trauma that occurs during physical activity.
- Acute trauma occurs suddenly, with symptoms manifesting immediately.
- Chronic trauma develops over time through repetitive motions where connective tissue is gradually worn down.
Orthopaedic disorders can also develop due to degenerative changes in the body. As connective tissues endure wear and tear, changes occur, leading to a myriad of issues like osteoarthritis.
Shoulder Conditions
Common shoulder conditions include:
- Acromio-clavicular joint
- Bicep tendonitis
- Calcific tendinitis
- Shoulder fracture
- Shoulder impingement
- Supraspinatus tear
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Rotator cuff syndrome
- Shoulder arthritis
- Shoulder instability/dislocation
- Shoulder pain
Elbow Conditions
Common elbow conditions include:
- Elbow arthritis
- Tennis elbow
- Ulnar nerve compression
- Fractures and dislocations
- Ligament and sporting injuries
- Elbow stiffness/contracture
- Tendon injuries (biceps/triceps)
Wrist Conditions
Common wrist conditions include:
- Partial or total wrist fusion
- Wrist tendonitis (tenosynovitis)
- Wrist arthritis
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Ganglion cysts
- Sprained wrist
Hand Conditions
Common hand conditions include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Dupuytren’s disease
- Hand arthritis
- Finger fractures and dislocations
- Trigger finger
