Orthopedic conditions are issues that affect the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Musculoskeletal injuries and pain can affect people of any age as a result of a sporting injury, wear-and-tear (overuse) injury, or from a medical condition such as arthritis.
Some conditions are short-term and may go away on their own or with rest, especially after a mild injury – but sometimes they will require treatment from an orthopedic doctor. Orthopedic physicians specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders or injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
It is advisable to see an orthopedist if:
- You have pain and/or discomfort that has lasted 12 weeks or more
- You have a reduced range of motion
- Normal activities like lifting objects or walking upstairs are becoming increasingly difficult or painful
There are many different types of orthopedic conditions, but the most common ones are the following:
Arthritis
Arthritis is a frequent cause of joint pain. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is the wear-and-tear breakdown of joint cartilage as caused by either the normal aging process, sports, or repetitive motion. Arthritis primarily affects the hips, knees, spine, feet, and hands.
Osteoarthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, motion problems, and a grinding feeling when the affected joint is moved. Treatment options depend on your symptoms, age, and overall health, but the aim of treatment is to reduce joint pain and stiffness and improve joint movement. Treatments may include physical therapy, medication, heat treatment, joint injections, and surgery if necessary.
Sports Injuries and Fractures
Injuries as a result of playing a sport can include anything from a strain or sprain, tendonitis, or overuse injury, to an Achilles tendon rupture, rotator cuff injury, or bone fracture. The type of treatment will depend on the injury that has been sustained.
A fracture will require immediate medical attention. If a bone has been badly fractured, it may not heal properly on its own and will, therefore, require surgery. Other treatments for sports injuries can include the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), anti-inflammatory medication, joint injections, casting, physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery, and joint reconstruction.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a painful inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that provide a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles) around the joints. It is usually caused by overstressing or repetitive use of the joint and can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and aching.
The skin around the joint may also feel warm to the touch. Treatment can include the RICE method, anti-inflammatory medication, joint injections, and in rare cases surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand, the median nerve, is compressed at the wrist area. It causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb, and it causes pain in the hand, arm, or fingers – all except the pinky.
Symptoms may come and go and be worse at night. Treatment for this repetitive-motion injury can include wearing a wrist splint, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, and surgery if necessary.
Trigger Finger
Stenosing tenosynovitis, or trigger finger, is a condition that affects tendons in the hand, making it difficult to move and bend a finger or a thumb. It is more common in people with medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, but overuse of the hand – such as repeated or strong gripping – may also lead to the condition.
Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in the finger, a catching sensation at the base of the finger, popping, limited movement of the finger, and swelling. Treatment can include splints, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, and possibly surgery.
Orthopedic Treatment in Farmington Hills
Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury or a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis, our friendly staff at Tri-County Orthopedics is here to help you. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons have the skill and experience to help get you back to doing the things you love. We offer a wide range of sports medicine treatment options for a host of common sports-related injuries for patients of all ages, as well as a joint pain treatment.
If you have any questions about our orthopedic services or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (248) 474-5575 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get back to feeling great again.
