4 Common Orthopedic Injuries

Orthopedic injuries are those affecting the musculoskeletal system. They include fractures, sprains, strains, tears, and soft tissue inflammation. Anyone can be affected by an orthopedic injury at any age. They can range in severity and be either acute or chronic in nature. Common orthopedic injuries such as the following may require treatment from Burlington physio and sports Medicine.

1. Wrist Fracture

A fall onto an outstretched hand is such a common injury that orthopedists save time by referring to it as a FOOSH injury. A fracture of at least one of the bones in the wrist, most often the distal radius, is a frequent result of a FOOSH. The radius is the bone in your forearm located on the same side as the thumb, and distal refers to the portion near the hand rather than the elbow.

2. Dislocation

A dislocation occurs at a joint when one of the bones is forced into an unnatural position. Dislocations can be extremely painful. Reduction, i.e., returning the bone to its normal alignment, must take place quickly. Otherwise, the tissues could swell and cause complications. Some of the most common dislocations are of the shoulder and kneecap.

3. Epicondylitis

Epicondylitis is irritation of the tendons that originate at the elbow joint. There are two types of epicondylitis. Lateral epicondylitis occurs on the outside of the elbow, on the same side of the arm as the thumb, while medial epicondylitis occurs at the inside. Both can occur from repetitive motion of the wrist, where the tendons attach. Medial and lateral epicondylitis are sometimes called golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow, respectively, but can affect people who do not participate in these activities.

4. Sprains

Ligaments are bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones together at the joints, holding them into place. A sudden force applied to the ligaments can cause them to stretch out. This type of injury is known as a sprain and can take a long time to heal.

Some orthopedic injuries heal on their own with conservative measures and rest. Others require surgery to correct.