What Are the Most Common Orthopedic Injuries?

What Are Some Common Orthopedic Injuries?

Orthopedic injuries affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing severe pain and limiting movement. Here are some common injuries:

Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. A rotator cuff tear occurs when these tendons are damaged, often due to repetitive overhead motions or lifting heavy objects. Symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize the knee joint. ACL tears commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction, such as basketball and soccer. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.

Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and shin bone. A meniscus tear can result from twisting the knee or heavy lifting. Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, and difficulty bending the knee.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This condition often causes severe heel pain, especially in the morning. It can result from overuse, improper footwear, or high-impact activities.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive force or overuse, often seen in athletes and military recruits. They commonly affect the lower leg and foot. Symptoms include severe pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow (or lateral epicondylitis) is inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. It is caused by repetitive wrist and arm motions, commonly seen in tennis players and others who frequently use their forearms. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. It can cause severe pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm, often due to repetitive motions like typing or assembly line work.

Wrist Fractures

Wrist fractures are common injuries resulting from falls onto an outstretched hand. A distal radius fracture is a specific type of wrist fracture near the wrist joint. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the wrist.

Shoulder Dislocation

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. This shoulder dislocation injury can happen due to a fall, blow, or extreme rotation of the shoulder. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and an inability to move the shoulder.

Foot Sprains

Foot sprains occur when the ligaments in the foot are stretched or torn, often due to twisting or rolling the foot. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot.

How Are the Different Types of Orthopedic Injuries Categorized?

Orthopedic injuries are categorized based on the type of tissue affected and the nature of the injury. Here are the main categories:

• Bone Injuries: These include fractures and breaks. Fractures can be simple (clean break) or compound (bone pierces the skin). Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone due to overuse.
• Joint Injuries: Joint injuries involve damage to the areas where bones meet. Common joint injuries are dislocations, where bones are forced out of their normal positions, and ligament tears, like ACL tears in the knee.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Examples include sprains (stretched or torn ligaments), strains (stretched or torn muscles or tendons), and tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon).
• Nerve Injuries: Nerve injuries involve damage to the nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Carpal tunnel syndrome, where a nerve in the wrist is compressed, is a common example.
• Overuse Injuries: Overuse injuries result from repetitive stress on muscles, bones, and tendons. Examples include tennis elbow, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis.

Understanding these categories helps in identifying the type of injury and the appropriate treatment required.

When to See a Doctor

Knowing when to see a doctor for orthopedic injuries is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Here are some guidelines:

• Severe Pain or Swelling: If pain or swelling doesn’t improve with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), see a doctor. This can indicate a serious injury like a fracture or ligament tear.
• Visible Deformity: Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any visible deformity, such as a bone out of place or an unusually bent limb. This is often a sign of a fracture or dislocation.
• Inability to Move: Consult a doctor if you can’t move the affected area or bear weight on it. This could mean a serious injury, like a torn ligament or severe sprain.
• Numbness or Tingling: See a doctor if you experience numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the injured area. These symptoms can indicate nerve damage from conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or severe sprains.
• Persistent Symptoms: If symptoms like pain, swelling, or weakness persist for more than a few days despite home treatment, consult a doctor. Chronic issues like tendonitis, stress fractures, or plantar fasciitis need professional care.
• Sudden Injury: Any sudden injury from a fall, accident, or sports activity should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if you hear a pop or snap when it happens.

Prompt medical attention ensures proper diagnosis and treatment, helping prevent further damage and aiding in a quicker recovery.

How Are Orthopedic Injuries Commonly Treated?

Some common treatments for orthopedic injuries include: 

• Rest: Allowing the injured area to rest is crucial for healing. Avoid activities that cause pain or stress on the injury.
• Ice: Applying ice packs to the injured area helps reduce swelling and pain. Use ice for 15-20 minutes every few hours during the first 48 hours.
• Compression: Wrapping the injured area with an elastic bandage can help decrease swelling. Make sure the bandage is snug but not too tight.
• Elevation: Keeping the injured area elevated above heart level can reduce swelling. Use pillows to prop up the injury.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage.
• Physical Therapy: For many injuries, physical therapy is essential. Therapists provide exercises and treatments to restore movement, strength, and function.
• Bracing or Casting: Braces, splints, or casts are used to immobilize the injured area, allowing it to heal properly. This is common for fractures and severe sprains.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain in conditions like tendonitis or arthritis.
• Surgery: Severe injuries, such as major fractures, ligament tears, or severe joint damage, may require surgical intervention to repair the damage and restore function.
• Rehabilitation: Post-treatment rehabilitation exercises help regain strength and mobility, ensuring a full recovery and preventing future injuries.

Taking the Next Step Toward Recovery

If you’re experiencing any orthopedic issues, don’t wait to seek help. The team at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine is here to provide expert care tailored to your needs. With locations in Granville and Coshocton, OH, we offer convenient access to specialized treatment for all types of orthopedic injuries. 

Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards a pain-free life and full recovery. Visit our website or call us to book your consultation with our experienced specialists!

Medically reviewed by Brad L. Bernacki, MD