Understand and see what the main orthopedic injuries are, how they manifest themselves and what the main non-surgical treatments are for them!
Orthopedic injuries are quite common for many people. They can occur in a variety of ways, from physical activity to household accidents to chronic problems, and non-surgical treatments can often be used to take care of them. Although they are recurrent, many of them are serious and even require surgery. However, depending on the scenario, there are several ways to treat orthopedic injuries in a less invasive way. Next, find out what the main orthopedic injuries are, how they occur, and what the main non-surgical treatments are for them!
What are orthopedic injuries?
Orthopedic injuries are those that affect the musculoskeletal system of the human body. That is bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc. They work together to provide structural support and allow the body to move. Therefore, these injuries can have a significant impact on people’s daily routine and quality of life. Pain is a common symptom associated with many orthopedic injuries. This can make it difficult to carry out simple daily tasks, such as walking, lifting objects, or even getting dressed. Additionally, injuries to joints, muscles or ligaments can lead to limitations in movement. As a result, they have the potential to affect the ability to perform basic tasks such as squatting, reaching, reaching for objects, and even turning the head. And you can’t ignore the psychological elements. Chronic pain and activity limitations can have a significant emotional impact, causing stress, anxiety, depression and frustration.
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What are the main orthopedic injuries?
As you have seen, orthopedic injuries can affect different areas of our body. In this sense they can have different degrees. Discover the main ones!
Fractures
Fractures represent breaks or cracks in bones. The severity can range from small cracks to complete fractures, in which the bone splits into two or more pieces. These breaks can occur in any bone in the body and are classified based on several criteria, including the type of fracture, location in the bone, and orientation of the break.
Sprains and strains
A sprain occurs when one or more ligaments are stretched or torn due to excessive movement or sudden force. This type of injury is most common in joints such as ankles, knees and wrists. In turn, a strain is an injury that affects a muscle or tendon. It occurs when these tissues are stretched beyond their normal limits, causing micro-lesions or, in the most serious cases, partial or complete breaks of the fibers.
Tendinitis and repetitive strain injuries
Tendinitis is a condition in which one or more tendons become inflamed or irritated. It is often caused by overuse, repetitive strain, or traumatic injury that causes chronic irritation of the tendons.
Dislocations
A dislocation occurs when a bone is displaced from its normal position in a joint, resulting in a loss of proper alignment between the bones. In other words, it wasn’t necessarily broken. It just moved out of place. These are just a few examples of orthopedic injuries. There are many others, such as arthritis.
What cause orthopedic injuries?
Orthopedic injuries can have different causes. Many of them occur due to trauma and accidents, such as falls, collisions, accidents, etc. Sudden impacts or excessive forces can cause fractures, sprains, strains and other injuries. However, there are many other causes, such as:
- Repetitive movements: occur when the same movements are performed frequently, placing excessive pressure on muscles, tendons and joints;
- Excessive use: they normally occur when the body does not have enough time to recover between activities, being common in athletes who train intensely without adequate breaks;
- Posture and bad ergonomics: can place additional stress on joints and muscles, causing injury over time;
- Aging: bones, muscles and joints can become more fragile over the years, increasing the risk of injury;
- Poor diet and general health: Overall body health, including poor nutrition and lack of exercise, can weaken bones and muscles, making them more susceptible to injury.
Overall, it’s important to note that prevention plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of orthopedic injuries, right? Practicing safe movement techniques, maintaining good posture, wearing appropriate protective equipment, and giving your body enough time to recover after physical activities can help prevent many injuries.
What are the non-surgical treatments for orthopedic injuries?
While it is a journey and often necessary, there are ways to treat some orthopedic injuries without requiring surgery. Discover the main treatments!
Rest
Resting the affected area is often the first step in treatment. Avoiding activities that cause pain or irritation is important to allow tissues to heal. Additionally, applying ice to the injured area can help reduce inflammation and swelling. This is especially effective in the first 48 hours after injury.
Compression and elevation
Using elastic or compression bandages can help reduce swelling and provide support to the injured area. They can also limit movement, which could potentially make the injury worse. Additionally, raising the affected body part above the level of the heart helps reduce swelling by promoting adequate blood flow. Devices such as splints or orthotics can provide support to the affected area and help prevent harmful movement while healing.
Medicines
Anti-inflammatories can help reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter analgesics can also be used to relieve pain. If there is persistent inflammation or pain, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce local inflammation.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is often used for muscle, tendon and joint injuries. It includes strengthening exercises, stretching, mobilization and rehabilitation techniques. Approaches include stretching, muscle strengthening, balance and coordination exercises to improve muscle and joint function. There are also manual techniques performed by the physiotherapist to improve joint mobility and relieve pain. But it’s crucial to point out that the appropriate treatment must be determined by a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic doctor, okay? Nonsurgical treatment is often effective for a variety of musculoskeletal injuries, but following medical advice and patience during the recovery process are essential for the best results.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
