Top 10 Orthopedic Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Top 10 orthopedic injuries

Here are the most common orthopedic injuries universally found across activity levels and age groups:

Fractures (Broken Bones)

• Common Locations: Wrist, ankle, hip, collarbone, humerus.
• Causes: Falls, accidents, sporting injuries.
• Types: Simple, compound, stress, comminuted.
• Treatment: Immobilization, casting, surgical fixation (where necessary).

Dislocations

• Common Locations: Shoulder (most common), finger, elbow, knee, hip.
• Causes: Contact sports, trauma, falls.
• Symptoms: Visible deformity, intense pain, immobility.
• Treatment: Reduction (alignment), immobilization, rehab.

Sprains

• Definition: Overstretching or tearing of a ligament.
• Common Locations: Ankle, knee (ACL), wrist.
• Grades: I (mild) to III (severe, complete tear).
• Treatment: RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), bracing, sometimes surgery.

Strains

• Definition: Damage to muscles or tendons.
• Common Sites: Low back, hamstrings, neck.
• Causes: Overuse, improper lifting, sudden movement.
• Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication.

Torn Ligaments (e.g., ACL Tear)

• ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament): Common in sports (especially football, basketball).
• Other Ligaments: MCL, PCL, LCL.
• Symptoms: "Pop" sound, swelling, instability.
• Treatment: Surgery (often for athletes), rehab.

Meniscus Tears (Knee)

• Cause: Twisting injury, particularly under weight-bearing.
• Symptoms: Locking of the knee, swelling, clicking.
• Treatment: Physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery.

Tendon Injuries

• Examples: Rotator cuff tear (shoulder), Achilles tendon rupture (ankle).
• Symptoms: Sudden pain, weakness, reduced motion.
• Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, surgical repair (for complete tears).

Stress Fractures

• Cause: Repetitive strain, particularly in athletes and runners.
• Common Sites: Shin, foot, hip.
• Symptoms: Local pain which is aggravated by activity.
• Treatment: Activity modification, rest, supportive footwear.

Bursitis

• Definition: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints).
• Common Locations: Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee.
• Causes: Repetitive motion, stress, trauma.
• Treatment: Rest, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections.

Plantar Fasciitis

• Definition: Plantar fascia inflammation in the foot.
• Symptoms: Pain in the heel, particularly in the morning.
• Causes: Overuse, inappropriate footwear, flat feet.
• Treatment: Stretching, orthotics, physical therapy.

Orthopedic injury symptoms

Here's an extensive list of typical symptoms of orthopedic injuries, grouped by type of injury for clarity:

Fractures (Broken Bones)

• Sudden sharp pain at the site of the injury
• Swelling and bruising
• Deformity or bone bulge (in compound fractures)
• Inability to move the injured limb
• Grinding feeling or noise when moving

Dislocations

• Painful aching around the joint
• Deformity or misplaced joint that is visible
• Swelling and bruising
• Inability to move the joint
• Numbness or tingling (nerve compression)

Sprains (Ligament Injuries)

• Pain around a joint (particularly following a twisting motion)
• Swelling and bruising
• Limited range of motion
• Instability or "giving way" feeling (particularly in ankle or knee)
• Audible "pop" or snap during injury

Strains (Muscle or Tendon Injuries)

• Muscle stiffness and pain
• Sudden tearing or sharp pain
• Muscle spasms
• Weakness or inability to move the affected area
• Swelling or bruising (in extreme cases)

Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL Tear)

• Popping sound or feeling during injury
• Quick swelling of the joint or knee
• Instability or inability to support weight
• Pain on certain movement
• Inability to straighten the leg completely (in ACL injuries)

Tendon Injuries (e.g., Rotator Cuff, Achilles)

• Pain on certain movement (lifting, pushing off)
• Weakness in the muscle or joint
• Snapping or popping sensation
• Inability to move the affected area fully
• Swelling or redness near the tendon

Meniscus Tears

• Knee swelling and pain
• Clicking or locking of the joint
• Inability to bend or straighten the leg
• Sensation of the knee "giving out"

Bursitis

• Localized tenderness over a joint (shoulder, elbow, hip, knee)
• Swelling and heat
• Stiffness and decreased mobility
• Worsening pain with movement or pressure

Stress Fractures

• Slow development of pain on activity
• Tenderness at a discrete point
• Redness or swelling
• Pain with rest that gets worse with activity

Plantar Fasciitis

• Heel pain with a sharp quality, particularly with initial steps in the morning
• Heel pain after standing or walking for an extended duration
• Bottom of the foot tenderness

Orthopedic injury treatment

Orthopedic treatment for injury is based on injury severity, location, and type. A summary by injury type, then general treatment principles follows:

Fractures (Broken Bones)

Treatment Options:

• Immobilization: Casting or splinting for bone healing
• Traction: Aligned bones with use of weights/pulleys (less utilized today)
• Surgical Fixation: Screws, plates, rods (for displaced or severe fractures)
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy to regain function and strength

Dislocations

Treatment Options:

• Closed Reduction: Manual manipulation to align joint
• Immobilization: Splint or sling for healing
• Surgery: When ligaments or cartilage are injured
• Rehab: To rehabilitate range of motion and stability

Sprains (Ligament Injuries)

Treatment Options:

• R.I.C.E.: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (first-line)
• Bracing: To support and restrict movement
• Physical Therapy: Proprioception and strengthening exercises
• Surgery: Where there is complete tear of a ligament (e.g., ACL)

Strains (Muscle/Tendon Injuries)

Treatment Options:

• Rest and Ice: To decrease inflammation
• Stretching and Strengthening: Under supervision
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs such as ibuprofen
• Surgery: Very seldom, for complete rupture of tendon

Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL)

Treatment Options:

• Non-Surgical: Bracing, physiotherapy (in case of minor tears or older individuals)
• Surgical Repair or Reconstruction: Particularly in active people
• Post-Surgery Rehab: Crucial for complete recovery (3–9 months)

Tendon Injuries (e.g., Rotator Cuff, Achilles)

Treatment Options:

• Activity Modification: Avoid motions that may aggravate
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening, stretching
• Steroid Injections: In cases of ongoing inflammation
• Surgery: Tendon repair in complete ruptures or non-healing

Meniscus Tears

Treatment Options:

• Conservative: R.I.C.E., physical therapy, NSAIDs
• Arthroscopic Surgery: Trimming or repairing damaged cartilage
• Rehabilitation: Enhances knee function and avoids stiffness

Bursitis

Treatment Options:

• Rest & Ice: To minimize swelling
• NSAIDs: To alleviate pain
• Corticosteroid Injections: For persistent cases
• Aspiration or Surgery: Rare; for infected or chronic bursitis

Stress Fractures

Treatment Options:

• Rest: Important for bone repair
• Protective Footwear: Boots, braces, or crutches
• Avoiding High-Impact Activities: Substitute with swimming or cycling
• Calcium & Vitamin D To promote bone repair

Plantar Fasciitis

Treatment Options:

• Stretching Exercises: For the foot and calf
• Orthotics: Heel pads or custom insoles
• Ice and NSAIDs: Alleviate pain and inflammation
• Night Splints: Keep stretch of foot at night
• Shockwave Therapy / Surgery: In resistant or chronic cases

Causes of orthopedic injuries

Here are the major causes of orthopedic injuries, categorized by type and common triggers:

• Trauma or Accidents
• Sports and Physical Activity
• Repetitive Motion and Overuse
• Poor Posture or Ergonomics
• Age-Related Degeneration
• Congenital or Structural Abnormalities
• Medical Conditions

Tendon injury symptoms

Here are the typical symptoms of tendon injuries, based on location, degree, and type of injury (strain, tendinitis, or rupture):

General Symptoms of Tendon Injuries

• Pain in the area of the tendon, particularly with movement
• Swelling or inflammation
• Tenderness on touch
• Stiffness or loss of flexibility
• Weakness in the injured area
• Clicking, snapping, or popping feel with movement
• Heat or redness over the tendon (if inflamed)
• Worsening pain with use and improvement with rest

Symptoms of a Partial or Complete Tendon Tear

• Sudden, severe pain (as if hit)
• A snapping or "pop" sensation at the time of injury
• Severe weakness or inability to use the joint
• Visible deformity (such as gap or swelling under the skin)
• Bruising and quick swelling

Ligament Tear causes and treatment

A ligament sprain is a frequent orthopedic condition in which a ligament (the tough, fibrous tissue binding bones at a joint) becomes stretched or torn through trauma or overuse.

Causes of Ligament Tears

• Sudden Pivoting or Twisting
• Direct Trauma or Impact
• Overstretching a Joint
• Improper Landing
• Degenerative Conditions (Age-Related)

Treatment of Ligament Tears

Grade I (Mild) – Stretched Ligament

Treatment:

• R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
• NSAIDs for pain and swelling
• Physical therapy

Grade II (Moderate) – Partial Tear

Treatment:

• Bracing or splinting to support
• Extended rest period
• Physiotherapy to promote strength and stability
• Will perhaps need MRI for evaluation

Grade III (Severe) – Complete Tear

Management:

• Surgical reconstruction or repair (particularly for ACL, UCL, etc.)
• Post-operative immobilization
• Rehabilitation program for several weeks to months
• Return to sport only after complete healing and functional recovery

Orthopedic trauma management

Orthopedic trauma is severe musculoskeletal system injury (bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles) due to external force—e.g., falls, accidents, or sports-related trauma.

The following is a systematic process of managing orthopedic trauma, using emergency protocols and final care:

Initial (Emergency) Assessment — ABCDE Protocol

• A – Airway: Clear and secure the airway
• B – Breathing: Verify adequate ventilation
• C – Circulation: Control bleeding, stabilize shock, check vital signs
• D – Disability: Evaluate neurological function (GCS scale)
• E – Exposure: Expose patient completely to inspect for injury (then cover to avoid hypothermia)

Orthopedic-Specific Secondary Survey

After life-threatening injuries are excluded, evaluate orthopedic injury:

• Inspect for deformity, swelling, bruising, open wounds
• Palpate for tenderness, crepitus, instability
• Test distal pulses, capillary refill, and nerve function
• Test range of motion and weight-bearing capacity
• Record mechanism of injury (high-impact? crush? twist?)

Imaging and Diagnosis

Use imaging to verify the degree and nature of injury:

• X-rays: Initial for the majority of fractures and dislocations
• CT scan: Intricate fractures, pelvis/spine trauma
• MRI: Soft tissue injury (ligaments, cartilage, tendons)
• Ultrasound: Tendon tears, effusion, pediatric trauma

Immediate Management (Stabilization)

Basic Principles:

• Immobilize affected part (splints, braces)
• Elevate and ice to minimize swelling
• Pain control: NSAIDs, opioids (as indicated)
• Tetanus prophylaxis if open injury
• Antibiotics for open fracture

Definitive Treatment

• Fracture (Closed): Casting, bracing, traction, or ORIF (surgical fixation)
• Fracture (Open): Emergency surgical debridement, antibiotics, ORIF or external fixation
• Dislocations: Closed reduction ± surgery if unstable
• Ligament/Tendon Tears: Conservative (brace + PT) or surgical repair
• Complex Trauma (polytrauma): Multidisciplinary treatment (orthopedic, trauma surgery, ICU care)

Rehabilitation and Recovery

• Physical therapy: To restore strength, flexibility, mobility
• Pain management: Long-term measures if chronic pain ensues
• Assistive devices: Crutches, walkers, orthotics as needed
• Psychological support: Particularly in traumatic or disabling injury

Orthopedic injury recovery time

• Acute phase (initial few days): Control of pain/swelling, immobilization
• Subacute phase (1–6 weeks): Increased mobility, rudimentary strength
• Rehabilitation phase (6 weeks–3+ months): Maximum strength, flexibility, balance
• Return to activity: Progressive return to work/sport, based on clearance

Why Choose GetWellGo for Orthopaedic Injury Treatment?

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