Orthopedics is the medical specialty focused on the musculoskeletal system, including your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. When you experience an injury or condition affecting these parts of your body, an orthopedic specialist provides diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Here are some typical injuries and when to seek professional care:
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding your shoulder joint. These tissues work together to keep the head of your upper arm bone securely in its socket. A rotator cuff injury happens when one or more of these tendons is torn, either partially or entirely. This injury may occur from a single traumatic event, like a fall, or develop over time due to repetitive motion or age-related wear.
Symptoms often include a dull ache deep in the shoulder, arm weakness, and difficulty with activities like lifting or reaching overhead. You might also notice that it’s hard to sleep on the affected side. Treatment approaches vary based on the severity of the tear.
Non-surgical options may involve rest, activity modification, and physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles. For more severe tears, a doctor specializing in orthopedics might discuss surgical procedures to reattach the tendon to the bone. Recovery times can vary, but with proper treatment and rehabilitation, many individuals can regain significant strength and mobility in the shoulder.
Knee Ligament Tears
Several ligaments stabilize your knee joint. Tears to these ligaments are typical, especially in sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction. You may hear or feel a “pop” in your knee at the time of injury, followed by pain and swelling. Your knee might also feel unstable, as if it is going to give out from under you.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand and arm. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of your hand that houses the median nerve and tendons. Repetitive hand motions, wrist anatomy, and specific health problems can all contribute to this condition.
Symptoms usually start gradually and may worsen over time. You might find relief through simple measures like wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, or avoiding activities that trigger your symptoms. If pressure on the nerve is significant, treatment options may extend to injections or surgery to create more space for the nerve.
Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain is an injury to the tough bands of tissue that help connect the bones of your leg to your foot. This injury typically happens when you accidentally twist or awkwardly turn your ankle. This can stretch or tear the ligaments that hold your ankle bones and joints together. The severity of an ankle sprain can range from a minor stretch to a complete tear. Symptoms include:
- Pain, especially when you bear weight on the foot
- Tenderness when you touch the ankle
- Swelling and bruising
Most ankle sprains can be treated with self-care measures, including rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Physical therapy exercises may be recommended to help you regain ankle strength and stability, which helps prevent future injuries.
Find Experts in Orthopedics
Navigating an injury requires accurate information and a clear treatment path. An orthopedic specialist can provide a precise diagnosis and develop a personalized plan tailored to your specific injury and lifestyle. If you are experiencing pain or limited mobility, seeking professional guidance is the next step toward recovery. Contact an orthopedic provider to discuss your symptoms and learn about your treatment options.