The musculoskeletal system is responsible for the movement of the human body. It is made up of bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. The skeletal system provides the framework for the body, protecting the internal organs, while the muscles allow for movement. A human body without the musculoskeletal system is no human body at all.
Since our musculoskeletal system does some heavy lifting day in and day out, it can develop injuries and age-related diseases. Musculoskeletal disorders, also known as orthopedic conditions, are medical conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments due to injury, overuse, or age.
Let’s talk about orthopaedic conditions, as well as their causes and symptoms.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition characterized by pain, stiffness and inflammation in the joints. It can be caused by many things, including traumatic injury or age-related wear and tear. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, which causes the progressive wearing away of the cartilage in the joints, which can lead to disability.
Sports Injuries
A sports injury is a type of physical injury that occurs during sporting activities and exercise. Some of the most common sports injuries include strains, sprains, fractures, dislocations, and concussions. The most common cause of sports injuries is overuse. This occurs when a particular body part is used too much, causing the tissues to become damaged. Other causes include trauma (such as from a fall or collision), incorrect technique, and inadequate warm-up or cool-down exercises. Poorly designed equipment and unsuitable playing surfaces can also contribute to the risk of injury.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is a condition in which the tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones, become inflamed. Tendinitis can occur in any part of the body but is most common in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and heel. This can be caused by overuse of the affected limb or joint, repetitive motions, or direct trauma to the area.
Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a small sac that contains fluid and acts as a cushion between bones and tendons or muscles. Bursae are located near joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Bursitis is most often caused by repetitive motion or overuse, which puts pressure on the bursae. This can happen from activities such as throwing a baseball, lifting something over your head, or leaning on your elbows.
Ligament and Tendon Tears
Tendons and ligaments are what connect the muscles to the joints. The most common tendon and ligament tears are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, which controls knee motion, and meniscus tears, which are tears to the bands of thick tissue that provide stability, disperse the weight of the body, reduce friction during movement, and act as shock absorbers to the knee. Injuries to these soft tissues are usually from traumatic incidents such as quick stops and pivots, as well as direct blows to joints.
An orthopedic surgeon can treat all orthopaedic conditions mentioned here and more. They are the bone and joint experts who train for over a decade to become qualified to treat orthopaedic conditions successfully.
Orthopaedic Surgeons in Pembroke Pines & Lauderdale Lakes, FL
The team of orthopaedic specialists at Total Orthopaedic Care can provide for all your orthopaedic needs. Our orthopaedic surgeons are compassionate experts who are dedicated to your full recovery. We can treat a wide range of orthopaedic conditions, affecting adults and pediatric patients, from injuries to diseases. They also offer physical therapy services on site. If comprehensive care is what you need, the team at Total Orthopaedic Care will not disappoint.
To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call our office today at (954) 735-3535 or use our convenient online request form.
