As a modern guy, you are likely busy building your career, travelling the world to beautiful destinations, and enjoying fun activities and hobbies—when suddenly you are hit with orthopaedic health issues, bringing your active lifestyle to a standstill. In my latest article, I will share the different kinds of orthopaedic problems and how to combat them. Carry on reading for more.
Orthopaedic medical issues can affect pretty much anyone, and without warning, they can restrict movement, well-being, and general quality of life. This type of ailment can be caused by several reasons, including ageing, degenerative disease, and injuries, and it very often requires a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
In the following sections, it is vital to understand the common issues involved with the condition and how to manage them in the best way possible to help with long-term health and recovery so you can get back to your high-flying, busy lifestyle as quickly as possible!
Spine Problems
One of the common orthopaedic conditions is related to the spine and affects millions of people worldwide. Spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease are likely candidates for limited mobility, nerve issues (such as sciatica), and chronic back pain.
Dr. Michael R. Wheeler (an expert in this field) explains on his website michaelwheelermd.com, that spine problems typically require a combination of lifestyle changes and noninvasive treatments, such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. However, in very severe cases, surgery (such as spinal decompression or fusion) may be necessary to provide pain relief and improve functionality.
If you are fortunate enough to be diagnosed early on, this can help you manage any spine issues without risking more harmful complications.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a widespread degenerative disease that produces a wide array of issues that affect the cartilage found within the joints, stiffness, reduced mobility and pain. Weight-bearing joints (lower back, hips and knees) are the most commonly affected area, although it can impact almost any joint in the body,
Osteoarthritis can be effectively managed through a combination of physical therapy, weight management, exercise routines, and medications (like NSAIDs) that reduce inflammation and pain in the afflicted area.
If you suffer from severe osteoarthritis, you can opt for joint injections or surgery (joint replacement is a typical option) to restore your mobility and, therefore, improve your quality of life.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a swelling of your tendons (from inflammation or irritation), which generally appears thanks to repetitive motion or overuse. The most commonly affected areas are the elbows (tennis elbow), knees, wrists, and shoulders. Applying ice, using anti-inflammatory medications (to reduce pain and swelling), and regular rest can help alleviate the issues.
Additionally, checking in for physical therapy is an effective treatment that can improve tendon flexibility and restore strength. However, if the tendonitis gets worse and becomes severe or chronic, you may need cortisone injections or even surgical procedures to repair any damage (and protect against further complications).
Fractures And Broken Bones
Many of us have fallen foul of fractures and broken bones for a number of reasons, including falls, accidents or sports injuries (I, myself, have endured a number of breaks in my time from a combination of slips and mishaps), which then lead to orthopaedic problems. The severity of fracture can largely depend on the area and type of break. Some are simple affairs that need a brace or cast, whereas more serious injuries will require surgery to realign the bone correctly so it heals in place.
The total recovery time can be affected by the complexity and location of the injury, so implementing physical therapy is, therefore, an essential element that can help increase mobility and strength after the bone has healed.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The shoulder area is home to the rotator cuff, a group of tendons and muscles that allow for a wide range of movement and stabilise the joint. If you receive any injuries to this crucial area (such as strains or even tears), they can quickly develop into pain around the shoulder, diminished strength, and a much more limited range of motion.
This particular injury is common for athletes and those who perform frequent overhead motions. However, it can be treated with ice, physiotherapy, anti-inflammation tablets, and plenty of rest.
If the motor cuff tears are severe, you may need surgery to help repair the torn muscles and damaged tendons. This is then followed up with a structured rehabilitation program so you can regain the full function of your shoulder area over time.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Finally, we have another prevalent orthopaedic condition—carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which is caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels along the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist. If you suffer from this affliction, the likely symptoms include numbness, tingling feelings, weakness, and pain in your hands and fingers (notably the index, middle fingers, and thumb).
If left untreated, CTS can eventually get much worse and cause a loss of grip strength and dexterity, which in turn makes everyday tasks difficult (holding objects, typing, and even buttoning up a shirt).
This particular condition is traditionally connected to repetitive hand movements—typing on a computer, using a mouse, working with hand tools, and, more recently, video gaming. Additionally, medical factors can come into play and contribute to the onset of CTS—arthritis, wrist injuries, and diabetes. It is of key importance to detect this issue as early as possible, as you can then halt the process before any long-term damage to the median nerve area.
Several non-surgical treatments are available for CTS that relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce inflammation. You can wear wrist splits (particularly at night) so the wrist is held in a neutral position, with the aim of preventing additional compression on the nerve. It is also wise to take regular breaks from repetitive tasks and even invest in ergonomically designed accessories that you can use at your workstations or home, which can help alleviate the painful symptoms. There are also a number of anti-inflammatory medications or even corticosteroid injections that can relieve the pain and lower the swelling in the affected area.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that orthopaedic problems can affect your busy lifestyle, but if you catch it early, you can apply the correct treatment, which will considerably improve the outcome. Arthritis, tendonitis, fractures, spine problems or even musculoskeletal issues can all be controlled and treated with help from a qualified medical professional. Do not suffer in silence; if you have any of the symptoms in this article – get yourself checked over by your local doctor, giving you a higher chance of full recovery and improving your overall quality of life.
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