Your bones, joints, muscles and tendons work together to keep you moving, but when something goes wrong, even the simplest tasks can become difficult. Whether caused by aging, injury or overuse, orthopedic conditions can lead to pain, stiffness and limited mobility, affecting your daily life.
Understanding some of the most common orthopedic issues can help you recognize early warning signs and seek treatment before the condition worsens. Here are seven orthopedic conditions you should know about — and what you can do about them.
1. Arthritis – The leading cause of joint pain
Arthritis is one of the most common orthopedic conditions, affecting millions of people. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness. Osteoarthritis — the most common type — develops due to wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack joint tissues.
Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased mobility
Treatment: Medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery
2. Osteoporosis – Weak bones, higher risk of fractures
Osteoporosis is a silent disease that weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures. It often affects older adults, especially postmenopausal women, due to decreased bone density. Because osteoporosis doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms, many people don’t realize they have it until they suffer a fracture.
Symptoms: No early symptoms, but later signs include fractures, back pain and loss of height
Treatment: Calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercises and bone-strengthening medications
3. Fractures – More than just a broken bone
A fracture — or broken bone — can happen from accidents, falls or repetitive stress. Some fractures are minor and heal with a cast, while others require surgery to properly align and stabilize the bone. Osteoporotic fractures are especially common in older adults, highlighting the importance of bone health.
Symptoms: Intense pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty moving the affected limb
Treatment: Casting, splinting, physical therapy or surgery for more severe breaks
4. Tendonitis – Pain from repetitive motion
Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, the tissue that connects muscles to bones. It often results from repetitive motion or overuse, making it common in athletes and those with jobs requiring repetitive hand or arm movements. Conditions like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and rotator cuff tendonitis fall into this category.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, tenderness near the affected tendon
Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in severe cases, corticosteroid injections
5. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – When your hands go numb
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve condition that occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, often due to repetitive movements like typing or manual labor. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage and loss of hand function.
Symptoms: Numbness or tingling in the fingers, hand weakness, wrist pain
Treatment: Wrist splints, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, surgery
6. Sprains and strains – Ligament and muscle injuries
Sprains and strains happen when ligaments, muscles or tendons are stretched or torn. Sprains affect ligaments, which connect bones, while strains involve muscles and tendons. These injuries often occur in the ankles, knees, wrists and back, especially during sports or sudden movements.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty using the affected area
Treatment: RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation), bracing, physical therapy
7. Sciatica – Pain that travels down your leg
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down to your legs, becomes compressed. This can happen due to a herniated disc, bone spur or spinal stenosis. Sciatica can cause shooting pain, numbness and weakness in one leg, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods.
Symptoms: Pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down one leg, numbness, tingling, leg weakness
Treatment: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections and in severe cases, surgery
When you’re dealing with pain or limited mobility, it can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to help you get back to the activities you love. Our team is committed to guiding you toward a life without pain, offering the treatment and support you need every step of the way.
Find out how we can help. Visit TannerOrtho.org for more information and to schedule an appointment.