Orthopaedic problems are medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. They often cause pain, discomfort, and mobility concerns. These issues can occur at any age and impact an individual’s quality of life. They can also lead to the development of other medical problems, such as those associated with the regular use of pain relief medications.
This is why understanding the causes of orthopaedic problems is essential for prevention, early detection, and effective treatment. With this in mind, what are the primary factors contributing to orthopaedic problems?
Trauma, such as falls, accidents, or sports-related incidents, is a leading cause of orthopaedic problems. Such injuries can result in fractures, dislocations, ligament tears, and muscle strains.
Excessive forces experienced during traumatic injuries often overwhelm the body’s ability to withstand such events, causing damage to the bones, joints, and surrounding tissues.
Urgent medical attention can ensure that these types of injuries heal correctly and decreases the chances of long-term pain and other problems associated with trauma infliction on bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments during such incidents.
Repetitive stress on certain body parts can lead to orthopaedic problems over time. Activities that involve repetitive motions, such as typing, lifting heavy objects, or playing certain sports like tennis or golf, can strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The continuous pressure applied to certain parts of the musculoskeletal system during such activities weakens these structures, promoting the development of conditions like tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or rotator cuff injuries.
Inflammation that develops in ligaments and tendons caused by overuse and repetitive movements often exacerbates these conditions. Total rest and avoidance of repeated movements are required as the starting point for treating these painful conditions.
In some cases, especially in individuals involved in sports, surgical intervention may be needed to resolve any complex or substantial damage sustained to the musculoskeletal system.
Age-related degeneration is a natural process our bodies undergo that can contribute to orthopaedic problems. Conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease become more common as the wear and tear on joints and spinal discs accumulate over time. The breakdown of cartilage in joints or the thinning of spinal discs can result in chronic pain, joint stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Eating a healthy diet and staying active for as long as possible into old age can help delay wear and tear, as can keeping to an ideal body weight. Certain supplements can also be taken to keep the musculoskeletal system healthy. These include vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, to name but a few.
Carrying excess body weight places significant stress on the musculoskeletal system. The additional load strains the joints, particularly in weight-bearing areas such as the knees, hips, and spine.
Over time, this excess stress can lead to osteoarthritis, back pain, and joint degeneration. Additionally, obesity may also hinder the body’s natural healing processes, prolonging recovery from orthopaedic injuries and other conditions related to the musculoskeletal system.
Individuals who are obese are also far more likely to live inactive lifestyles, which means that joint and bone weaknesses may already be prevalent due to a lack of exercise and daily activity. This can make the injuries caused by carrying excess weight much worse.
Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to certain orthopaedic problems. Inherited conditions like scoliosis or arthritis can significantly impact musculoskeletal health.
For instance, scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, can develop during adolescence due to genetic factors. Likewise, these factors can contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, intensifying joint inflammation and damage. These genetic factors often lead to many chronic conditions that can be very hard to treat.