April 4, 2025

The body’s musculoskeletal system plays a crucial role in day-to-day activities. From lifting an item to performing complex tasks like sports, our body’s bones and muscles work in unison to provide seamless results. Orthopaedic care focuses on enhancing this system by preventing, diagnosing, and treating any disorders or injuries caused to the body’s bones, joints, and muscles. However, ensuring optimum orthopaedic health is not always straightforward and might require you to look into several factors.

Age, environment, heredity, etc., play an essential role in contributing to issues like degenerative conditions, bone-related disorders, injuries, etc. Therefore, orthopaedic specialists strive to improve the body’s musculoskeletal system through early intervention, therapy and other preventive measures. Knowing rising common orthopaedic issues and measures to prevent them can help you ensure better physical performance and mobility.

Common Orthopaedic Conditions

Orthopaedic problems can arise from various causes and affect an individual’s day-to-day life by restricting mobility, causing stiffness and other symptoms. Such conditions are often painful and not easy to cope with. Let us explore common conditions and treatment options to better understand orthopaedic health and well-being.

Arthritis: It is a common condition prevalent among many individuals characterised by inflammation and degeneration of one or more joints in the body. It causes intense pain, stiffness, and swelling and reduces mobility due to increased joint friction. Arthritis is primarily divided into two main types: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis: It is a type of arthritis that occurs due to the wear and tear of weight-bearing joints of the body, such as hips, knees, and spine. This condition affects the connective tissues between the bones, causing friction and pain. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options like physical therapy, joint replacement, etc., are used.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing pain and damage. This disorder can also affect other parts of the body, such as the lungs, heart, and skin. Common treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis include medications, surgical procedures, physical therapy, etc.

Arthritis can potentially be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a nutrient-rich diet, and engaging in simple, regular exercise.

Fractures and Bone Injuries: Fractures are injuries in which the bone is completely or partially cracked, causing excruciating pain. This happens when the bone is unable to handle the unusual pressure applied to it. There are mainly two kinds of fractures: Simple/Open fracture and Compound/Closed fracture. In an open fracture, the epidermis is often intact, whereas in a closed fracture, the bone protrudes through it.

Zenplus strives to provide quick and efficient ambulance services to ensure you reach the nearest hospital as soon as possible during emergencies. Prompt medical intervention is necessary in such cases to ensure a complete and quick recovery.  

Tendon and Ligament Injuries: Sprains and strains often occur when you indulge in excess physical activities like sports, affecting the tendons and ligaments. They cause pain and swelling and even lead to a lack of mobility. They are one of the most common orthopaedic problems and can be managed through rest and simple ice compressions. Orthopaedic therapy may also be recommended to improve strength and mobility.

Back and Spine Issues: Backaches are common orthopaedic issues that affect people of all ages. They can arise from causes like muscle strain, spine issues, and other degenerative conditions. Most often, the pain is mild and treatable through simple physical therapy, exercise, medications, etc. However, if it continues for a long time, there could be other underlying issues that might require medical interventions such as surgery or other invasive procedures. 

Osteoporosis: It is a condition characterised by the weakening of bones, which makes them more susceptible to fractures and other injuries. Osteoporosis often affects senior individuals and postmenopausal women due to the hormonal changes that occur in the body. However, consuming a balanced diet rich in calcium and performing regular exercises can help prevent this condition.

Types of Orthopaedic Treatments

Orthopaedic issues can range from mild to severe, and depending upon the intensity of the condition, several orthopaedic treatment options are available. They are primarily divided into surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Non-surgical Treatments

These treatments are often the first approach that most doctors opt for to treat orthopaedic injuries. Some of the standard non-surgical treatments are as follows:

• Physical Therapy
• Medications
• Bracing and Supportive Devices
• Lifestyle Changes

Surgical Treatments

These treatments are often preferred only if the orthopaedic conditions aren’t cured with non-surgical procedures. Orthopaedic surgery aims at elevating pain and restoring function in the affected part of the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, surgery helps provide instant relief to those suffering from chronic pain and discomfort due to the orthopaedic condition. Some of the commonly performed orthopaedic surgeries include:

• Joint Replacement Surgery
• Arthroscopy
• Spinal Surgery
• Fracture Repair Surgery
• ACL Reconstruction

It is worth noting that even after surgical orthopaedic treatment, non-surgical procedures such as physical therapy and medication may be required for quick and complete recovery.

Tips to Prevent Common Orthopaedic Issues

Being proactive and making simple changes in your daily lifestyle can benefit the musculoskeletal system and improve the body’s overall health. Below are some effective preventive measures you could include in your daily life.

• Manage your weight: Ensuring your weight falls in the normal range helps prevent bone and joint problems.
• Nutrition: Diet plays a crucial role in ensuring bone and muscle health. Include calcium in your daily meals to build stronger bones.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activities like walking, running, yoga, etc., help improve joint health and prevent bone-related issues.
• Good posture: Maintaining good posture is essential to reduce and avoid neck pain, backache and bone damage.

Conclusion

Ensuring orthopaedic well-being is crucial to enjoy a healthy and fit life. Bone-related injuries and problems not only cause pain but also lead to extreme discomfort and limitations in one’s daily life. Building a strong foundation from an early age can reduce the risk of developing orthopaedic conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, etc. Take the right steps today for a better and healthier tomorrow!

FAQs

1. Why is orthopaedic health important?

Ensuring orthopaedic wellness is crucial, as it directly impacts the body’s overall health, mobility and well-being.

2. What are the most common orthopaedic conditions?

Arthritis, back pain, neck pain, sprains, fractures, muscle strains, and bone injuries are some of the most common orthopaedic conditions.