Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced movement. It is the most common form of arthritis, typically affecting older adults.

Symptoms

Joint pain: Pain in the affected joints, often worsening with movement or activity.

Stiffness: The joint feels stiff, especially after rest or in the morning.

Swelling: Swelling around the affected joint can occur due to inflammation.

Reduced range of motion: Difficulty moving the joint fully due to pain or damage.

Risk Factors

Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, especially after 50.

Joint injury: Previous injuries or trauma to the joint can increase the risk.

Obesity: Extra weight places more stress on weight-bearing joints, like the knees and hips.

Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis may make an individual more likely to develop the condition.

Diagnosis

X-rays: X-rays can show joint damage, including cartilage loss, bone spurs, and narrowing of the joint space.

MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging can provide more detailed images of soft tissues, like cartilage and ligaments.

Physical exam: A doctor will assess joint movement and check for signs of swelling, tenderness, and stiffness.

Treatment Options

Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles around the joint, improving stability and flexibility.

Joint replacement surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be considered to relieve pain and restore function.

Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections into the joint can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.

A fracture is a break in the bone caused by trauma, injury, or stress. The severity and type of fracture can vary, ranging from a hairline crack to a complete break, requiring medical intervention.

Symptoms

Pain: Intense pain at the site of the fracture, especially when moving or touching the affected area.

Swelling and bruising: The area around the fracture becomes swollen and may bruise.

Deformity: The bone may appear out of alignment or visibly deformed.

Inability to move the limb: The fracture may cause the inability to move the affected arm, leg, or other body part.

Risk Factors

Trauma: A fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause fractures.

Osteoporosis: People with weak bones due to osteoporosis are more prone to fractures.

Age: Older adults are at higher risk due to decreased bone density and balance issues.

Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis and fractures, especially after menopause.

Diagnosis

X-rays: The primary imaging technique to confirm the location, type, and extent of the fracture.

CT scan or MRI: May be used for complex fractures or if soft tissue injuries are involved.

Physical examination: A doctor will assess the injury, check for deformity, and evaluate the range of motion.

Treatment Options

Casting or splinting: Immobilizing the bone with a cast or splint to promote healing.

Surgery: In cases of severe fractures or misalignment, surgical intervention may be necessary, such as placing pins, plates, or screws.

Pain management: Pain relief through medications such as acetaminophen or stronger prescriptions.

Rehabilitation: Physical therapy after the bone heals to restore strength, mobility, and function.

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves sideways, often in the shape of an "S" or "C." It can occur during childhood or adolescence but may also develop in adulthood due to degeneration of the spine.

Symptoms

Uneven shoulders or hips: One shoulder or hip may appear higher than the other due to the spinal curve.

Back pain: Pain or discomfort in the back, especially after prolonged standing or sitting.

Visible spinal curve: A noticeable curve in the spine may be visible when looking at the person from the back.

Difficulty breathing: Severe scoliosis can reduce lung capacity, leading to breathing difficulties.

Risk Factors

Age: Scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed during growth spurts in childhood or adolescence.

Family history: A family history of scoliosis increases the likelihood of developing the condition.

Gender: Girls are more likely to have scoliosis that progresses and requires treatment.

Neuromuscular conditions: Conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy can contribute to the development of scoliosis.

Diagnosis

Physical examination: A doctor will look for visible signs of spinal curvature and asymmetry in the shoulders and hips.

X-rays: X-rays are used to measure the degree of spinal curvature.

MRI or CT scan: These may be used to further assess the condition or rule out other underlying causes.

Treatment Options

Observation: Mild cases may require monitoring over time to check for progression.

Bracing: In moderate cases, a brace may be worn to prevent further curvature during growth.

Surgery: For severe cases, spinal fusion surgery may be performed to straighten and stabilize the spine.

Physical therapy: Exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the spine to provide better support and alleviate discomfort.

Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. It commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels due to repetitive motion or overuse.

Symptoms

Pain: Pain at the site of the tendon, often worsening with movement or activity.

Swelling: The affected area may swell, indicating inflammation.

Tenderness: The tendon may feel tender to the touch, especially with pressure or use.

Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the joint or muscle due to pain or inflammation.

Risk Factors

Repetitive motion: Repeated motions or overuse, particularly in sports or work activities, can lead to tendonitis.

Age: Tendons become less flexible and more prone to injury as we age.

Poor posture: Incorrect posture or improper technique in physical activities can strain tendons.

Health conditions: Conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of tendonitis.

Diagnosis

Physical examination: A doctor will check for signs of swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion.

Ultrasound: Imaging to detect inflammation or tears in the tendon.

MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging may be used for more detailed views of the tendon and surrounding structures.

Treatment Options

Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the tendon can allow for healing.

Ice and heat: Applying ice to reduce swelling and heat to relieve stiffness.

Anti-inflammatory medications: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and prevent future injury.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. It is often caused by repetitive motions or overuse of the hands and wrists.

Symptoms

Numbness and tingling: A feeling of pins and needles in the fingers, particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Weakness: Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects or perform tasks.

Pain: Pain or discomfort in the wrist or hand, which may worsen at night.

Swelling: The wrist may appear swollen due to inflammation.

Risk Factors

Repetitive hand movements: Activities like typing, assembly line work, or heavy lifting can increase the risk.

Gender: Women are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, possibly due to narrower carpal tunnels.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to fluid retention, increasing the risk.

Health conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and obesity can increase the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Diagnosis

Physical exam: A doctor will check for symptoms of numbness and tingling, as well as signs of weakness in the hand.

Electromyography (EMG): A test that measures the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves to assess nerve damage.

X-rays: To rule out other potential causes of the symptoms, like arthritis or fractures.

Treatment Options

Wrist splints: Wearing a splint at night to keep the wrist in a neutral position and relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

Physical therapy: Exercises to stretch and strengthen the wrist and hand muscles.

Surgery: In severe cases, carpal tunnel release surgery may be performed to relieve pressure on the nerve.