Orthopedics is an area of medicine that treats injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. A Westfield orthopedics specialist offers primary care for patients with acute orthopedic problems requiring surgical intervention. They can also treat patients with chronic or complex illnesses involving the musculoskeletal system.

Injury to the musculoskeletal system occurs from various causes, including trauma, infectious agents, tumors, metabolic disease, and degenerative disorders. Damages may be treated by rehabilitation, surgical intervention, or both. Orthopedic injuries can affect joints causing pain and loss of movement or deformity.

If you have any questions about the conditions treated by orthopedic practices, you have come to the right place.

1. Meniscus Tear

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. The meniscus is the shock-absorbing cartilage pad on the ends of your thigh and leg bones, which form your knee joint. When you bend or twist your knee, the menisci spread those forces evenly around the knee to help keep it stable.

The medial meniscus is the innermost of two menisci in your knee. A medial meniscus tear usually happens when the knee twists, stressing the cartilage beyond its limits. This type of  injury can happen during sports or a fall.

2. Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is a common overuse injury affecting the Achilles tendon, which attaches your calf muscles to your heel bone. It becomes swollen and tender as it works harder than usual due to repeated stress or strain. The Achilles tendon can also be injured by sudden twisting or jumping movements that overload the muscle, leading to a tear.

Most Achilles tendonitis cases improve with non-surgical treatments, such as rest and physical therapy. Some people may need surgery to remove damaged tissue if the pain doesn’t get better after a year or two of trying other treatments.

3. Arthritis

Arthritis usually affects the joints, but it can also cause pain in your muscles and ligaments. You have ankylosing spondylitis type of arthritis if you experience back pain and stiffness that worsens over time. It typically starts as lower back pain and then spreads to other areas such as your spine, hips, ribs, shoulders, and neck.

Treatment includes medication to control pain and inflammation, as well as exercise and other therapies. Your doctor may also prescribe a brace or cane for support while you’re walking. In some cases, you can treat ankylosing spondylitis with surgery to remove the sections of your spine causing pain.

4. Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are common, with some estimates saying up to 3 million children are treated for sports injuries annually.

The most common type of sports injury is a sprain, which is an injury to a ligament. A sprain occurs when the ligament is stretched past its normal range of motion and becomes wholly or partially torn. A broken bone is another common sports injury. Fractures can occur in any bone of your body, including your foot or ankle.

In summary, orthopedics is an area of medicine that treats injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system. It deals with various conditions and injuries such as arthritis, sports injuries, Achilles tendons, and meniscus tears. If you have any questions about orthopaedics treatment, talk to a certified orthopaedic doctor today.