Our bones, muscles, and joints play a vital role in our daily lives. We can experience pain, discomfort, and even disability when something goes wrong. Orthopedic injuries can range from mild to severe and often require medical attention to heal properly.
Let’s talk about five common orthopedic injuries and treatments you should know about and where you can go for outstanding orthopedic care in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
1. Sprains and Strains
One of the most common orthopedic injuries is a sprain or strain. Sprains occur when ligaments (the tissue that connects two parts of bone) are stretched beyond their limits due to overuse or sudden force. Strains involve similar damage but instead occur to muscles or tendons (the tissue that connects muscle to bone). These types of injuries cause swelling, pain, tenderness, and bruising in the affected area. Treatment includes rest, ice/heat therapy, compression wraps as needed, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium (Aleve), and physical therapy if needed for rehabilitation.
2. Fractures
Fractures—or broken bones—are another type of orthopedic injury that is all too common. These injuries can range from hairline cracks in the bone’s surface to complete breaks that require surgery for proper healing. The treatment for fractures depends on the severity; a hairline crack may only require immobilization with a cast or splint. More serious fractures may need surgery which includes an open reduction or closed reduction with metal plates or pins inserted into the bone. In any case, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon without delay.
3. Rotator Cuff Injury
A rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that help control shoulder movement. Rotator cuff injuries occur when one or more of these muscles or tendons becomes torn due to acute trauma (e.g., falling on an outstretched arm) or overuse (e.g., repetitive overhead motions). The most common symptom of a rotator cuff injury is an impinging pain in the shoulder, which worsens with movement and improves with rest. Treatment for rotator cuff injuries includes physical therapy, medications such as anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids, as well as arthroscopy if necessary.
4. ACL Injury
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most important ligaments in your knee joint because it helps keep the joint stable by connecting your thighbone to your shinbone. ACL tears often occur during sports activities due to sudden stops and changes in direction, which put too much strain on the ligament. Symptoms include swelling, pain, instability in the knee joint, difficulty walking, and a popping sensation at the time of injury. Minor ACL repairs are treated with rest and bracing. Mostly, however, ACL requires arthroscopic management. Arthroscopy may include repairing the ACL or replacing it with a graft.
5. Tendonitis
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon. It is typically caused by overuse, repetitive motion, and inadequate rest, leading to pain, tenderness, swelling, or stiffness around the affected area. Common areas where tendonitis can occur are:
- Elbows (tennis elbow).
- Wrists (de Quervain’s syndrome).
- Hips (bursitis).
- Shoulders (rotator cuff tendonitis) knees (jumper’s knee)
Treatment usually consists of rest followed by physical therapy exercises to strengthen the affected area and medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Surgery may be necessary for severe cases that do not respond to other treatments.
Orthopedic Care in Connecticut and Massachusetts
If you or someone you love is suffering from an orthopedic injury, don’t delay seeking orthopedic care from Advanced Orthopedics New England. Our surgeons are board-certified and committed to providing top-of-the-line personalized care.
We offer a range of treatment options for our patients in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Rocky Hill, Connecticut. We also provide urgent care services in Vernon and Enfield. If you want to learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated doctors, call our friendly staff at (860) 728-6740.
We look forward to serving you!