Common Orthopaedic Injuries and Treatments
Orthopaedic injuries can affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing pain, limited mobility, and disability. At Iswarya Hospital, Chennai, our skilled orthopedic specialists diagnose and treat a broad range of common injuries with personalized care to promote optimal recovery and function.
Common Orthopaedic Injuries
1. Sprains and Strains
Sprains involve stretched or torn ligaments (the tissue connecting bones), while strains affect muscles or tendons (connecting muscles to bones). They often result from overuse, sudden twists, or trauma. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited movement.
2. Fractures (Broken Bones)
Fractures can range from minor hairline cracks to severe breaks. They cause intense pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty using the affected limb or joint.
3. Dislocations
When bones at a joint are forced out of place, causing severe pain and loss of normal function. Common in shoulders, fingers, and knees.
4. Rotator Cuff Tears
A shoulder injury involving muscles and tendons that stabilize the joint, causing pain and weakness especially when lifting the arm.
5. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
A frequent sports injury affecting knee stability, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
6. Tendonitis
Inflammation of tendons usually caused by overuse or repetitive movements. Common sites include elbows (tennis elbow) and knees (jumper’s knee).
Treatments for Orthopaedic Injuries
Non-Surgical Treatments
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE): Helps reduce pain and swelling in acute injuries.
Medications: NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy: Crucial for restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Bracing or Splinting: Supports healing by immobilizing injured areas.
Surgical Treatments
Fracture Fixation: Use of metal plates, screws, or pins to stabilize complex breaks.
Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery to repair joint damage.
Ligament Reconstruction: Surgery to repair torn ACL or other ligaments.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Arthroscopic or open surgery for severe tears.
Joint Replacement: For irreparable joint damage, replacing damaged joints with prostheses.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Effective rehabilitation is essential for full recovery. Our physiotherapists at Iswarya Hospital design personalized rehab plans focusing on gradual strength-building, flexibility, and functional activities to help patients return to their normal lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your orthopedic specialist will recommend surgery if non-surgical treatments don’t relieve symptoms or if the injury is severe and affects joint stability or function.
Follow RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) to manage pain and swelling and seek medical evaluation promptly.
Yes, physical therapy plays a key role in most treatment plans, helping to restore mobility, strength, and prevent future injuries.
Recovery time varies widely, from weeks for minor injuries to months for complex fractures or surgeries.
Yes, through regular exercise, proper body mechanics, wearing protective gear, and timely treatment of any joint or muscle problems.