Orthopedic injuries can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender or how active they are. Orthopedic specialists treat emergency or chronic pain relating to joints, bones, tendons and ligaments.

From sports injuries to the aches and pains of getting older, the most common orthopedic injuries are varied enough that you’re likely to need treatment for at least one type at some point.

Common Types of Orthopedic Pain

Orthopedic pain springs from a variety of causes and conditions. An orthopedic trauma doctor can help you determine which type, if any, of the following on the orthopedic injuries list might be causing your pain. If the pain is severe, sudden or accompanied by swelling, numbness or fever, it's crucial to seek immediate care.

Overuse Injuries

People who play sports or have jobs that require repetitive motions (such as typing or lifting) may, from time to time, experience the kind of injury that comes from a body part frequently repeating the same activity.

These overuse injuries can include carpal tunnel syndrome, “tennis elbow,” jumper’s knee, shin splints, heel pain and wrenched backs.

Fractures

Whether it’s a small crack or a complete break, a bone fracture requires swift medical attention. It’s possible for people to not realize they have a fracture right away when the injury wasn’t dramatic like a fall or car accident.

But they can also result from repetitive motions -- especially among athletes -- as well as from conditions such as osteoporosis.

Sprains and Strains

Injuries to muscles or their adjoining tendons are known as strains, while ligament tears or stretches are called sprains. Sprained ankles and wrists fractures are common athletic injuries, but sprains can also arise from overuse.

Similarly, an issue such as a strained back, legs, hands and elbows can come from both a sudden incident while playing sports, or from repetitive motion, such as heavy lifting at work.

Tendon and Joint Injuries

Tendon and joint injuries can each come from either chronic conditions or sudden injury.

Examples of these types of conditions include sports hernias, shoulder impingement, torn rotator cuffs and torn knee joints.

Dislocations

One of the more dramatic orthopedic injuries, dislocations happen when a bone attached to a joint is forced out of its usual position. The type of dislocation can be either complete (luxation) or partial (subluxation) -- which simply means the degree in which the bones in the joint are no longer touching.

You may feel a “pop” and pain after an injury, or may notice swelling or stiffness. Shoulders, knees, elbows, fingers, knees, hips and jaw dislocations are the most common orthopedic injuries. A traumatic injury often causes dislocations, but sometimes joint-related conditions can lead to a spontaneous dislocation.

Age-Related Orthopedic Conditions

As people get older, their bones and joints also age. That can lead to a range of conditions requiring medical attention.

Osteoporosis

Also known as “brittle bones,” osteoporosis is the condition in which bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, making them more prone to breaks. Post-menopausal women are especially prone to osteoporosis, but it can happen to anyone suffering from certain hormone imbalances or nutritional deficiencies.

Osteoporosis results in problems such as a stooped posture or height loss. The condition also makes it much more likely that a person will break a bone after a fall.

Osteoarthritis

As with bones, joints become damaged with age. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage between the joints degrades.

This chronic condition can be painful at times, because cartilage provides cushioning between the joints. When it wears away, people experience not only pain, but also swelling and mobility loss.

Scoliosis

People with scoliosis typically develop the problem as teens, but aging can make the condition even more challenging. Curvature of the spine from scoliosis often worsens over time.

Seniors whose scoliosis wasn’t adequately treated when younger tend to suffer severe back pain and trouble walking. They may also have breathing issues, as their condition causes their rib cage to push into their lungs.

Common Causes of Orthopedic Pain

Sometimes it’s obvious what caused a fracture or other type of orthopedic pain. In other instances, it takes an orthopedic trauma doctor or similar specialist to conduct the “detective work” to nail down the cause of pain.

Trauma and Accidents

These types of incidents are considered the most “dramatic” -- and certainly the most obvious -- type of orthopedic pain. If you’ve fallen at home, had a sports injury, or been in a car accident, you may experience one or more types of orthopedic injuries.

The most common orthopedic injuries people experience after such an event are bone fractures, sprains and dislocations. These are usually instantly obvious and require immediate medical attention. But in some cases, as with neck injuries, the pain may not set in for some time.

Aging

Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are among the leading causes of orthopedic pain in older adults. These come from the breaking down of bones and joints, respectively, that often comes with age.

Repetitive Motions

Overuse injuries, also known as repetitive motion injuries, spring from the same action being performed repeatedly over time. Carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis and tendonitis are among the conditions related to repetitive motions.

Underlying Conditions

Genetic conditions, such as scoliosis, can lead to orthopedic pain. Back pain is the most frequent complaint of sufferers from scoliosis.

Other underlying conditions that may cause pain in your bones, joints or muscles include fibromyalgia, bone disease, certain infections and autoimmune disorders.

Don’t feel you have to live with the pain, regardless of the cause or nature of your orthopedic injury. Chronic pain and traumatic injuries can all be helped through targeted, caring treatment. Schedule an appointment today to start easing that pain as soon as possible!