Musculoskeletal conditions encompass a broad range of disorders that affect the muscles, bones, and joints. They are a leading cause of disability worldwide and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life by causing pain and limiting mobility.
Let’s discuss some of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, exploring their causes, symptoms, and available treatment options. Additionally, we will also talk about an orthopedic surgeon in Walnut Creek who offers the highest quality orthopedic care for common musculoskeletal system conditions.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage within the joints. It is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide.
Causes
Osteoarthritis often results from wear and tear on the joints over time. Risk factors include age, obesity, previous joint injury, overuse of the joint, genetic predisposition, and certain metabolic disorders.
Symptoms
Key symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, loss of flexibility, tenderness, and a grating sensation during movement.
Treatment Options
Treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve function and may include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, weight management, and, in severe cases, surgery, such as joint replacement surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a prevalent condition that affects the median nerve, causing discomfort and functional issues in the hand and arm.
Causes
CTS is primarily caused when the median nerve, which extends from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. This compression can occur due to several factors, including repetitive hand movements, wrist injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or fluid retention during pregnancy.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms include numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand and fingers, typically excluding the little finger. Other symptoms may include a sensation of swelling even though no visible swelling exists and weakness in hand strength, often causing a tendency to drop objects.
Treatment Options
Initial treatment offered by orthopedic surgeonsn usually involves non-surgical methods such as wrist splinting to keep the wrist in a neutral position and alleviate pressure on the median nerve.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling, and corticosteroids can be administered to decrease inflammation and swelling as well.
If these treatments do not relieve the symptoms, surgery may be needed to make more room for the nerve.
Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis
Tendinitis refers to the inflammation of a tendon, while tenosynovitis pertains to the inflammation of the synovial membrane surrounding a tendon.
Causes
Both conditions are typically the result of repetitive minor impacts on the affected area or an abrupt, more serious injury. Activities that place repetitive stress on the tendon, such as gardening, painting, or playing certain sports, can lead to tendinitis and tenosynovitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms include pain and tenderness around a joint, particularly along a tendon. Swelling, warmth, and redness over the tendon area may also occur.
Treatment Options
Conservative treatments are usually recommended initially, including rest, ice application, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy. In severe or persistent cases, orthopedic surgeons may recommend corticosteroid injections or even surgical intervention.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Rotator cuff disease refers to a condition that causes a complete or partial tear to the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder.
Causes
This condition can result from chronic overuse injury or trauma to the rotator cuff. Activities or occupations that require repetitive overhead movements or heavy lifting over a prolonged period can increase your risk of rotator cuff tear.
Symptoms
Symptoms include shoulder pain, often worsening with movement and weakness, particularly when lifting or rotating the arm.
Treatment Options
Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, NSAIDs, and corticosteroid injections can often manage symptoms. If these treatments fail to provide relief, orthopedic surgeons may perform surgery to reattach the torn tendon.
Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. Common areas for bursitis include the hip, shoulder, and knee.
Causes
Overuse, repetitive motions, trauma, and infection can all contribute to bursitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and tenderness near the affected joint.
Treatment Options
Treatment options to manage bursitis can include rest, ice, compression, elevation (known as R.I.C.E), physical therapy, NSAIDs, and, in severe cases, drainage of the affected bursa.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Walnut Creek
Suffering from knee, elbow, or shoulder problems? Don’t let these musculoskeletal conditions stop you from enjoying your active lifestyle.
Dr. Laura Timmerman, M.D., our board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in sports medicine, is here to help. Specializing in the treatment of shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries, she offers comprehensive care for all types of orthopaedic conditions.
Whether you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone dealing with the daily pains of arthritis, Dr. Timmerman’s approach is tailored to your unique needs and goals. She focuses not only on treating the immediate symptoms but also on helping patients regain their strength and mobility to prevent future injuries.
To learn more about our orthopedic surgeons or to schedule a consultation with them, contact our friendly staff today at (925) 952-4080 or fill out our online appointment request form here. We look forward to serving you!
