Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders are very common, and most people will experience them at some point in their lives. Musculoskeletal injuries can result from sudden trauma or overuse. Trauma-related injuries are caused by sudden impacts, such as a blow to the head or body, twisting injuries (sprains), or falls. Overuse injuries occur due to repeated stress on the musculoskeletal system, causing damage to soft tissue and bone. However, Dr. Timothy Kavanaugh can help with musculoskeletal disorders.
Common causes of musculoskeletal disorders include:
Sprains
The most common musculoskeletal injury is spraining an ankle. Sprains can occur when you twist or turn your foot or ankle in an awkward way. Overuse injuries can happen when you overwork or strain muscles and tendons.
Falls
Falls are a common cause of musculoskeletal injuries among older adults. Falls can result in broken bones, joint dislocations, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, and other serious consequences.
Physical stress
Physical stress can lead to overuse syndrome or repetitive strain injury (RSI), an umbrella term for musculoskeletal disorders caused by repetitive movements or forceful exertions without enough recovery time between exposures. RSI is often associated with occupations that require long periods of sitting without adequate support for the back muscles, such as chairs that do not provide sufficient lumbar support.
Age
The older you get, the more likely you will experience a musculoskeletal injury or disorder. As we age, our muscles become weaker and less flexible, making us more prone to falls and other accidents, leading to broken bones or sprains/strains of soft tissue like ligaments or tendons around joints such as knees or ankles.
Repetitive motion injuries
Repeated motion over time can result in pain and inflammation that may lead to muscle spasms or strain. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome (pain caused by repetitive use of the hands), tendinitis (pain caused by repetitive use of muscles), and low back pain from poor posture while sitting or driving for extended periods.
Poor posture
Poor posture is a common cause of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. The body should be aligned in a neutral position when standing, walking, and sitting. If the body is not aligned correctly, the muscles and joints are placed under stress, which can lead to injury or pain.
There are several treatments available for musculoskeletal injuries. These include:
Rest and ice – Resting the injured area will reduce pain and swelling and help maintain mobility. Ice packs applied for 20 minutes several times a day can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Stretching – Stretching exercises will improve your range of movement and flexibility, which can be helpful after an injury. However, stretching should only be carried out 48 hours after an injury as it may increase bleeding into the joint or tendon sheath.
Exercises – Exercises that strengthen muscles around the joint will help to stabilize it, reduce pain and improve strength. Exercises for specific joints are tailored to each individual by their physiotherapist.
If you have a musculoskeletal injury or disorder, you may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area. You may struggle to move or use your joint or muscle properly. For treatment for musculoskeletal injuries, seek help from AZ Ortho.
