Common Orthopedic Injuries that Happen to Adults

by Kevin Smith Author

Over the course of our lives, our bodies take an incredible beating. We put them through a lot in our jobs, everyday life, while recreating and sooner or later, something will give. Here are ten of the most popular injuries adults experience any one of which if it were to happen to you would land you in a sports medicine center in Renton, WA, and what to expect if one does.

Extremity Fractures

These include wrist, fingers, toes, ankles, etc. If you think of it, we put our extremities through a tremendous amount of stress even as part of our everyday lives and much more when participating in sports and in certain jobs. In most cases, a cast or splint is the “go-to” treatment, but in some cases, surgery is required to stabilize small bones.

Stress Fracture

Speaking of stress, here is a common ailment among adults that usually go undiagnosed until they become major issues. They generally happen because of stress on certain bones and muscles. The first option is always to rest them as much as possible, but surgery may be needed.

Sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries adults sustain, but not far behind are foot and wrist sprains. They happen when a sudden amount of stress is placed on the muscles of a joint. Strained ligaments are the culprit. Rest, ice and compression is the first treatment of choice. Rushing back into using them can lead to tearing, which in some cases, can require surgery.

ACL Tear

If you follow professional football, you hear about this injury a lot. It also happens frequently with highly active adults. The ACL is the main ligament on your knee and it can tear with sudden jerks, awkward turns or extreme force on the knee. In the case of a partial ACL tear, rest and physical therapy may be enough. Complete or near-complete tears usually require surgery.

Plantar Fasciitis

This happens when the ligament attached to your toes and heel becomes strained. It is exceptionally painful, mainly because we use our feet so much. Rest, orthopedic therapy and fitted shoes can solve it. In severe cases, surgery is needed.

Tennis Elbow

Ironically, you don’t have to have ever picked up a tennis racket to get tennis elbow. It occurs when the ligaments around your elbow become stressed from repetitive or weight bearing movement. It is very painful when you are using the affected ligaments. Rest is the best treatment.

If you ever need to visit a sports medicine center in Renton, WA, one of these common ailments will most likely be the cause. The good news is orthopedic specialists are well equipped to handle any of these injuries and much more. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned, contact an orthopedic specialist today!