Know the Most Common Types of Injuries and how to Treat them

We always hear about the different orthopedic injuries that affect athletes: sprains, fractures, or stretches. These injuries are common and can arise during normal daily activities, such as running, climbing stairs, or getting off the bus.

It is difficult to meet someone who has never been injured, even if minimally, during physical exercise or other activity. Therefore, it is important to know a little more about the most common types of injuries and their treatments.

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Muscle sprain

A muscle strain occurs when a muscle or tendon that attaches it to the bone is too stretched or subjected to excessive effort, which causes a breakdown of muscle fibers. Local bruising and inflammation appear.

Distension can be acute when it occurs due to excessive effort to lift an object or exercise; and chronic, when it is caused by prolonged repetitive movements, which is more common in athletes.

The symptoms are local pain, bruising, swelling, and difficulty in moving the limb. In turn, treatment is based on:

rest of the affected limb;

ice packs or thermal bag;

limb elevation; and

use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Dislocation

A dislocation happens when there is a separation of two bones that are normally connected by a joint. It is a sudden displacement, which can be partial or complete and can interfere with the blood supply of the surrounding structures (ligaments, cartilage).

This injury can be caused by trauma, falls, fractures, and chronic illnesses that cause ligaments to "loose".

Treatment is done by reducing the joint, which means the bone is replaced under anesthesia or sedation. After this procedure, the joint is bandaged and immobilized to allow healing, and the patient uses anti-inflammatory and analgesics.

Bone fracture

In bone fracture, there is a loss of bone continuity, and it separates into two or more fragments. They are usually caused by injuries (falls, accidents, or blows). They can be minimal and not even be noticed by the person, or extensive and serious, requiring immediate intervention.

The stages of treatment of bone fracture are:

replacing the bone in place, when necessary;

limb immobilization to allow healing (with plastered splint or support with elastic bandages); and

use of painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics in some cases.

In some more complicated cases, surgery is necessary.

Ligamentous stretch

Twists, excessive pressure, and falls can cause stretching or tear of the knee, wrist, ankle, or shoulder ligaments. At the time of the injury, a characteristic click can be heard. Stretching is accompanied by local pain and swelling.

Depending on the location and degree of the injury, surgery for correction may be required. In milder cases, treatment includes:

local application of ice or thermal bag;

physiotherapy sessions;

use of splints, crutches, or anklets;

use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs; and

infiltration (direct application to the joint of corticosteroids or analgesics).

Sprain

A sprain also called a torsion, is a traumatic injury to the joint that involves stretching, tearing, or rupture of the ligaments and other structures that support the joint, but without displacement of the bones and structures.

It can occur due to sudden movements or poor foot placement. The main symptoms are swelling and severe pain that occurs shortly after the event.

Treatment includes:

use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs;

rest of the injured joint with the elevated limb;

a local ice pack or thermal bag; and

prolonged immobilization in some cases.

Orthopedic injuries are more common than we think and can affect people of all ages. It is important to find out about the most common types of injuries, to prevent them, and always see an orthopedic doctor if they occur.

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