Orthopedic Conditions Resource Center
Health ConditionsOrthopedic Conditions

Orthopedic Conditions

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Orthopedic conditions affect the muscles, joints, ligaments, and bones. Symptoms vary by condition, but you might experience pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility.

 Treatments vary based on the specific condition and may involve physical therapy, medication, or surgical procedures. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in appropriate exercise, stretching before vigorous motion, and picking comfortable footwear can all help prevent orthopedic issues.

FAQ

What are some common orthopedic conditions?

Common orthopedic conditions include arthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia, neck pain, shoulder pain, low back pain, hand pain, knee pain, foot pain, osteoporosis, soft-tissue injuries, fractures, kyphosis, scoliosis, and other issues involving the hands, feet, knees, neck, and shoulders.

Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, and range of motion through stretches, motions, and exercises you practice at home. Seeing a licensed physical therapist can also reduce the risk of injuries in the future.

Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. Most people get all the calcium and vitamin D they need from a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy or alternatives, and lean proteins.

Casts and splints can treat a fracture. However, some fractures require surgery, either to fix the bone in place with internal or external screws or to administer a bone graft. Severe breaks may need a closed reduction procedure.

For aerobic exercise that's easy on the joints, try low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling. Don't forget about weight or resistance training and stretching to improve range of motion. Ask a healthcare professional what they recommend for your condition.

Meet Our Experts In Orthopedic Conditions
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
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Grant Chu, MD, MS, MBA, FACP

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Grant Chu, MD, is an associate clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Chu is also associate director of inpatient East-West consult services at the ...

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Abby Siler, PT, DPT

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Rachel MacPherson

Rachel MacPherson, CPT, CSCS, PN1

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Rachel MacPherson, CPT, is a freelance writer, content strategist, and nutrition coach in the wellness space with nearly a decade of experience. She lives on the east coast of Cana...

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Jennifer Payne, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jennifer Payne, MD, is a physician at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

She earned her bachelor's from the University of St. Thomas, majoring in biochemistry and minoring in t...

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Mayoni Ranasinghe, MBBS, MPH

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Allison M

Allison M. Fout, PA-C

Medical Reviewer

Allison M. Fout, PA-C, has 20 years of experience as a Physician Assistant with a career rooted in orthopedic care. Since 2015, she has been a provider at Excelsior Orthopaedics in...

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Scott Haak, PT, DPT, MTC, CSCS

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Scott Haak, PT, DPT, has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 2000. Dr. Haak serves as faculty for the Sports Medicine Fellowship program at Mayo Clinic Florida. He is cert...

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Heather Jeffcoat

Heather Jeffcoat, PT, DPT

Medical Reviewer

Heather Jeffcoat, PT, DPT, is a doctor of physical therapy and the founder of Femina Physical Therapy and Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy, both of which focus on pelvic health a...

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Aubrey Bailey, PT, DPT, CF-L1

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Aubrey Bailey is a doctor of physical therapy with a specialization in hand therapy based in Virginia.

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Lisa Maloney

Lisa Maloney, CPT

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Lisa Maloney is a certified personal trainer turned professional writer and editor. She has racked up several thousand hours of hands-on experience with a variety of populations be...

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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Musculoskeletal Health. World Health Organization. July 14, 2022.
  2. Orthopedic Preventive Care. Aurora Health Care.

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