Common Joint Injuries (And How They’re Treated)

The human body houses scores of joints that play the fundamental role of connecting bones with one another while enabling motion. But while these joints are built just as ruggedly as the rest of the skeleton, they’re not invincible. Below, we’ll dig into some of the most common types of joint injuries, explaining how they occur along with potential treatment options.

Dislocation

Dislocation is one of the most common joint injuries, frequently involving the shoulder, knee, hip, elbow and several other joints. While it can cause a great deal of pain, dislocation is typically easy to treat with a visit to a knowledgeable orthopedic healthcare professional who will relocate the joint before outlining an appropriate rehabilitation process.

Sprains/ Strains 

Referring to the stretching or tearing of ligaments, which connect bones to joints, sprains are another extremely common type of joint injury. They appear especially frequently among athletes and other individuals who lead highly active lifestyles. Though sprains don’t always require professional treatment, they occasionally necessitate immobilization via splint, physical therapy and other nonsurgical treatment types.

Elbow Conditions 

Certain sports, including golf and tennis, require a great deal of work from the elbows. Oftentimes, this can lead to conditions caused by overuse, such as the aptly named golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow. As is the case with sprains, these conditions seldom require surgical care, though physical therapy and other self-care procedures, including icing and elevation, are often employed to mitigate related pain and promote recovery.

Rotator Cuff Tear 

“Rotator cuff” refers collectively to a group of tendons at the shoulder. And because the rotator cuff is so heavily used throughout everyday life, tears in this area are quite common, and they can take a severe toll on a patient’s abilities related to the use of the arm and shoulder. Fortunately, tears in the rotator cuff can be treated in many ways, including through self care, physical therapy and certain types of orthopedic surgery, including arthroscopy.

Northeast New Jersey’s Orthopedic Health Experts 

At High Mountain Orthopedics, our seasoned medical experts have garnered years of experience treating a range of joint issues. Seek the precisely personalized orthopedic care you deserve by contacting us today to discuss your joint troubles and schedule your appointment.