As an orthopaedic doctor, I see several patients a day. They vary in age and gender and come from a myriad of different backgrounds, from athletes to couch potatoes and teenagers to geriatrics. Certainly, the elderly are more susceptible to injuries and fractures due to bone degeneration and weakening over time. But with that said, the most common injuries and complaints across all ages remain quite similar. Let’s take a look at the five common orthopaedic problems you might experience.

Knee pain

Ageing, repeated stress on the joints, and injuries like sprains, tears, tendinitis, arthritis, and strained ligaments are among the most common causes of knee pain. Patients who suffer from obesity are at further risk for knee pain due to the added weight being placed on the knees.

 To avoid knee injuries, make sure to do warm-up exercises as well as lots of stretching before attempting physical activities. For those who are overweight and experiencing knee pain, try to avoid climbing steps or any form of jumping until you have managed to shed those extra kilos.

Taking up swimming is the best way to exercise without causing further injury or damage to the knees.

 If knee pain or any type of knee discomfort, such as tingling or numbness, occurs even when you do not put weight on it, or if you experience any swelling or discoloration, please consult your doctor for a medical diagnosis.

 Back pain

Did you know that back pain is the top cause of disability globally? People around the world suffer from varying degrees of back pain, ranging from dull aches to sharp, stabbing pains that can be debilitating, to say the least. It affects a person's mobility, interfering with otherwise mundane tasks such as standing, walking, and lifting objects.

 Back pain can arise suddenly, be caused by injuries due to accidents, or slowly crop up due to degenerative issues related to ageing or medical disorders like arthritis. Medical advancements in the field of orthopaedic treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation have greatly improved the lives of patients who suffer from back pain, but doctors still recommend prevention over cure.

 So, regardless of your age, you are more susceptible to suffering from back pain if you are a smoker or a regular user of tobacco products. Patients who are overweight, lead sedentary lifestyles devoid of exercise, or suffer from depression or anxiety are also at higher risk of developing back pain. By living a more active lifestyle, taking care of your diet, weight, and mental health, and giving up tobacco, you will avert the risk of back pain in the future, as well as reduce the current symptoms you may be experiencing.

 Hip pain

Hip pain, contrary to what the term suggests, is not always felt only in the hip area but can also refer to pain felt further downwards, around the groyne and the thighs. Arthritis is a major cause of hip pain, along with injuries sustained during accidents or while playing sports. While hip pain can usually be treated at home through plenty of rest and doctor-prescribed pain relievers, persisting symptoms usually call for a trip to the orthopaedist.

 Besides accidents, hip fractures more commonly occur in older adults who suffer from bone degradation due to ageing or conditions like osteoporosis. Fractures are usually extremely painful and require immediate medical intervention.

 The most common causes of hip pain aside from fractures and injuries due to accidents are:

 Tendonitis:

The inflammation of tendons is due to overuse or overstrain, Tendonitis is a common overuse injury, occurs when tendons become inflamed due to repetitive stress. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited joint mobility. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate discomfort, but seeking medical advice is essential for proper treatment and prevention of chronic issues.

 Bursitis:

A condition when the liquid-filled sac (called a bursa) near the hip joint becomes swollen or inflamed, Bursitis is  an inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in joints, leads to pain and swelling. Repetitive motions or trauma often cause this condition. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication can ease symptoms. Seeking medical guidance ensures effective management and reduces the risk of chronic bursitis.

 Arthritis:

Arthritis a joint inflammation condition, results in pain and stiffness. It can be caused by various factors, such as age, injury, or autoimmune diseases. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and management are vital to improve the quality of life for those affected.

It is further divided into osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, these different types of arthritis are among the most common causes of hip pain, leading to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling, tender joints, and difficulty walking.

 Shoulder Pain:

Shoulders are sturdy and delicate at the same time. While we are able to carry out many difficult and complicated tasks with our shoulders, the intricate mechanism that makes up our shoulder joints relies on a delicate balance. The ball and socket joints like shoulders and knees are susceptible to twists and sprains, tears, fractures, and dislocations. Wear and tear also play a large role in contributing to shoulder pain, with excessive strain and overuse being the leading causes.

In order to treat any type of shoulder pain, one must first understand the exact cause with a medical professional. The most common causes of shoulder pain are tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, impingement syndrome, torn cartilage, rotator cuff injury, pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder, injury due to overuse, bone spurs, frozen shoulder, dislocated shoulder, and, of course, broken bones in the shoulder or arm.

Generalised Muscular Pain:

Muscle pain, also referred to as myalgia, can occur due to various reasons such as sprains, strains, tears, or other such injuries, as well as due to underlying health issues such as disease or infection.

 Muscle pain can range from sharp, shooting pains to dull aches and can occur over large areas of the body or even be limited to specific muscles within targeted locations. It can occur in people of all ages. Usually, muscle aches and pains occur shortly after a person has tried out a new type of exercise. Since new exercises may engage muscles that you haven’t previously “worked out” before, it’s common to experience some degree of soreness about six to twelve hours after you’ve tried the same.

If you experience sustained muscle pain over a long period of time, then you must visit your doctor to make sure they rule out infections, autoimmune disorders, or neuromuscular disorders.