Common Musculoskeletal Conditions: Symptoms and Causes
Common Musculoskeletal Conditions
Muscle Atrophy: Muscle atrophy is the wasting or loss of muscle tissue. It can result from disuse, degeneration, or congenital nerve defects.
Backache: Back pain often stems from strain or lack of exercise. Individuals who are overweight are at higher risk. Proper lifting techniques, such as bending your knees, are crucial.
Bone Cancer: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer, resulting from the malignant transformation of bone-forming cells.
Cramps: Muscle cramps are sustained contractions often caused by mineral deficiencies after excessive sweating or poor blood supply due to arterial blockage.
Bunions: Bunions are painful bumps on the joint at the base of the big toe, commonly caused by inadequate footwear. They are more prevalent among women.
Dislocation: A dislocation is the displacement of a joint’s moving parts, leading to instability.
Fractures: Common fractures occur in the clavicle, wrist, and ankle.
Hernia: A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes from its normal body compartment.
Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness can result from nervous system disorders. Poliomyelitis, caused by a virus damaging spinal cord cells, is a well-known example.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammations include abscesses and necrosis.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Also known as “yuppie flu,” this post-viral fatigue syndrome affects adults and young people, causing muscle aches, spasms, memory problems, concentration difficulties, balance issues, night sweats, and sensitivity to cold and heat.
Osteomalacia: Osteomalacia is the softening of bones due to vitamin D deficiency, often seen in the elderly or after multiple pregnancies.
Osteomyelitis: Osteomyelitis involves the formation of an abscess in the bone marrow, typically caused by a compound fracture or a generalized infection. Surgical intervention is often necessary.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis means porous bones. Even a minor blow can cause a fracture, most commonly in the hip, wrist, or vertebral column, leading to a hunched posture. The underlying cause is the loss of protein and calcium from the bones, often due to inactivity.
Rheumatism and Arthritis: Rheumatism encompasses over 200 disorders affecting muscles and ligaments. Arthritis is joint inflammation caused by wear and tear, particularly in the hips, knees, spine, fingers, and feet. Causes are not fully understood but may include infections, injuries, and occupational factors like tennis elbow or seamstress’s thumb.
Rickets: Rickets is the defective growth of bones due to vitamin D deficiency, affecting children who do not get enough sunlight or consume enough fish, milk, or eggs.
Scoliosis: Scoliosis is the pathological curvature of the spine caused by abnormal vertebral development.
Herniated Disk: The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers. From age 20, these discs can degenerate and herniate through a ruptured ligament, causing significant pain and potentially requiring intervention.