Joint Injuries: Sprains, Dislocations & Arthritis

• A sprain is an injury to ligaments, where the collagen fibers of the dense regular connective tissue are damaged.
• Joint dislocation refers to the articular surfaces of a joint being out of place.
• Separations refer to injuries to the ligaments.
• When bones are no longer in the correct position, damage to cartilage, ligaments, or the joint capsule can be a cause for concern.
• The degree of severity needs to be considered with joint injuries.
• Slipped discs involve compression of the intervertebral discs.
• Slipped discs also involves damage to the supporting ligaments associated with the vertebral column.
• Slipped discs can cause the disc "core" (or pulp) to bulge out of place and put pressure on nerves.
• Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa.
• Bursitis is associated with friction, repetitive movements, and/or trauma.
• Arthritis is a general term for any inflammation in a joint.

Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis is a very common form of arthritis, most often found in older patients.
• Osteoarthritis is often attributed to degeneration due to wear and tear.
• The articular cartilage is damaged over time in joints with osteoarthritis.
• Unhealthy articular cartilage impacts movement and causes pain.
• Osteoarthritis commonly affects large joints like knees, hips, vertebrae, and also fingers.
• Anti-inflammatory medication and exercise may help with osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women and is also found in younger and middle-aged people.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is linked with malfunctions in the immune system, where the immune system attacks the joints.
• Autoimmune disorders are poorly understood but may be linked with genetics, viral exposure, or bacterial infection.
• Rheumatoid arthritis begins with damage to the synovial membranes, and later cartilage and bone are damaged.
• Scar tissue often forms at injury sites, and this scar tissue can ossify and bone ends can fuse together immobilizing joints.
• Medications to suppress the immune system may be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis.

Gout

• Gout is typically seen in middle-aged or older patients, more often in males.
• Gout is a metabolic disorder that leads to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the synovial joints.
• Gout usually starts in toes (usually the big toe) and then moves to other joints.
• Changes in diet are important for managing gout to reduce the buildup of unwanted wastes.