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Week 13 - The Musculoskeletal System Health Problems
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSW2ryFmihk
1. Bone - related Problems ● Osteoporosis ○ Description: A condition characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and a higher risk of fractures. It often occurs due to hormonal changes (such as menopause in women), inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, lack of physical activity, and certain medications. ○ Symptoms: Usually asymptomatic in the early stages. As the disease progresses, patients may experience back pain due to vertebral fractures, loss of height over time, and an increased tendency to fracture bones even with minor trauma. ○ Treatment: Treatment includes calcium and vitamin D supplementation, medications to slow bone loss (such as bisphosphonates, selective
estrogen receptor modulators), and lifestyle changes like regular weight - bearing exercise. ● Osteopenia ○ Description: A precursor to osteoporosis, where bone density is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It is also associated with factors like age, hormonal imbalances, and poor nutrition. ○ Symptoms: Similar to osteoporosis, often asymptomatic. It is usually detected through bone density tests. ○ Treatment: Focuses on preventing progression to osteoporosis. This may involve lifestyle modifications, calcium and vitamin D intake, and in some cases, medications depending on the individual's risk factors. ● Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease of Bones) ○ Description: A common joint disorder that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in a joint breaks down over time. It can affect any joint but is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
intervention to realign and fix the broken bones with screws, plates, or rods.
2. Joint - related Problems ● Rheumatoid Arthritis ○ Description: An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation. It typically affects multiple joints symmetrically and can lead to joint damage and deformity over time. ○ Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, stiffness (especially in the morning, lasting for at least an hour), fatigue, and loss of joint function. In severe cases, it can also affect other organs like the lungs, heart, and eyes. ○ Treatment: Treatment involves a combination of medications to reduce inflammation (such as disease - modifying anti - rheumatic drugs - DMARDs, biologics), pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery to repair or replace damaged joints. ● Gout
○ Description: A form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product in the body, and when there is too much of it, crystals can form, leading to sudden and severe joint pain. ○ Symptoms: Sudden, intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint, most commonly the big toe, but it can also affect other joints like the ankles, knees, and wrists. Attacks can come and go. ○ Treatment: During an acute attack, medications like non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, or corticosteroids are used to relieve pain and inflammation. Long - term management involves reducing uric acid levels in the body through lifestyle changes (such as diet modification - reducing high - purine foods) and medications (such as allopurinol, febuxostat). ● Bursitis ○ Description: Inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid - filled sacs that cushion the joints and reduce friction between bones, muscles, and tendons. Bursitis can be caused by overuse, injury, or infection.
● Muscle Strains ○ Description: A stretching or tearing of muscle fibers. It can occur due to sudden, forceful movements, overstretching, or repetitive use of muscles. ○ Symptoms: Pain, muscle spasms, swelling, and bruising in the affected muscle. There may also be a loss of strength and difficulty in moving the muscle. ○ Treatment: Treatment includes the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), pain medications, and physical therapy to help the muscle heal and regain strength. ● Muscle Cramps ○ Description: Sudden, involuntary contractions of a muscle or group of muscles. They can be caused by dehydration, electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium, calcium, or magnesium), muscle fatigue, or certain medications. ○ Symptoms: Intense pain and a hard, tight feeling in the affected muscle. Cramps can last from a few seconds to several minutes. ○ Treatment: Stretching the affected muscle, massaging it, and replenishing fluids and electrolytes can help relieve muscle cramps. In
some cases, medications may be prescribed if the cramps are severe or recurrent. ● Myositis ○ Description: Inflammation of the muscles. It can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infections (such as viral, bacterial, or fungal), certain medications, or genetic factors. ○ Symptoms: Muscle weakness, pain, and tenderness. In some cases, there may be difficulty in performing normal activities like walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects. There may also be associated symptoms like fatigue, fever, and skin rashes. ○ Treatment: Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may include corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive medications for autoimmune - related myositis, antibiotics for infections, and physical therapy to improve muscle strength and function.
4. Spinal Disorders ● Herniated Disc
symptoms, and patients may experience a need to lean forward or sit down to relieve the pain. ○ Treatment: Treatment options include physical therapy, pain medications, and in severe cases, surgery to decompress the spinal canal. ● Scoliosis ○ Description: An abnormal curvature of the spine, usually in an S - or C - shape. It can be present from birth (congenital scoliosis), develop during adolescence (adolescent idiopathic scoliosis), or be caused by other factors such as muscle weakness, nerve problems, or injury. ○ Symptoms: Visible curvature of the spine, uneven shoulders, one hip higher than the other, and in some cases, back pain. Severe scoliosis can also affect the function of the lungs and heart. ○ Treatment: Treatment depends on the severity of the curvature. Mild cases may only require observation, while more severe cases may need bracing or surgical intervention to correct the curvature.
