Orthopedic injuries are some of the most common reasons people make trips to the hospital. Fractures, ankle and foot sprains, dislocated shoulders, and other injuries that affect the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the musculoskeletal system can all send patients to the emergency room or doctor's office. What are some of the most common orthopedic injuries, and when do you need to see a doctor?

Fractures are breaks or cracks in bones. Common causes for fractures include falls, sports injuries, car accidents, and weakening bones from conditions such as osteoporosis. A stress fracture, which is a tiny crack in a bone, can develop over time from overuse.

One of the most common types of fractures is called a distal radius fracture, or wrist fracture. This happens when one of the two long bones in the forearm breaks near the wrist, often due to landing on an outstretched arm after a fall.

You might have a fracture if you have any of the following symptoms:

• A limb that looks deformed, or out of place
• Intense pain
• Numbness and tingling
• Swelling, tenderness, or bruising in the injured area
• Trouble moving the affected area

Fractures require medical attention right away. Your doctor will likely order an X-ray to see if you have a broken bone. In some cases, you may need to wear a splint or a cast until the bone heals. Serious breaks might require surgery, in which an orthopedic surgeon holds the bone in place with plates, screws, or pins.

A fracture can take weeks or months to heal. Physical therapy can help you regain muscle strength and range of motion.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the bottom of the heel. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a strong, thin ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed due to strain on the foot. Risk factors include increased activity levels, repetitive motions, prolonged standing on hard surfaces, obesity, and age.

Symptoms include:

• Pain near the heel on the bottom of the foot
• Pain with the first few steps after a long period of rest
• Increased pain after finishing exercise

If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis, visit your doctor. He or she will examine your foot and might order X-rays to get a clear picture of the foot.

For most people, this condition improves with home remedies, including:

• Ice
• Rest 
• Stretches
• Supportive footwear

In more severe cases, doctors might recommend wearing a cast, getting cortisone injections, or trying minimally invasive procedures such as ultrasonic tissue repair.

 

An ankle or wrist sprain is the result of a torn or stretched ligament. This can happen due to falling, twisting or even getting hit in the area. Symptoms include pain, bruising, swelling, and being unable to move the area.

Sprains can often be treated with:

• Icing the area
• Rest
• Taking anti-inflammatory medicines
• Wearing a compression bandage

If symptoms don't improve with at-home remedies, schedule an appointment with your provider. You might need physical therapy or, in severe cases, surgery to repair the torn ligament.