What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease characterized by decreased bone density and quality, which increases the risk of fractures.

In this condition, bones become more fragile and vulnerable, even to low-energy trauma.

Risk factors for osteoporosis

• Advanced age

• Menopause

• Calcium and vitamin D deficiency

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Smoking

• Prolonged use of corticosteroidss

Frequent fractures

• Hip

• Vertebrae

• Wrist

Prevention and management

• Proper nutrition

• Physical exercise

• Supplementation

• Medical monitoring

• Pharmacological treatment

Early detection is essential to reduce complications and preserve quality of life.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection usually caused by bacteria, although it can also be caused by other microorganisms.

The infection can reach the bone through:

• Open wounds

• Surgery

• Open fractures

• Bloodstream

Common symptoms

• Bone pain

• Swelling

• Fever

• Redness

• Functional limitation

Treatment

• Antibiotics

• Surgical debridement

• Removal of infected tissue

• Bone stabilization

Osteomyelitis requires specialized medical management due to the risk of chronic infection and structural damage.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive wear and tear of articular cartilage.

It is one of the leading causes of pain and functional limitations in older adults.

Most affected joints

• Knee

• Hip

• Spine

• Hands

Main symptoms

• Joint pain

• Stiffness

• Mild swelling

• Decreased mobility

Associated factors

• Aging

• Overweight

• Mechanical overload

• Previous injuries

Treatment may include:

• Physical therapy

• Medications

• Injections

• Surgery

• Joint replacement

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature accompanied by vertebral rotation.

It can appear during growth or be associated with other diseases.

Types of scoliosis

• Idiopathic

• Congenital

• Neuromuscular

Common signs

• Shoulder asymmetry

• Trunk deviation

• Postural abnormalities

• Pain in some cases

Treatment

It depends on the degree of curvature and includes:

• Medical observation

• Physical therapy

• Bracing

• Corrective surgery

Early diagnosis improves control of progression.

Herniated disc

A herniated disc occurs when the inner material of an intervertebral disc bulges out and compresses nearby nerve structures.

It is most common in the:

• Lumbar spine

• Cervical spine

Common symptoms

• Radiating pain

• Tingling

• Muscle weakness

• Functional limitation

Risk factors

• Physical overload

• Disc degeneration

• Poor posture

• Weightlifting

Treatment

• Medication

• Rehabilitation

• Physical therapy

• Surgery in severe cases

Many herniated discs improve with conservative treatment.

Dislocations

A dislocation is the complete loss of normal contact between the articular surfaces of a joint.

It usually occurs due to trauma or forced movements.

Most affected joints

• Shoulder

• Elbow

• Knee

• Fingers

Main symptoms

• Intense pain

• Deformity

• Functional impairment

• Swelling

Treatment

• Joint reduction

• Immobilization

• Rehabilitation

• Surgery in some cases

Early intervention is important to prevent neurovascular injuries and permanent joint damage.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a structure responsible for connecting muscle and bone.

It is frequently associated with:

• Overuse

• Repetitive movements

• Sports overload

• Biomechanical alterations

Common locations

• Shoulder

• Elbow

• Knee

• Ankle

Common symptoms

• Localized pain

• Tenderness

• Swelling

• Pain with movement

Treatment

• Relative rest

• Physiotherapy

• Anti-inflammatories

• Therapeutic exercises

Prevention includes proper technique and muscle strengthening.

Ligament injuries

Ligament injuries affect the ligaments, structures responsible for stabilizing the joints.

They can range from minor sprains to complete tears.

Common causes

• Sports injuries

• Sudden movements

• Joint sprains

• Accidents

Commonly injured ligaments

• Anterior cruciate ligament

• Lateral ligaments of the ankle

• Collateral ligaments of the knee

Symptoms

• Pain

• Inflammation

• Instability

• Functional limitation

Treatment

• Rehabilitation

• Immobilization

• Muscle strengthening

• Reconstructive surgery in severe cases

Appropriate treatment aims to restore joint stability and function.

Meniscal tears

Meniscal injuries are lesions that affect the menisci of the knee, fibrocartilaginous structures responsible for absorbing loads and stabilizing the joint.

Common causes

• Sports injury

• Degeneration

• Twisting movements

• Mechanical overload

Common symptoms

• Knee pain

• Joint locking

• Swelling

• Feeling of instability

Diagnosis

It may include:

• Clinical evaluation

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Functional studies

Treatment

• Physical therapy

• Conservative management

• Arthroscopy

• Meniscal repair

Preserving the meniscus is important for maintaining long-term joint health and function.

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