Condition Lookup

Crush injuries

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Symptoms:
severe pain at the injury site; swelling and bruising; loss of function in the affected limb; numbness or tingling (suggesting nerve involvement); possible shock if the injury is severe; visible deformity

Root Cause:
Damage to tissues, bones, and organs due to prolonged or severe compression, often causing ischemia (reduced blood flow) and cellular damage. This can involve bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination of the site. Imaging studies (X-ray or CT scan) to check for fractures or soft tissue damage. Blood tests to check for signs of muscle injury or kidney involvement (e.g., creatine kinase levels, myoglobin in urine). Ultrasound for soft tissue damage evaluation/

Treatment:
Initial stabilization, including pain management, wound care, and immobilization. Surgical debridement to remove damaged tissue. Possible fasciotomy if compartment syndrome is suspected. Rehabilitation to restore function after healing.

Medications:
Analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen , NSAIDs) to manage pain. Opioids (e.g., morphine ) for acute, severe pain. Diuretics (e.g., furosemide ) in cases where there is kidney involvement to reduce the risk of renal failure due to myoglobin release. Antibiotics (e.g., vancomycin ) if there’s a risk of infection

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Crush injuries are commonly seen in industrial accidents, motor vehicle collisions, natural disasters (earthquakes), and building collapses.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational hazards (e.g., construction or mining accidents). Vehicle accidents. Natural disasters or accidents (e.g., earthquakes). Alcohol or drug use leading to impaired mobility or judgment.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the severity of the injury, the amount of tissue involved, and how quickly treatment is administered. If significant muscle or organ damage occurs, long-term complications like renal failure, infection, and permanent disability can arise.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Compartment syndrome. Renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to myoglobin release). Infection (sepsis). Long-term limb dysfunction or amputation. Chronic pain.

Rotator cuff injuries

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Soft Tissue Disorders

Sub-category: Muscle and Tendon Conditions

Symptoms:
shoulder pain, especially at night; weakness in the arm; limited range of motion in the shoulder; pain when lifting or rotating the arm; tenderness around the shoulder

Root Cause:
Damage to one or more of the four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination (e.g., shoulder movement tests). MRI or ultrasound imaging to assess tendon tears or inflammation. X-rays to rule out bone abnormalities.

Treatment:
Conservative treatment (rest, ice, physical therapy). Steroid injections for inflammation. Surgery (arthroscopic repair or open surgery) in severe cases.

Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen , to reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections may be prescribed for more severe cases to reduce inflammation. Analgesics like acetaminophen can be used for pain relief.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 30% of people over 60 experience rotator cuff tears. The prevalence increases with age and in individuals with repetitive overhead motions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (common in individuals over 40). Repetitive overhead activity (e.g., sports like baseball, swimming, or occupations like painting). Previous shoulder injuries or surgery. Poor posture or improper lifting techniques.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many individuals improve with physical therapy and conservative management. Severe cases requiring surgery have a good prognosis, though recovery can take several months.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain. Weakness in the shoulder. Limited shoulder mobility. Re-injury or tendon rupture.

Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles tendonitis)

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Soft Tissue Disorders

Sub-category: Muscle and Tendon Conditions

Symptoms:
pain along the tendon, particularly during activity or when stretching the tendon; swelling in the affected area; stiffness, particularly in the morning; tenderness when pressing on the tendon

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the tendon due to overuse, strain, or injury. In the case of Achilles tendonitis, it specifically affects the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination (palpation and movement tests). Ultrasound or MRI imaging to detect inflammation or tears.

Treatment:
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation. Physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery.

Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen or diclofenac for pain relief and inflammation reduction. Corticosteroid injections may be considered in chronic cases to reduce inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in athletes, especially runners, and people with jobs that require repetitive motion or heavy lifting.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (more common in older adults due to tendon degeneration). Overuse or improper footwear in athletes. Poor warm-up before activity.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Tendonitis often resolves with rest and physical therapy. Severe or chronic cases may require surgery or extended rehabilitation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain or recurrence of symptoms. Tendon rupture in severe cases. Limited mobility.

Muscle strains

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Soft Tissue Disorders

Sub-category: Muscle and Tendon Conditions

Symptoms:
sudden sharp pain in the muscle; muscle weakness; swelling and bruising at the site of injury; limited range of motion in the affected muscle

Root Cause:
Overstretching or tearing of muscle fibers due to sudden force or improper use.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination (assessing range of motion and tenderness). Ultrasound or MRI to evaluate the extent of the muscle tear.

Treatment:
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.). Physical therapy to strengthen the muscle. NSAIDs for pain and inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be required for a complete muscle tear.

Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and swelling. Muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine ) for spasms in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in athletes, especially in sports involving quick starts, stops, or changes in direction (e.g., soccer, football).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Lack of proper warm-up or stretching. Previous muscle injuries. Dehydration or muscle fatigue.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most muscle strains heal within a few weeks with rest and proper treatment. Severe strains may take longer to heal and could result in long-term weakness.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain or weakness. Re-injury if the muscle is not fully healed before returning to activity.

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Soft Tissue Disorders

Sub-category: Muscle and Tendon Conditions

Symptoms:
pain on the outer part of the elbow, which can radiate to the forearm and wrist; weakness in the forearm and difficulty with grip strength; pain worsens with gripping or lifting activities; tenderness on the outer elbow when pressed

Root Cause:
Overuse of the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, leading to small tears and inflammation in the tendon.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination and tests (e.g., resisted wrist extension). MRI or ultrasound to check for tendon damage or inflammation.

Treatment:
Rest and activity modification. Ice and compression for pain relief. NSAIDs for inflammation. Physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Corticosteroid injections in some cases. Surgery for severe or chronic cases.

Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen , diclofenac , or naproxen to relieve pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections for persistent inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among athletes (e.g., tennis players, golfers) and workers who perform repetitive arm movements.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Repetitive strain from activities like tennis, painting, or using hand tools. Poor ergonomics or technique during repetitive movements.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases improve with conservative treatment. Chronic cases may require more aggressive therapy or surgery.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent pain and weakness in the forearm. Difficulty performing everyday tasks like lifting or gripping.

Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Soft Tissue Disorders

Sub-category: Muscle and Tendon Conditions

Symptoms:
pain on the inner side of the elbow that can radiate down the forearm; weakness in the hand or wrist; pain worsens with gripping or lifting motions; tenderness at the medial epicondyle of the elbow

Root Cause:
Overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle of the elbow, resulting in inflammation and small tears.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination and tests (e.g., resisted wrist flexion). MRI or ultrasound for tendon damage.

Treatment:
Rest, ice, and activity modification. NSAIDs for pain relief. Physical therapy for strengthening and stretching. Corticosteroid injections for chronic cases. Surgery for severe cases that don't improve with conservative treatment.

Medications:
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections for persistent inflammation in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals who perform repetitive arm motions, including golfers, baseball players, and workers in manual labor.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Repetitive use of the forearm muscles, especially with poor technique or form.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases improve with conservative treatment (rest, therapy, and medications) within a few months, but chronic or severe cases may require surgery. Recovery time can vary, but full recovery is common with appropriate treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
If left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain, tendon rupture, or permanent weakness in the affected arm.

Sprains (e.g., ankle sprains)

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Soft Tissue Disorders

Sub-category: Ligament Injuries

Symptoms:
pain around the ankle joint, especially when moved or touched; ankle swelling and bruising; limited range of motion; instability or weakness in the ankle joint

Root Cause:
Sprains occur when ligaments (the tough tissues that connect bones) are stretched or torn, usually due to an overstretching or twisting injury.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is typically based on clinical examination, with confirmation through imaging studies such as X-rays (to rule out fractures) or MRI (to evaluate the severity of ligament damage).

Treatment:
R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for the initial treatment. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy to restore function and strengthen the ligaments. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen (classified as analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs) may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. Topical pain relievers like diclofenac gel may also be used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Sprains are common injuries, especially in athletes and active individuals, with ankle sprains being one of the most frequent musculoskeletal injuries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact sports (e.g., basketball, soccer), poor footwear, prior injury to the same area, and lack of strength or flexibility in muscles surrounding the joint.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most sprains heal with conservative management, though recovery time depends on the severity of the injury (ranging from a few days to several weeks). Severe sprains may require longer recovery or surgical intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic instability, recurring sprains, and long-term joint damage, particularly if not properly treated or if there are repeated injuries.

Torn ligaments (e.g., ACL, PCL)

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Soft Tissue Disorders

Sub-category: Ligament Injuries

Symptoms:
sudden pain and sharp discomfort at the time of injury; swelling and bruising around the knee joint; a feeling of instability or "giving way" of the joint; limited range of motion; inability to bear weight on the affected limb

Root Cause:
A torn ligament occurs when a ligament is overstretched or torn, commonly during activities that involve sudden movements, twisting, or direct impact to the joint. The ACL and PCL are the primary ligaments in the knee responsible for stabilizing the joint.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves a physical examination (e.g., Lachman test, anterior drawer test for ACL injury) and imaging studies such as MRI, which provides a clear picture of soft tissue damage and ligament tears.

Treatment:
For mild tears, conservative treatments include rest, ice, elevation, compression, and NSAIDs for pain relief. Severe tears often require surgical intervention, such as ligament reconstruction, followed by rehabilitation to restore strength and stability. Physical therapy is essential for recovery to regain full function.

Medications:
Pain relief can be managed with NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen (analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents). If prescribed after surgery, stronger pain medications such as opioids (e.g., oxycodone ) may be used in the short term to manage post-operative pain.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
ACL tears are particularly common in sports that involve pivoting, jumping, or sudden deceleration (e.g., soccer, basketball, skiing). The overall incidence of ACL injuries in athletes is significant, with more than 200,000 cases reported annually in the U.S.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Participation in high-risk sports, female gender (due to anatomical and hormonal factors), improper technique or training, and previous knee injuries.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most individuals recover well with surgery and rehabilitation, but long-term outcomes depend on the severity of the injury and the treatment regimen. Complete recovery from ACL or PCL injuries can take up to 6-12 months.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrent instability, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and, in some cases, re-tearing of the ligament if proper rehabilitation isn't followed.

Trochanteric bursitis

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Soft Tissue Disorders

Sub-category: Bursitis

Symptoms:
pain on the outer side of the hip; pain that worsens with activity, especially when lying on the affected side; tenderness over the greater trochanter; swelling around the hip

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the bursa over the greater trochanter of the hip, often caused by repetitive stress, trauma, or muscle imbalance.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, history of symptoms, imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI), and sometimes aspiration of bursa fluid for analysis.

Treatment:
Rest and activity modification. Ice therapy to reduce inflammation. Physical therapy for stretching and strengthening of surrounding muscles. Corticosteroid injections for severe inflammation. Surgery (rare) if symptoms persist despite other treatments.

Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen , for pain relief and inflammation reduction. Corticosteroids for inflammation (oral or injection), which are classified as corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in middle-aged to older adults, especially those who are active or have jobs requiring repetitive hip movements.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, gender (more common in women), overuse or repetitive movements, hip misalignment, and obesity.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often improves with conservative treatment such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Chronic cases may require surgical intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, reduced mobility, and potential need for surgery if conservative treatment fails.

Olecranon bursitis

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Soft Tissue Disorders

Sub-category: Bursitis

Symptoms:
swelling and redness over the elbow, at the tip of the elbow (olecranon process); pain and tenderness in the affected area, especially with pressure; warmth or fluid-filled mass over the elbow

Root Cause:
Inflammation or infection of the bursa located at the tip of the elbow, typically due to repetitive trauma, prolonged pressure, or infection.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, history of symptoms, imaging (X-rays to rule out fractures or calcifications), and aspiration of fluid from the bursa to check for infection.

Treatment:
Rest and avoiding activities that exacerbate the condition. Ice to reduce swelling. NSAIDs for pain relief. Drainage of fluid in case of infection or severe swelling. Corticosteroid injections for inflammation.

Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen , which are anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce pain and swelling. Antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin or dicloxacillin) if an infection is suspected, classified as antibiotics.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in people who kneel frequently (e.g., plumbers or gardeners) or those with a history of elbow trauma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Repetitive elbow pressure, trauma to the elbow, infection, or certain autoimmune diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with conservative treatment. In cases of infection or chronic bursitis, surgical drainage may be required.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic bursitis, infection (septic bursitis), or limited range of motion.

Prepatellar bursitis

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Soft Tissue Disorders

Sub-category: Bursitis

Symptoms:
swelling on the front of the knee, over the patella; pain with direct pressure on the knee, especially when kneeling; redness and warmth in the area of the bursa

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the prepatellar bursa due to repetitive kneeling, direct trauma, or infection.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, imaging (X-rays to exclude fractures), and aspiration of bursal fluid to check for infection.

Treatment:
Rest and avoiding activities that involve kneeling. Ice therapy and compression to reduce swelling. NSAIDs for pain relief. Aspiration of fluid if necessary, followed by corticosteroid injection.

Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen , which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce pain and swelling. Antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin or clindamycin ) for bacterial infection, if septic bursitis is diagnosed, which are antibiotics used to treat infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals who engage in occupations or sports involving frequent kneeling (e.g., carpet layers, gardeners, wrestlers).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged kneeling, trauma to the knee, and infection.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Usually resolves with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, recurrent flare-ups can occur.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection leading to septic bursitis, chronic inflammation, or limited knee movement.

Compound trauma (e.g., multiple fractures)

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Soft Tissue Disorders

Sub-category: Trauma and Injury

Symptoms:
pain at the site of injury; swelling; bruising; deformity (misalignment of bones); loss of function or movement in the affected area; bleeding, if skin is broken

Root Cause:
Multiple fractures resulting from significant trauma that disrupts the continuity of bones and possibly the surrounding soft tissues, leading to open fractures where the bone protrudes through the skin.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination of the injured area. X-rays or CT scans to assess the number and severity of fractures. MRI for soft tissue damage evaluation.

Treatment:
Immediate first aid (e.g., immobilization, elevation, and cold compress). Surgical intervention to realign and stabilize bones (open reduction and internal fixation, or ORIF). Splints or casts to immobilize the fractures. Physical therapy post-healing for rehabilitation.

Medications:
Analgesics like acetaminophen (non-opioid pain relief) and ibuprofen (NSAID) to reduce pain and inflammation. Opioid painkillers (e.g., oxycodone , morphine ) may be prescribed for severe pain in the initial stages of recovery. Antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin , clindamycin ) if there is a risk of infection from open fractures. Muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine ) for muscle spasms during recovery.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Compound trauma with multiple fractures is relatively rare but is often seen in high-energy trauma scenarios such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, or industrial accidents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-energy trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls from height). Age (elderly individuals may have brittle bones, while children may be more prone to fractures). Osteoporosis or bone disorders. Substance use (e.g., alcohol or drugs affecting coordination).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment, most fractures heal within a few months. However, compound fractures may lead to complications such as infection or improper healing, affecting function. Severe cases may result in long-term disability.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection (e.g., osteomyelitis). Non-union or malunion of fractures. Nerve or vascular damage. Compartment syndrome (a serious condition that occurs when pressure builds up within a muscle compartment). Post-traumatic arthritis. Chronic pain or functional impairment.

Amputations and prosthetic care

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Soft Tissue Disorders

Sub-category: Trauma and Injury

Symptoms:
phantom limb sensation or pain (feeling that the amputated limb is still there); pain at the site of amputation; limited mobility or function without prosthetics; swelling or discomfort in the residual limb

Root Cause:
Loss of a limb due to trauma, disease, or surgery. Amputation leads to the need for prosthetic care to restore function and appearance.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation and medical history to determine the cause of amputation (e.g., trauma, disease, or congenital defect). Imaging (X-ray or CT) to assess the stump for complications. Functional assessments to determine the best type of prosthetic.

Treatment:
Surgical removal of the limb, followed by rehabilitation. Prosthetic fitting (e.g., artificial limbs for mobility or hand prostheses). Physical therapy for strengthening and improving the use of the prosthetic.

Medications:
Pain management with analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs. Opioids (e.g., oxycodone ) for post-surgical or post-trauma pain. Antidepressants or antianxiety medications (e.g., sertraline , fluoxetine ) to address emotional and psychological issues following amputation. Medications to manage phantom limb pain (e.g., gabapentin or pregabalin , which are anticonvulsants used off-label for nerve pain).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Amputation is relatively uncommon, though more frequent in individuals with severe trauma, vascular disease (e.g., diabetes), and cancer.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, industrial accidents). Vascular diseases (e.g., peripheral artery disease, diabetes). Infections (e.g., untreated diabetic foot ulcers or severe burns). Cancer (e.g., sarcoma or bone cancer).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, individuals can regain significant functionality and adapt to prosthetics. However, the psychological impact of amputation can be profound and may require counseling or support.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Phantom limb pain or sensation. Infection at the amputation site. Stump ulcerations or skin breakdown. Prosthetic-related issues (e.g., discomfort, fit problems, or mechanical failure). Psychological effects (e.g., depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder).