Condition Lookup

Rotator cuff injuries

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

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.