Orthopedic Conditions

St. Luke’s Health provides the latest technology and extensive capabilities to aid our orthopedic specialists. We offer highly specialized care for injuries, diseases, and disorders of bones, joints, and muscles. Our board-certified specialists and expert health professionals are committed to comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Orthopedic conditions we treat include:

Common symptoms of orthopedic conditions

Orthopedic conditions can affect various parts of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Here are some common symptoms associated with orthopedic conditions:

Pain: Pain is the most common symptom of orthopedic conditions. It can be sharp, dull, aching, or throbbing and may be localized to a specific area or more generalized.
Swelling: Swelling occurs due to inflammation or fluid accumulation in the affected area, often making the area appear puffy or larger than usual.
Stiffness: Stiffness in the joints or muscles can limit the range of motion and make it difficult to move the affected area, especially after periods of inactivity.
Deformity: Visible deformities, such as misalignment or unusual shapes in bones or joints, can be a sign of orthopedic conditions like fractures, arthritis, or congenital abnormalities.
Weakness: Muscle or joint weakness can result from injury, inflammation, or degenerative conditions, leading to difficulty in performing everyday tasks.
Limited Range of Motion: Orthopedic conditions can restrict movement in the affected joints or muscles, making it hard to bend, stretch, or rotate the area normally.
Instability: Joint instability can make the joint feel like it might give way or buckle, which is common in conditions like ligament injuries or severe arthritis.
Numbness and Tingling: Nerve involvement in orthopedic conditions can cause sensations of numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" feeling in the affected area.
Creaking or Cracking Sounds: Joint conditions can cause audible sounds like creaking, cracking, or popping during movement, often due to roughened cartilage surfaces or gas bubbles in the joint fluid.
Redness and Warmth: Inflammation can cause the skin over the affected area to become red and warm to the touch, which is common in infections or inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Bruising: Trauma or injury to bones, joints, or muscles can lead to bruising, indicating damage to blood vessels in the area.
Difficulty Bearing Weight: Pain, weakness, or instability in the legs, hips, or spine can make it difficult to stand, walk, or bear weight on the affected limb.
Chronic Fatigue: Chronic orthopedic conditions can lead to overall fatigue, impacting a person’s energy levels and ability to perform daily activities.
Joint Locking or Catching: Conditions like meniscus tears in the knee can cause the joint to lock or catch during movement, making it difficult to fully straighten or bend the joint.
Loss of Function: Severe orthopedic conditions can lead to a significant loss of function in the affected area, impacting the ability to carry out normal activities.
Changes in Gait or Posture: Pain, deformities, or weakness can cause noticeable changes in the way a person walks (gait) or holds their body (posture).

Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking appropriate medical evaluation and treatment can help manage orthopedic conditions effectively, prevent further damage, and improve quality of life.