Orthopaedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions. The musculoskeletal system includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the human body. In Singapore, where an active lifestyle, an ageing population, and a busy work culture are prominent, orthopaedic conditions affect a significant portion of the population. These conditions can range from sports injuries and joint disorders to chronic back pain and age-related bone problems.
This comprehensive guide delves into the most common orthopaedic conditions in Singapore, exploring their causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies to help you maintain optimal musculoskeletal health.
Bone and Joint Disorders
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones to wear down.
- Symptoms:
Joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, particularly in the knees, hips, and hands.
- Treatment:
Treatment mainly focuses on pain management, physical therapy, and joint injections. In severe cases, an orthopaedic specialist may recommend joint replacement surgery.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system starts attacking the joints in the body. This causes inflammation and pain in the joints.
- Symptoms:
Swollen, warm, and painful joints, often affecting the hands and feet.
- Treatment:
Treatment involves medications, including DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become brittle and fragile due to decreased bone density.
- Symptoms:
Osteoporosis does not show any visible symptoms initially, as it is often silent until a fracture occurs. It is most common in the hip, wrist, or spine.
- Treatment:
Treatment for osteoporosis involves calcium and vitamin D supplements, medications to strengthen bones, and weight-bearing exercises.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid crystals in the joints.
- Symptoms:
Gout symptoms are often sudden, with severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness, typically in the big toe.
- Treatment:
A specialist orthopaedic doctor may prescribe medications to reduce uric acid levels and recommend dietary changes to avoid trigger foods as treatment.
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints.
- Symptoms:
Bursitis manifests as joint pain, swelling, and limited movement. This condition commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, and hips.
- Treatment:
Treatment for bursitis typically includes rest, ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, often due to overuse or repetitive movements.
- Symptoms:
Tendonitis symptoms include pain and tenderness, particularly around the affected joint.
- Treatment:
A doctor typically treats tendonitis by recommending rest, ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Sports Injuries
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tears
An ACL tear is a common knee injury in sports where the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee gets strained enough to cause a tear. This is typically caused by sudden stops and changes in direction while playing different sports, such as football and basketball.
- Symptoms:
Symptoms of an ACL tear include a popping sensation and sound, pain, and instability in the knee.
- Treatment:
ACL tear treatment involves physiotherapy and bracing. In severe cases, an orthopaedic doctor may recommend surgical reconstruction.
Meniscus Injuries
In our knees are knee cartilages called meniscus. They act as shock absorbers in the knee. When this meniscus cartilage gets tears because of some trauma or wear and tear, we call them meniscus tears.
- Symptoms:
Common symptoms of meniscus injuries include pain and stiffness in the knee and difficulty extending the knee fully.
- Treatment:
Minor meniscus tears are treated through rest and physical therapy. In case of severe tears, your orthopaedic specialist in Singapore may recommend arthroscopic surgery to repair or replace the cartilage.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are damage to the shoulder tendons. It is most common in athletes and individuals who perform repetitive overhead activities.
- Symptoms:
Symptoms of rotator cuff injuries include shoulder pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion.
- Treatment:
A rotator cuff injury is usually treated through physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
Tennis Elbow / Golfer’s Elbow
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are overuse injuries of the elbow that can cause pain in the area around the elbow and forearm.
- Symptoms:
In case of tennis elbow, you may feel pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. On the contrary, golfer’s elbow manifests as pain and tenderness on the inner part of the elbow.
- Treatment:
Both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow can be treated with rest, physical therapy, and bracing.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are a condition that causes pain along the shin bone. It is often caused due to overuse or repetitive stress on the legs.
- Symptoms:
Shin splints cause tenderness and swelling along the inner part of the lower leg.
- Treatment:
To treat shin splints, rest, ice, stretching exercises, and proper footwear is recommended.
Spine and Back Issues
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is caused when the soft centre of a spinal disc in the spine pushes through its outer layer. This outward protrusion of the disc presses on nearby nerves, causing pain and tenderness.
- Symptoms:
A herniated disc can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs, depending on the disc’s location in the spinal column.
- Treatment:
A herniated disc can be treated through physical therapy, posture improvements, and medications. In certain severe cases, surgery may also be recommended.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. Patients often have an S-shaped or C-shaped spine over three dimensions. The served spine can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain and numbness in the back, legs, and feet.
- Symptoms:
Common symptoms of scoliosis include uneven shoulders or hips, back pain, and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties.
- Treatment:
Scoliosis can be treated through bracing and physical therapy. For severe cases of scoliosis where the curvature causes breathing difficulties, surgery may be carried out to reduce the pressure on the lungs.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition in which pain radiates from the lower back down to one or both legs. This is caused when the sciatic nerve gets compressed due to a bulging or herniated disc in the spine.
- Symptoms:
The most common sciatica symptoms include sharp, shooting pain, numbness, or tingling along the leg, which can even extend to the toes.
- Treatment:
Rest, medications, posture adjustments, and physical therapy can treat sciatica. In case of severe pain, your doctor may recommend spinal block injections.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a highly common condition that affects men and women of all ages. It can result from poor posture, muscle strain, or degenerative conditions like arthritis.
- Symptoms:
Lower back pain manifests as a dull or sharp pain in the lower back, sometimes radiating to the legs.
- Treatment:
Lower back pain treatment typically includes rest, physiotherapy, pain management, and ergonomic adjustments.
Fractures and Trauma
Fractures are also types of orthopaedic conditions that people usually face when some accident or trauma occurs.
Common Types of Fractures
- Stress Fractures: Small cracks in bones, often due to repetitive force.
- Compound Fractures: When the bone pierces through the skin.
- Simple Fractures: Clean breaks without skin puncture.
- Hairline Fractures: Thin cracks in the bone, often difficult to detect initially.
Treatment Options
- Casting and Bracing: To immobilise the bone and allow natural healing.
- Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, metal plates, screws, or rods may be used to fix the bone.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.
When to See an Orthopaedic Specialist in Singapore
If you experience any of the following symptoms related to orthopaedics, it is advised to consult a qualified orthopaedic specialist in Singapore:
- Persistent pain, stiffness, or swelling in joints or muscles.
- Limited range of motion or difficulty performing daily activities.
- Injuries that do not improve with rest and home treatment.
- Suspected fractures or severe trauma.
- Numbness in the groin area or loss of bladder and/or bowel control.
Conclusion
Orthopaedic conditions can significantly affect your quality of life, but if diagnosed early and managed effectively, it can lead to better outcomes. Whether dealing with sports injuries, chronic joint pain, or fractures, consulting an orthopaedic specialist in Singapore ensures you receive the best care tailored to your needs. Prioritising musculoskeletal health today can help maintain mobility and reduce the risk of complications in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common orthopaedic conditions in Singapore?
Common orthopaedic conditions in Singapore include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, gout, sports injuries (e.g., ACL tears, rotator cuff injuries), spine issues (e.g., herniated disc, scoliosis), fractures, and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and plantar fasciitis.
How do I know if I need to see an orthopaedic specialist?
If you experience persistent pain in your bones, joints, or muscles, limited mobility, swelling, or if an injury does not heal with rest and home care, it is advisable to consult an orthopaedic specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
What are the treatment options for orthopaedic conditions?
Treatment for orthopaedic conditions depend on the type of condition and its severity. The treatment mpdalities can include non-surgical methods like physical therapy, medications, orthotics, and injection therapy, as well as surgical options such as joint replacement, arthroscopy, spinal surgery, and fracture fixation.
How can I prevent common orthopaedic issues?
You can prevent common orthopaedic issues by:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Practising good posture
- Avoiding high-impact activities without proper conditioning.
Are orthopaedic treatments in Singapore covered by insurance?
Yes, many orthopaedic treatments in Singapore can be covered by health insurance, Medisave, and Medishield Life. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
What should I expect during my first visit to an orthopaedic specialist?
During your first visit, the orthopaedic specialist will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or blood tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Can orthopaedic conditions be managed without surgery?
Yes, many orthopaedic conditions can be managed with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, lifestyle modifications, and minimally invasive procedures like injection therapy.
Is it safe to exercise with an orthopaedic condition?
In many cases, individuals with orthopaedic conditions can benefit from low-impact exercises and specific physical therapy routines. However, it is always advised to consult an orthopaedic specialist to determine safe and effective exercises tailored to your condition.
What are the risks of delaying orthopaedic treatment?
If you suffer from orthopaedic conditions, it is best to seek effective treatment timely. Delaying treatment can lead to the worsening of the condition, increased pain, reduced mobility, and in severe cases, irreversible damage to bones, joints, or muscles.
