The musculoskeletal system is the most extensive system in the human body. It includes the skeleton, muscles, tendons, ligaments - everything that allows the human body to move and make any movements. The treatment of the musculoskeletal system is carried out in such branches of medicine as orthopedics, traumatology, neurology and others.
The danger of such diseases is that they affect not only a person’s motor activity, but can also affect the health of internal organs, heart rate, well-being and overall quality of life.
Basic and most common diseases
It is quite difficult to list all diseases of the musculoskeletal system, because their list is quite long. But, according to the characteristics of their development, diseases can be divided into several groups: • inflammatory in nature. The cause is usually an infection or injury that causes inflammation. This category includes arthritis, bursitis, myositis, osteomyelitis, periarthritis, radiculitis and others; • degenerative in nature. Such diseases are accompanied by a violation of the structure and functionality of individual elements. These include arthrosis, ankylosis, osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, etc.; • various types of deformities: scoliosis, kyphosis, flat feet. You should also know that diseases of the musculoskeletal system are accompanied by damage or impairment of the functionality of its various components: • bone tissue; • muscles; • joints. Depending on this, the treatment tactics and its effectiveness will differ.
Indications for visiting a traumatologist-orthopedist for orthopedic consultation
A timely consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist allows you to detect diseases at an early stage, when conservative treatment methods are effective and the risk of complications is reduced.
It is recommended to make an appointment for an orthopedic examination by a traumatologist-orthopedist for the following complaints and disorders:
- asymmetry of skin folds on the child’s buttocks and thighs;
- pain in muscles and joints;
- restrictions in movements;
- poor posture, stoop;
- flat feet, club feet;
- different lengths of limbs;
- detection of any neoplasms in the area of bones, muscles or soft tissues;
- torticollis, an unnatural position of the child's head or body
If these signs appear, you should make an appointment with an orthopedic traumatologist. The doctor will conduct an examination, prescribe an examination, and, if necessary, refer you to additional consultations with a surgeon, neurologist, osteopath or other specialized specialists. Some diseases require the participation of doctors from related disciplines.
Causes of development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system
If we talk about the reasons that can provoke the appearance of the diseases in question, we can highlight several main negative factors: • infections. They provoke the development of inflammatory processes in joints and muscles; • injuries. Against their background, diseases of the musculoskeletal system develop very often and can occur immediately or after a certain period of time, even after several years; • congenital pathologies. Here, a child from birth has certain disorders caused by genetic factors or developmental problems when he was still at the embryonic stage; • metabolic disease. Often this factor becomes the cause of degenerative changes; • disruption of the immune system. It can also cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system; • complications after surgery; • excessive physical activity without taking proper time to rest. Knowing the causes of disease development, we can immediately identify the main preventive measures. They will consist of the following points: • adherence to a regime of physical activity and rest; • maintaining an active lifestyle; • good nutrition; • timely treatment of emerging diseases; • elimination of bad habits. Such simple preventive measures will help reduce the likelihood of developing diseases that cause significant discomfort and require immediate and long-term treatment.
Prevention
Favorable factors for the prevention of musculoskeletal system disorders are considered to be sufficient physical activity and consumption of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Numerous studies show that physical education, sports, and feasible physical work contribute to strengthening the joint strength. At the places where muscle tendons attach to the bones, various thickenings and roughness are formed. The better the muscles are developed, the stronger the skeletal bones become.
Prevention of flat feet and reduction of pain during its development:
- the use of arch supports (insoles) that follow the curves of the foot;
- performing exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot;
- wearing comfortable shoes;
- heels 3-4 cm high;
- walking barefoot.
You need to take care of proper posture from an early age. Cartilaginous tissue in the skeleton of children and adolescents is gradually replaced by bone tissue. If scoliosis or kyphosis appears in childhood, it is very difficult to correct it later due to ossification of the skeleton. To prevent curvature of the spine, you need to ensure that you maintain correct posture: at the table, when working on the computer, while walking and running.
Symptoms of musculoskeletal diseases
Diagnosis in this case does not cause difficulties. The symptoms are pronounced enough that they cannot go unnoticed. In the initial stages they are weaker, but as the disease deepens, the symptoms will also intensify. The main symptoms of diseases of the musculoskeletal system include: • pain. They are localized in the area of affected tissues and can be periodic or permanent. The pain can be sharp and aching. At first, they can be stopped with analgesics, but over time, the drugs stop giving the desired effect; • limitation of mobility. Typically, this symptom is observed when the joints are damaged, indicating a fairly serious stage of the disease; • swelling. May occur with problems with muscles or joints; • increase in local body temperature. Indicates the presence of an inflammatory process; • increased fatigue. It usually accompanies scoliosis and flat feet; • crunching during movements. If any of the listed signs appear, you should immediately seek help from a doctor.
Diagnostic and treatment methods
For any disease, it is necessary to start with diagnosis and diagnosis. A rheumatologist, orthopedist, or traumatologist is involved in identifying problems with the musculoskeletal system.
First of all, a patient survey is conducted, where preliminary data are collected on the nature of pain in the areas of the musculoskeletal system and the duration of the disease.
A number of additional studies and laboratory tests are added to the oral interview. Among them:
- assessment of range of motion and intensity of pain syndromes;
- visual inspection;
- palpation of damaged areas;
- blood analysis;
- radiography;
- Ultrasound, tomography, etc.
Once the diagnosis is made, treatment is prescribed. In case of injuries to the musculoskeletal system, the patient is instructed to remain calm and not disturb the damaged ligaments. Additionally, the application of cold compresses, ointments, and gels is prescribed.
Treatment of other injuries combines a whole range of measures. It can be:
- massages;
- physiotherapy;
- sanatorium treatment;
- medications (anti-inflammatory, painkillers, hormonal, etc.)
- vitamin complexes.
In some cases, surgical intervention is required to treat injuries and other types of damage to the musculoskeletal system.
Features of treatment
Treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system is usually carried out comprehensively. The treatment regimen depends on the type and stage of the disease. Doctors may prescribe a combination of the following: 1. Anti-inflammatory drugs. They help relieve inflammation, relieve pain, get rid of swelling and discomfort during movement and at rest. 2. Chondroprotectors. Used as part of complex therapy to restore joint health. They have a beneficial effect on cartilage tissue and help restore the composition of synovial fluid. 3. Antibacterial drugs. They are relevant in the presence of an inflammatory process of an infectious nature, and are often used in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. 4. Therapeutic exercises. They are prescribed not only to children, but also to adults, they help get rid of numerous disorders and recover faster after therapy. The exercises are performed under the supervision of experienced specialists, and after a certain time, with their permission, exercise therapy can be done at home. 5. Physiotherapy. Also used in the complex treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, used to speed up therapy and increase its effectiveness. 6. Vitamin and mineral complexes. Used for general strengthening of the body, joints and bone tissue. They also improve the general condition of a person and strengthen the immune system. 7. Massage. Very often prescribed in combination with exercise therapy and physiotherapeutic procedures. It is used in the treatment of children and adult patients. Massage should only be performed by a qualified specialist. Then you will be able to get the maximum positive effect and avoid complications. Surgical intervention becomes relevant only in cases where conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system has not given the desired effect. As a rehabilitation therapy after surgery, it is recommended to undergo sanatorium-resort treatment. It is carried out in specialized complexes located in ecologically clean regions of the country.
Prevalence of the problem
Data from the recent Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study indicate that approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal disorders and diseases (1). Although the prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases varies by age and diagnosis, they affect people of all ages throughout the world. Populations in high-income countries (441 million people) are most affected by such diseases, followed by those in the Western Pacific Region (427 million people) and the South-East Asia Region (369 million people). Musculoskeletal disorders and diseases are also the leading contributors to disability worldwide, accounting for approximately 149 million years of life lived with a disability, representing 17% of all years lived with a disability from any cause globally.
Lumbago accounts for the majority of the total burden of musculoskeletal disorders and diseases. Other factors contributing to this burden include fractures (436 million people worldwide), osteoarthritis (343 million people), other injuries (305 million people), cervicalgia (222 million people), amputations (175 million people) and rheumatoid disease. arthritis (14 million people) (1).
Although the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and diseases increases with age, they also affect younger people, often during the years of peak economic activity. Lumbago, for example, is the main cause of premature termination of work. The adverse impact on society is enormous, not only in terms of direct health care costs, but also in terms of indirect costs (such as missed work, lost productivity). In addition, musculoskeletal disorders and diseases are closely associated with significant decline in mental health and functional decline. The number of people affected by lumbago is predicted to increase in the future, with the fastest rates in low- and middle-income countries (2).
The WHO Rehabilitation Need Estimator, a tool developed by WHO, provides a unique opportunity to obtain data on the prevalence of disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal system in individual countries, regions and the world as a whole, as well as data on years of life lived with disabilities caused by disabilities. disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Modern orthopedic treatment
In orthopedics, conservative and surgical treatment methods are used.
Before choosing one or another technique, the specialist conducts diagnostics. It includes ultrasound, CT, MRI, electromyography.
Physiotherapy, manual therapy, and massage are also used in orthopedics.
The use of special plaster casts and foot abduction devices for deformities of the extremities is constantly being introduced into medical practice. If all medical prescriptions are followed and corrective mechanisms are used, the orthopedic defect is completely eliminated.
Traction is one of the methods for treating lower limb deformities. It is extremely important to detect signs of the disease as early as possible. In early childhood, such pathologies can be easily corrected and can disappear without a pronounced cosmetic defect or problems with self-esteem in the future.
Specialists also use Ilizarov or Taylor methods and perform osteosynthesis.