Common Orthopedic Problems in Older Adults

As we get older, we tend to develop musculoskeletal issues that often seem to get worse and worse – such as arthritis. These issues often increase in severity at such a slow pace that we don’t know at what point to finally see a doctor about it.

Fortunately, an orthopedic physician understands these issues you’re facing as you enjoy an active adult lifestyle. Let’s talk about some of the most common types of orthopedic problems we tend to have as we get older, and where you can go to get an evaluation of your aches and pains and receive treatment that works for you.

 

Frequently Diagnosed Orthopedic Issues in Older Adults

 

The following musculoskeletal problems are treated every day inactive adults by orthopedic doctors:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is most likely to cause knee pain or shoulder pain, although it can affect any joint. This is the most common form of arthritis and is therefore often called just “arthritis,” and young athletes who put a lot of pressure on their joints are also vulnerable to developing osteoarthritis.

This is also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, and it occurs due to the deterioration of cartilage at the ends of your bones in a joint. Eventually, the cartilage wears down to the point where a bone rubs against the other bone every time you move. Osteoarthritis also causes your connective tissues to deteriorate, your bones to change, and your joint lining to swell.

A common sign of osteoarthritis is a grating sensation in your joint, which happens when the bones rub against each other. You might have joint swelling, pain, and stiffness as well.

 

Osteoporosis 

 

Osteoporosis occurs in older adults when your bones either don’t make enough new bone cells, reabsorb too much bone tissue, or a combination of the two. With this condition, your bones become brittle and weak, because there are tiny gaps throughout the bone tissue. You become more at risk of a fracture, because the bone can suddenly crack and collapse.

Osteoporosis can also cause pain. If it affects the vertebrae in your back, you might lose height or develop a stooped posture.

 

Joint Dislocation 

 

As our joints lose some of their physical integrity as we get older, they can become unstable and prone to a dislocation – which occurs when a bone pops out of the socket. This tends to happen in the shoulder more often than any other joint in the body.

A fall can lead to a dislocated shoulder. A dislocation can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and immobility of the joint. Sometimes, you can visibly see that the joint is out of place.

 

Surgeon for Orthopedic Problems in Little Rock

 

The main reason to choose Dr. William Hefley to treat your orthopedic problems, such as shoulder pain, is that our medical team understands age-related musculoskeletal issues and how to keep them tamped down. We offer solutions that fit your lifestyle and help you stay in motion.

We serve Little Rock and patients across Arkansas. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hefley, call us today at (800) 336-2412. You may also fill out our convenient online contact form. We look forward to seeing you!