Musculoskeletal Disorders

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Although bones are strong structures, they are not indestructible.

• Have you known someone who needed a cast for a broken arm or had knee replacement surgery?

These are two common procedures that treat injuries that can occur in the musculoskeletal system.

The most common injuries to muscles and bones are related to sports and movement. Sprains occur when ligaments tear or stretch, while strains result from twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon.

These injuries can be mild or severe, depending on how the injury occurred.

Strains and sprains should be treated with rest, ice, and elevation. These actions help the connective tissues heal quickly without further delay.

Sometimes, an injury is more localized and can result in broken bones.

Fractures occur when a bone breaks. Stress fractures occur when pressure is applied to the bone repeatedly, like kicking a ball in soccer or running a marathon.

• Have you ever heard of someone dislocating their shoulder?

This happens when the bones in a joint become separated, like the ball and socket joint in your shoulder. Dislocations should be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible!

These injuries require a great deal of rest to heal.

Try to prevent sports injuries by warming up and stretching before and after exercise, wearing good shoes, and not overworking your muscles!

Some patients have chronic musculoskeletal disorders or diseases that impair movement or exercise.

Arthritis is a prevalent issue and occurs when joint tissue becomes damaged, reducing the ability of joints to move or flex. When the joint cannot heal, patients can have surgery.

Knee replacement surgery removes the damaged part of the joint and replaces it with an artificial joint made of plastic or metal. This improves movement and comfort once the patient has recovered from the surgery.

The musculoskeletal system helps you move and grow by providing support and flexibility.

You have learned about common injuries due to stress and repeated use. Some individuals have trouble with movement because of disorders and diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system.

In the Got It? section, learn more about specific disorders and diseases that occur in the musculoskeletal system.