Common Orthopaedic Conditions

Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by weakened bones, which become brittle and more susceptible to fractures. Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, especially after menopause, due to the decrease in oestrogen levels—a hormone crucial for maintaining bone density.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Age: Bone density decreases naturally with age.
• Menopause: The drop in oestrogen levels accelerates bone loss.
• Family History: A family history of osteoporosis increases the risk.
• Diet: Insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake can lead to weaker bones.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to bone density loss.

Symptoms

Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because it typically presents no symptoms until a fracture occurs. However, some early signs may include:

• Back Pain: Caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra.
• Loss of Height: Due to compression fractures in the spine.
• Stooped Posture: Resulting from spinal fractures.

Treatment and Prevention

Osteoporosis is treated with medications that strengthen bones, such as bisphosphonates, and supplements like calcium and vitamin D. Weight-bearing exercises, a diet rich in calcium, and lifestyle modifications, including quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake, are crucial preventive measures.

For more information on osteoporosis, you can refer to the Osteoporosis Society Singapore.

Osteoarthritis

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the development of osteoarthritis:

• Age: The risk increases with age.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
• Joint Injuries: Previous injuries can increase the likelihood of developing OA.
• Genetics: A family history of OA can predispose women to the condition.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Joint Pain and Stiffness: Especially in the knees, hips, and hands.
• Swelling: Around the affected joints.
• Reduced Flexibility: Difficulty in moving the joint fully.
• Grating Sensation: Feeling or hearing the joint "creak" during movement.

Treatment and Management

Osteoarthritis management focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. Treatment options include:

• Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Physical Therapy: To strengthen muscles around the joint and improve flexibility.
• Surgical Options: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery might be considered.

Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding joint injuries.

You can learn more about osteoarthritis from the Singapore Health Services (SingHealth).

Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is a wear-and-tear disease, RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of RA is unknown, but several factors increase the risk:

• Gender: Women are more likely to develop RA.
• Hormonal Factors: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during pregnancy and menopause, may play a role.
• Genetic Predisposition: Certain genetic markers are associated with a higher risk of RA.
• Smoking: Increases the risk of developing RA and can worsen the condition.

Symptoms

RA symptoms can vary in severity and may include:

• Joint Pain and Swelling: Often in the hands, wrists, and feet.
• Morning Stiffness: Lasting for more than 30 minutes.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.
• Symmetrical Symptoms: RA usually affects joints on both sides of the body equally.

Treatment and Management

RA is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. In Singapore, treatment options include:

• Medications: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression.
• Physical Therapy: To maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength.
• Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management are crucial for managing RA.

Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent joint damage and maintain a good quality of life. For further information, visit the National Arthritis Foundation Singapore.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist.

Causes and Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of developing CTS include:

• Repetitive Hand Use: Activities that involve prolonged or repetitive use of the hands and wrists.
• Pregnancy: Fluid retention during pregnancy can increase pressure within the carpal tunnel.
• Menopause: Hormonal changes can lead to swelling and nerve compression.
• Health Conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can also contribute to CTS.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Numbness and Tingling: Especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
• Pain in the Hand or Wrist: Which may radiate up the arm.
• Weakness: Difficulty in gripping or holding objects.

Treatment and Management

In Singapore, the treatment of CTS depends on the severity of the condition:

• Non-Surgical Treatments: Wrist splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections are commonly used.
• Surgery: In cases where conservative treatments fail, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Preventive strategies include ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on the wrists, taking regular breaks from repetitive activities, and maintaining a healthy weight.

For more information on carpal tunnel syndrome, you can refer to the National University Hospital (NUH) Singapore.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries

What are ACL Injuries?

An ACL injury refers to a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is one of the key ligaments that help stabilise your knee joint. The ACL is a strong band of tissue that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and is crucial for maintaining knee stability, especially during activities that involve sudden changes in direction, jumping, or abrupt stops.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Anatomical Differences: Women tend to have a narrower space within the knee for the ACL, increasing the risk of injury.
• Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormones such as oestrogen and relaxin can affect ligament strength and flexibility.
• Muscle Imbalance: Women often have stronger quadriceps than hamstrings, leading to less knee stability.

Symptoms

An ACL injury typically presents with the following symptoms:

• A "Pop" Sound: Heard or felt in the knee at the time of injury.
• Severe Pain and Swelling: Rapid swelling within hours of the injury.
• Instability: Feeling of the knee "giving way" when bearing weight.

Treatment and Prevention

ACL injuries can be treated with both non-surgical and surgical methods:

• Non-Surgical Treatment: Includes physical therapy and the use of a knee brace.
• Surgical Treatment: ACL reconstruction surgery is often recommended for active individuals or those with significant knee instability.

Preventive measures include strength training, neuromuscular conditioning, and practicing proper techniques during sports activities.

Understanding common conditions can help people to take proactive steps to prevent, detect and treat them. If you require more information about these conditions, please seek out specialised orthopaedic care for optimal prevention strategies, early detection, and targeted treatment.