What common conditions affect the skeletal system?
Lots of common health conditions and injuries can affect your skeletal system because it’s such an important part of how you use your body.
Anything that damages your bones or connective tissue affects your skeletal system, including:
Many autoimmune diseases affect the skeletal system (especially joints). Some of the most common include:
Traumas like falls, car accidents and injuries often damage your skeletal system. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Sports injuries.
- Bone fractures (broken bones).
- Dislocations.
- Muscle strains (pulled muscles).
- Ligament tears and sprains.
Common signs or symptoms of skeletal issues
Because so many conditions and injuries can affect your skeletal system, you might experience lots of different symptoms. Some common symptoms include:
- Pain (including muscle pain, joint pain or bone pain).
- Stiffness.
- Swelling (inflammation).
- Skin discoloration or bruising.
- A feeling of heat or warmth.
- Trouble moving a part of your body (a reduced range of motion).
- Hearing or feeling a pop or grinding.
Common tests done to the skeletal system
A healthcare provider will suggest tests based on where you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms. You might need:
- X-rays.
- Ultrasounds.
- A computed tomography (CT) scan.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- A bone density test (DXA scan).
What are common treatments for the skeletal system?
Your skeletal system shouldn’t need treatment unless you have a health condition or experience an injury. Your provider will suggest ways to treat what’s causing your symptoms and help your body heal. Some common treatments include:
- Medication: Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen relieve pain and reduce swelling. Your provider might prescribe corticosteroids or specific medications to treat an autoimmune disease.
- Immobilization: It’s common to need a brace, splint, sling or cast after an injury. It’ll hold your injured body part in a stable position while you recover. Your provider will tell you which type of immobilization you’ll need and how long to wear it for.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist will help you strengthen muscles and increase your flexibility, especially after an injury.
- Arthroplasty (joint replacement): Some people need partial or total joint replacements. Hips and knees are some of the most commonly replaced joints. Your provider or surgeon will tell you what to expect.
