Osteoarthritis affects more than 21 million Americans and is responsible for thousands of yearly hip, knee and shoulder replacements. Back and spine problems also account for a large number of complaints. Other common problems are bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, ligament and cartilage injuries, and fractures from sports and motor vehicle accidents.

Bone minerals are composed heavily of calcium. During periods of bone growth, between 10 and 20 years of age, calcium should be a regular dietary component. In addition, individuals begin to lose bone minerals past the age of 35.

Calcium supplements can help minimize this loss. Staying active with regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a healthy diet are also very important for keeping bones and joints healthy.

A fracture is a break in a bone that can result from an accident or other injury. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture.

Fractures commonly happen because of auto accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Other causes are low bone density and osteoporosis, which cause weakening of the bones. Overuse can also cause stress fractures, very small cracks in the bone.

In many fractures, the affected limb looks misshapen and out of place. The limb can become swollen and the fracture may cause severe pain. Other symptoms include bruising, numbness or tingling, and sometimes an inability to move the limb or bear weight.

A sprain is an injury of the ligaments, tissues that connect bones together. When the ligaments are stretched past their normal range of motion, the result can include swelling, severe pain, and limited mobility.

Sprains usually heal with rest, but a fractured bone must be set or surgically repaired to heal. If you have an injury to a limb you should always seek the advice of a medical professional to determine the correct diagnosis.

A layer of tissue, called cartilage, covers the end of the bones at each joint and acts as a shock absorber. Over time, cartilage can wear away, and the joints can become stiff, swollen, and sore. This condition is called arthritis. Arthritis is a leading chronic condition in the US, affecting more than 21 million Americans.

Ice is a good rule of thumb in the first stage of an injury (within the first 24-48 hours), or whenever there is swelling. Ice helps to reduce inflammation by decreasing blood flow to the area to which cold is applied. Heat increases blood flow and may promote pain relief after swelling subsides. Heat may also be used to warm up muscles prior to exercise or physical therapy.

Physical therapy is used to help treat musculoskeletal and neurological injuries to promote healing and a return to normal function after an injury or surgery. Physical therapy helps you regain range of motion, strength, and endurance, thereby helping you to regain normal function. This is achieved through stretching, resistance exercises, and modalities such as heat, cold, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

A tendon is a band of tissue that connects your muscles to your bones.

A ligament is a band of tissue that connects bone to bone and provides stability to your joints.

Cartilage is a gel-like padding between your bones that protects joints and allows for movement.

Cortisone is a steroid that is produced naturally in the body. Cortisone is also produced synthetically (it is manufactured), and can be injected into soft tissues and joints to help decrease inflammation. While cortisone is not an actual pain reliever, pain may diminish as a result of reduced inflammation.

Cortisone injections are commonly used as a treatment for conditions such as bursitis, tendinitis, and arthritis and can bring great relief to pain sufferers. There are generally limits placed on the number of times an affected area can be injected. You can discuss this with your doctor.

There are different levels of anesthesia. There is conscious sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia. Conscious sedation is often used in short, uncomplicated procedures. Medications are used to help reduce anxiety and pain. It allows the patient to forget or not feel any discomfort during the surgical procedure. The patient remains somewhat awake and is able to follow verbal instruction.

This type of sedation is often used in conjunction with a local anesthesia that numbs the direct area where the procedure is taking place.

Deep IV (intravenous) sedation uses medications that allow the patient to forget or not feel any discomfort or pain during the procedure. They are able to breathe on their own and respond to deep stimulation, with swallowing and other reflexes still functioning.

General anesthesia puts you into a deep sleep so you do not feel pain during surgery. General anesthesia involves administering certain medicines intravenously (through an IV), so you will not be aware of what is happening around you.

Once you are sedated, the doctor may insert a tube into your windpipe (trachea) to administer anesthetic gases, and to help you breathe and protect your lungs. General anesthesia is administered in a hospital or outpatient center and is generally used for longer procedures or procedures that would cause more pain than can be tolerated with other methods of anesthesia.