Locomotor System

A hip fracture is a serious injury, with complications that can be life-threatening. The risk of hip fracture rises with age. Risk increases because bones tend to weaken with age (osteoporosis). Multiple medications, poor vision and balance problems also make older people more likely to fall — one of the most common causes of hip fracture. A hip fracture almost always requires surgical repair or replacement, followed by physical therapy. Taking steps to maintain bone density and avoid falls can help prevent a hip fracture. Symptoms Inability to get up from a fall or to walk Severe pain in the hip or groin Inability to put weight on the leg on the side of the injured hip Bruising and swelling in and around the hip area Shorter leg on the side of the injured hip Outward turning of the leg on the side of the injured hip Causes A severe impact, such as a car crash, can cause hip fractures in people of all ages. In older adults, a hip fracture is most often a result of a fall from a standin...

Lower back pain, sometimes called lumbago, is not a specific disease diagnosis. It’s a symptom of several different types of medical problems. It usually results from a problem with one or more parts of the lower back, such as: ligaments and muscles discs invertebral discs nerves the bony structures that make up the spine, called vertebral bodies or vertebrae It can also be due to a problem with nearby organs, such as the kidneys. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 75 to 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain in their lifetime. Of those, 50 percent will have more than one episode within a year. In 90 percent of all cases, the pain gets better without surgery. Talk with a doctor if you’re experiencing back pain. Strained muscles often cause back pain. Strain commonly occurs with incorrect lifting of heavy objects and sudden awkward movements. Strain can also result from overactivity. An example is the sore feeling and stiffness that occurs af...