Patient Information
How to Use This Page
This page is designed as a patient education resource to support understanding of some common orthopedic conditions and highlight topics such as the role nutrition may play in musculoskeletal health and recovery. You may begin by selecting a Common Orthopedic Terms to review a brief, evidence-informed explanation that describes what the condition is. If you would like to explore nutrition-related guidance, there are buttons to sections that provide structured pathways to learn how dietary patterns and food choices may support areas such as inflammation management, joint health, bone or fracture healing, and wound healing. Content is organized to promote clarity and ease of navigation, allowing you to review information at your own pace. This material is intended to complement care provided by your healthcare team and to support informed conversations, not to replace individualized medical evaluation or treatment.
Common Orthopaedic Terms
Arthritis
Definition: Arthritis is when your joints get swollen and hurt, making it hard to move around. It can happen to anyone, not just older people. Prevalence: Around 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have arthritis, which is about 58 million people. Incidence: About 24% of adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with arthritis.
Bursitis
Definition: Bursitis is when the little cushions between your bones and muscles get inflamed, causing pain when you move. Prevalence: Bursitis is fairly common, especially in adults over 40. Incidence: Bursitis affects approximately 10 people per 100,000 annually.
Fasciitis
Definition: Fasciitis is when the thick tissue on the bottom of your foot gets swollen, making your heel hurt a lot, especially in the morning. Prevalence: Plantar fasciitis affects about 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives. Incidence: About 2 million people are treated for plantar fasciitis annually in the U.S.
Fracture
Definition: A fracture is a fancy word for a broken bone. It can happen if you fall or get hit really hard. Prevalence: Around 6.3 million fractures occur annually in the U.S. Incidence: About 2 million fractures due to osteoporosis occur annually in the U.S.
Inflammation
Definition: Inflammation is when a part of your body gets red, hot, and swollen because it's trying to heal from an injury or fight off germs. Prevalence: Inflammation is a common response in various conditions, affecting millions worldwide. Incidence: Millions of new cases of inflammation-related conditions are reported annually.
Sprain
Definition: A sprain happens when the stretchy bands that hold your bones together get stretched or torn. This can make your ankle, wrist, or knee hurt and swell up. Prevalence: Ankle sprains are very common, especially among athletes. Incidence: Ankle sprains alone affect about 2 million people annually in the U.S.
Strain
Definition: A strain is when your muscles or tendons get stretched too much or torn. It often happens from lifting something heavy or playing sports. Prevalence: Muscle strains are common, particularly among those who are physically active. Incidence: Millions of muscle strains are reported annually, especially among athletes and active individuals.
Tendonitis
Definition: Tendonitis is when the thick cords that connect your muscles to your bones get irritated and sore from being used too much. Prevalence: Tendonitis affects about 5% of adults at some point in their lives. Incidence: Tendonitis is particularly common in people who perform repetitive activities, with millions of cases diagnosed annually.