Getting Started
Basic AnatomySee All
 Understanding Bones in Basic Anatomy
A typical bone in your body contains 3 types of tissue - a hard outer tissue, a sponge-like inner tissue, and smooth tissue at the ends. ...more
 Anatomy of the Spine in Basic Anatomy
Your backbone, also called the vertebral column, is made up of 33 vertebrae separated by spongy disks. ...more
 Anatomy of the Shoulder in Basic Anatomy
The shoulder is a complex joint with several layers, including bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. ...more
 Anatomy of a Joint in Basic Anatomy
Joints are the areas where 2 or more bones meet. Most joints are mobile, allowing the bones to move. ...more
The pelvis is a basin-shaped structure that supports the spinal column and protects the abdominal organs. ...more
 Anatomy of the Elbow in Basic Anatomy
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus bone in the upper arm and the radius and ulnar bones in the lower arm. ...more
 Anatomy of the Knee in Basic Anatomy
The knee is a vulnerable joint that bears a lot of stress from everyday activities, such as lifting and from high-impact activities, such as jogging. ...more
 Anatomy of the Foot in Basic Anatomy
Your feet are susceptible to many stresses. Foot pain and problems can cause pain, inflammation, or injury. ...more
 Understanding Bones in Basic Anatomy
A typical bone in your body contains 3 types of tissue - a hard outer tissue, a sponge-like inner tissue, and smooth tissue at the ends. ...more
 Anatomy of the Spine in Basic Anatomy
Your backbone, also called the vertebral column, is made up of 33 vertebrae separated by spongy disks. ...more
 Anatomy of the Shoulder in Basic Anatomy
The shoulder is a complex joint with several layers, including bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. ...more
 Anatomy of a Joint in Basic Anatomy
Joints are the areas where 2 or more bones meet. Most joints are mobile, allowing the bones to move. ...more
The pelvis is a basin-shaped structure that supports the spinal column and protects the abdominal organs. ...more
 Anatomy of the Elbow in Basic Anatomy
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus bone in the upper arm and the radius and ulnar bones in the lower arm. ...more
 Anatomy of the Knee in Basic Anatomy
The knee is a vulnerable joint that bears a lot of stress from everyday activities, such as lifting and from high-impact activities, such as jogging. ...more
 Anatomy of the Foot in Basic Anatomy
Your feet are susceptible to many stresses. Foot pain and problems can cause pain, inflammation, or injury. ...more
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Orthopedic Tests and ProceduresSee All
Members of your treatment team may include an orthopedic surgeon, a rheumatologist, and a physical therapist. Read on for details. ...more
The goal of musculoskeletal rehab is to help you return to the highest level of function and independence possible. ...more
Corticosteroid injections can treat many skeletal, muscular, and spinal conditions. Some of these injections can be done by your healthcare provider during a routine clinic visit. Others need a referral to a pain specialist. ...more
Some joint implants can set off security alarms in airports. Follow these tips on traveling after joint replacement surgery. ...more
Diagnostic ProceduresOrthopedic Treatments
Members of your treatment team may include an orthopedic surgeon, a rheumatologist, and a physical therapist. Read on for details. ...more
The goal of musculoskeletal rehab is to help you return to the highest level of function and independence possible. ...more
Corticosteroid injections can treat many skeletal, muscular, and spinal conditions. Some of these injections can be done by your healthcare provider during a routine clinic visit. Others need a referral to a pain specialist. ...more
Some joint implants can set off security alarms in airports. Follow these tips on traveling after joint replacement surgery. ...more
Orthopedic Conditions and DisordersSee All
 Whiplash Injury in Back and Neck
Whiplash means your neck was bent forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa....more
 Kyphosis in Back and Neck
A spine affected by kyphosis has a forward curvature of the back bones (vertebrae) in the upper back area, giving an abnormally rounded or humpback appearance. ...more
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, but because of this flexibility, it is not very stable and is easily injured. ...more
 Shoulder Dislocation in Shoulder and Elbow
A dislocated shoulder means the upper arm bone (humerus) has moved out of the shoulder joint. It can cause pain, swelling, numbness and trouble moving the shoulder. ...more
 Hand Pain and Problems in Hand and Wrist
Common hand problems include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ganglion cysts....more
 Types of Hand Surgery in Hand and Wrist
Many different types of surgeries can be done on the hand, depending on the underlying cause of the problem. ...more
 Osteoarthritis (OA) in Hip
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a chronic degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of joint cartilage. It can occur in any joint, but it most often affects the hands, knees, hips, or spine. ...more
 Sciatica in Hip
Sciatica, also called lumbar radiculopathy, is a pain that starts along your sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. The pain goes from the back of your pelvis down the back of your thigh. ...more
Back and Neck Shoulder and ElbowHand and WristHipKneeLeg and FootBone TumorsOther Bone Conditions
 Whiplash Injury in Back and Neck
Whiplash means your neck was bent forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa....more
 Kyphosis in Back and Neck
A spine affected by kyphosis has a forward curvature of the back bones (vertebrae) in the upper back area, giving an abnormally rounded or humpback appearance. ...more
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, but because of this flexibility, it is not very stable and is easily injured. ...more
 Shoulder Dislocation in Shoulder and Elbow
A dislocated shoulder means the upper arm bone (humerus) has moved out of the shoulder joint. It can cause pain, swelling, numbness and trouble moving the shoulder. ...more
 Hand Pain and Problems in Hand and Wrist
Common hand problems include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ganglion cysts....more
 Types of Hand Surgery in Hand and Wrist
Many different types of surgeries can be done on the hand, depending on the underlying cause of the problem. ...more
 Osteoarthritis (OA) in Hip
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a chronic degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of joint cartilage. It can occur in any joint, but it most often affects the hands, knees, hips, or spine. ...more
 Sciatica in Hip
Sciatica, also called lumbar radiculopathy, is a pain that starts along your sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. The pain goes from the back of your pelvis down the back of your thigh. ...more
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Arthritis and Rheumatic DisordersSee All
Arthritis is a category of rheumatic diseases. Read on to learn more about these conditions and the types of health care providers who treat them. ...more
 Arthritis Diagnosis in Understanding Arthritis
Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases. ...more
 Understanding Bursitis in Types of Arthritis
Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that cushions and reduces friction between tissues of the body. Read on to learn details about this condition. ...more
 Gout in Types of Arthritis
Gout is a condition that causes inflamed, painful joints. The symptoms are caused by deposits of urate crystals at the joints. ...more
 Raynaud's Phenomenon in Types of Rheumatic Disorders
Raynaud's phenomenon is a disorder that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers. In some cases, it also causes less blood flow to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose. This happens due to spasms of blood vessels in those areas. The spasms happen in response to cold, stress, or emotional upset. ...more
 Scleroderma in Types of Rheumatic Disorders
Scleroderma is an ongoing (chronic) disease that causes abnormal growth of connective tissue. It can affect the joints, skin, and internal organs. It is degenerative and gets worse over time. ...more
People with arthritis can improve their health and fitness through exercise without damaging their joints. ...more
Understanding ArthritisTypes of ArthritisTypes of Rheumatic DisordersTreatment of ArthritisLiving With Arthritis
Arthritis is a category of rheumatic diseases. Read on to learn more about these conditions and the types of health care providers who treat them. ...more
 Arthritis Diagnosis in Understanding Arthritis
Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases. ...more
 Understanding Bursitis in Types of Arthritis
Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that cushions and reduces friction between tissues of the body. Read on to learn details about this condition. ...more
 Gout in Types of Arthritis
Gout is a condition that causes inflamed, painful joints. The symptoms are caused by deposits of urate crystals at the joints. ...more
 Raynaud's Phenomenon in Types of Rheumatic Disorders
Raynaud's phenomenon is a disorder that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers. In some cases, it also causes less blood flow to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose. This happens due to spasms of blood vessels in those areas. The spasms happen in response to cold, stress, or emotional upset. ...more
 Scleroderma in Types of Rheumatic Disorders
Scleroderma is an ongoing (chronic) disease that causes abnormal growth of connective tissue. It can affect the joints, skin, and internal organs. It is degenerative and gets worse over time. ...more
People with arthritis can improve their health and fitness through exercise without damaging their joints. ...more
OsteoporosisSee All
 Osteoporosis in Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak, thinning bones. This leaves the bones at greater risk of breaking. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists. ...more
 Osteoporosis in Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak, thinning bones. This leaves the bones at greater risk of breaking. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists. ...more
FracturesSee All
 Fractures in Fractures
A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. Read on for details about causes, symptoms, and treatment. ...more
If you've sprained your ankle, you know what pain is. But maybe that "sprain" was a "strain" or possibly even a "break." The amount of pain in each case can be virtually equal. ...more
 Stress Fractures of the Foot in Fractures
Stress fractures are weak spots or small cracks in the bone caused by continuous overuse. They often occur in the foot after training for basketball, running, and other sports. ...more
 You Can Head Off Stress Fractures in Fractures
A stress fracture happens when you increase the length or intensity of your workout too quickly. ...more
 Crutch Walking in Fractures
Step-by-step tips to help your child learn to use crutches, including going up and down stairs, sitting and standing up, and more. ...more
 Nasal Fracture in Children in Fractures
A nasal fracture is a break in one or more of the bones of the nose, caused by trauma. It's also called a broken nose. ...more
 Boxer’s Fracture in Fractures
A boxer's fracture is a break in the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone in the hand. It gets its name because the injury is common in inexperienced boxers. ...more
 Pilon Fracture of the Ankle in Fractures
A pilon fracture is a type of break of the shinbone (tibia) that happens near the ankle. Most of the time, it involves breaks in both the tibia and fibula of the lower leg. The lower ends of these bones make up part of the ankle. ...more
 Fractures in Fractures
A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. Read on for details about causes, symptoms, and treatment. ...more
If you've sprained your ankle, you know what pain is. But maybe that "sprain" was a "strain" or possibly even a "break." The amount of pain in each case can be virtually equal. ...more
 Stress Fractures of the Foot in Fractures
Stress fractures are weak spots or small cracks in the bone caused by continuous overuse. They often occur in the foot after training for basketball, running, and other sports. ...more
 You Can Head Off Stress Fractures in Fractures
A stress fracture happens when you increase the length or intensity of your workout too quickly. ...more
 Crutch Walking in Fractures
Step-by-step tips to help your child learn to use crutches, including going up and down stairs, sitting and standing up, and more. ...more
 Nasal Fracture in Children in Fractures
A nasal fracture is a break in one or more of the bones of the nose, caused by trauma. It's also called a broken nose. ...more
 Boxer’s Fracture in Fractures
A boxer's fracture is a break in the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone in the hand. It gets its name because the injury is common in inexperienced boxers. ...more
 Pilon Fracture of the Ankle in Fractures
A pilon fracture is a type of break of the shinbone (tibia) that happens near the ankle. Most of the time, it involves breaks in both the tibia and fibula of the lower leg. The lower ends of these bones make up part of the ankle. ...more
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Sports InjuriesSee All
 Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis in Sprains and Strains
Tendonitis is when a tendon is inflamed. When a tendon is inflamed, it can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort. Another problem called tenosynovitis is linked to tendonitis. This is the inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheath around a tendon. ...more
Tendonitis is your body's way of telling you, "Enough! You're putting too much stress on this muscle and joint." ...more
It can sometimes be confusing whether to use heat or cold when treating sore muscles or an injury. Here are facts to keep in mind. ...more
When used to treat injuries at home, cryotherapy refers to cold therapy with ice or gel packs that are usually kept in the freezer until needed. These remain one of the simplest, time-tested remedies for managing pain and swelling. ...more
What is a contusion? A sprain? A strain? Find out more about these common sports injuries....more
Read on for helpful steps to take to prevent sports injuries....more
Sprains and StrainsTreating Sports InjuriesPreventing Sports Injuries
 Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis in Sprains and Strains
Tendonitis is when a tendon is inflamed. When a tendon is inflamed, it can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort. Another problem called tenosynovitis is linked to tendonitis. This is the inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheath around a tendon. ...more
Tendonitis is your body's way of telling you, "Enough! You're putting too much stress on this muscle and joint." ...more
It can sometimes be confusing whether to use heat or cold when treating sore muscles or an injury. Here are facts to keep in mind. ...more
When used to treat injuries at home, cryotherapy refers to cold therapy with ice or gel packs that are usually kept in the freezer until needed. These remain one of the simplest, time-tested remedies for managing pain and swelling. ...more
What is a contusion? A sprain? A strain? Find out more about these common sports injuries....more
Read on for helpful steps to take to prevent sports injuries....more
Preventing Injuries at WorkSee All
Stretching can keep your lower legs limber and your joints pain free....more
ErgonomicsPrevention and Exercise
Stretching can keep your lower legs limber and your joints pain free....more
Orthopedic Conditions and ChildrenSee All
Metatarsus adductus is a common foot deformity noted at birth. It causes the front half of the child's foot (forefoot) to turn inward. ...more
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a form of arthritis in children. Arthritis causes joint swelling (inflammation) and joint stiffness. JIA is arthritis that affects 1 or more joints for at least 6 weeks in a child age 16 or younger. ...more
Nursemaid's elbow is a type of elbow injury. It's when a forearm bone (radius) slips out of place from where it normally attaches to the elbow joint. ...more
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (or Perthes disease) is a rare hip condition that affects children. ...more
Congenital and Hereditary DisordersGrowth-Related Disorders
Metatarsus adductus is a common foot deformity noted at birth. It causes the front half of the child's foot (forefoot) to turn inward. ...more
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a form of arthritis in children. Arthritis causes joint swelling (inflammation) and joint stiffness. JIA is arthritis that affects 1 or more joints for at least 6 weeks in a child age 16 or younger. ...more
Nursemaid's elbow is a type of elbow injury. It's when a forearm bone (radius) slips out of place from where it normally attaches to the elbow joint. ...more
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (or Perthes disease) is a rare hip condition that affects children. ...more
Interactive ToolsSee All
 Adult BMI Calculator
Experts are increasingly urging people to know their BMI, a figure that takes into account not just weight but also height to indicate body fat....more
 Arthritis Quiz
True or False: Arthritis affects only the wrist, ankle, and knee joints....more
 Back Care Quiz
Back pain is a common complaint, but how serious is it? Take this quiz and see how much you know about back care. ...more
 Adult BMI Calculator
Experts are increasingly urging people to know their BMI, a figure that takes into account not just weight but also height to indicate body fat....more
 Arthritis Quiz
True or False: Arthritis affects only the wrist, ankle, and knee joints....more
 Back Care Quiz
Back pain is a common complaint, but how serious is it? Take this quiz and see how much you know about back care. ...more
MultimediaSee All
 Shoulder (AC) Arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the AC joint in the shoulder is common in middle-aged or older adults. This video explains how this condition develops and how you can minimize its effects....more
 Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Having shoulder pain or problems lifting your arms over your head? You may have tendonitis or a tear in the muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder in place, called the rotator cuff. This video explains symptoms of this syndrome, possible treatments, and ways you can prevent shoulder injuries....more
 Shoulder (AC) Arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the AC joint in the shoulder is common in middle-aged or older adults. This video explains how this condition develops and how you can minimize its effects....more
 Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Having shoulder pain or problems lifting your arms over your head? You may have tendonitis or a tear in the muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder in place, called the rotator cuff. This video explains symptoms of this syndrome, possible treatments, and ways you can prevent shoulder injuries....more
Videos (37) See All