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Osteoporosis is a disease that slowly weakens bones until they break easily. People who have a broken bone related to osteoporosis often experience a downward turn in their overall health.

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
 Chronic Pain in Orthopedic Tests and Procedures
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than three months. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. ...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
 Chronic Pain in Orthopedic Tests and Procedures
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than three months. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. ...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
 Torticollis in Back and Neck
Torticollis is a condition in which the neck is twisted and causes the head to rotate and tilt at an odd angle. The cause of torticollis is unknown, but treatment can help. ...more
 Whiplash Injury in Back and Neck
Whiplash means your neck was bent forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa....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
 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Hand and Wrist
Women develop carpal tunnel syndrome 3 times more frequently than men. It usually occurs only in adults. ...more
 Hip Fracture in Hip
A hip fracture is a break in the thigh bone (femur) of your hip joint. The majority happen to people older than 60 years of age, and women get more hip fractures than men. ...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
Back and Neck Shoulder and ElbowHand and WristHipKneeLeg and FootBone TumorsOther Bone Conditions
 Torticollis in Back and Neck
Torticollis is a condition in which the neck is twisted and causes the head to rotate and tilt at an odd angle. The cause of torticollis is unknown, but treatment can help. ...more
 Whiplash Injury in Back and Neck
Whiplash means your neck was bent forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa....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
 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Hand and Wrist
Women develop carpal tunnel syndrome 3 times more frequently than men. It usually occurs only in adults. ...more
 Hip Fracture in Hip
A hip fracture is a break in the thigh bone (femur) of your hip joint. The majority happen to people older than 60 years of age, and women get more hip fractures than men. ...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
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Arthritis and Rheumatic DisordersSee All
Arthritis, itself a group of more than 100 different diseases, is 1 category of rheumatic diseases. Read on to learn more about these conditions, and the types of healthcare providers who treat them. ...more
 Arthritis in Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are common conditions that cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. They affect joints and connective tissues around the body. Millions of people in the U.S. have some form of arthritis. ...more
 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
Taking arthritis medicine is important, but what you do for yourself, including exercising, doing relaxation exercises and managing your emotions and attitudes, is just as crucial to your ability to lead an active, productive life. ...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, itself a group of more than 100 different diseases, is 1 category of rheumatic diseases. Read on to learn more about these conditions, and the types of healthcare providers who treat them. ...more
 Arthritis in Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are common conditions that cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. They affect joints and connective tissues around the body. Millions of people in the U.S. have some form of arthritis. ...more
 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
Taking arthritis medicine is important, but what you do for yourself, including exercising, doing relaxation exercises and managing your emotions and attitudes, is just as crucial to your ability to lead an active, productive life. ...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: Evaluate Your Risk in Osteoporosis
Many people are unaware they have osteoporosis until they have advanced symptoms, which may include a broken hip or wrist, low back pain, or a hunched back. ...more
 Bone Density Test in Osteoporosis
A bone density test measures the strength and density of your bones as you approach menopause and, when the test is repeated sometime later, can help determine how quickly you are losing bone mass and density. ...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
 Osteoporosis: Evaluate Your Risk in Osteoporosis
Many people are unaware they have osteoporosis until they have advanced symptoms, which may include a broken hip or wrist, low back pain, or a hunched back. ...more
 Bone Density Test in Osteoporosis
A bone density test measures the strength and density of your bones as you approach menopause and, when the test is repeated sometime later, can help determine how quickly you are losing bone mass and density. ...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
 Hip Fracture in Fractures
A hip fracture is a break in the thigh bone (femur) of your hip joint. The majority happen to people older than 60 years of age, and women get more hip fractures than men. ...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
 Bone Density Test in Fractures
A bone density test measures the strength and density of your bones as you approach menopause and, when the test is repeated sometime later, can help determine how quickly you are losing bone mass and density. ...more
 Cast Types and Maintenance Instructions in Fractures
The outside of a cast can be made of plaster or fiberglass. Cotton and synthetic materials line the inside of the cast to make it soft and to provide padding around bony areas, such as the wrist or elbow. ...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
 Fractures in Fractures
A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. Read on for details about causes, symptoms, and treatment. ...more
 Hip Fracture in Fractures
A hip fracture is a break in the thigh bone (femur) of your hip joint. The majority happen to people older than 60 years of age, and women get more hip fractures than men. ...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
 Bone Density Test in Fractures
A bone density test measures the strength and density of your bones as you approach menopause and, when the test is repeated sometime later, can help determine how quickly you are losing bone mass and density. ...more
 Cast Types and Maintenance Instructions in Fractures
The outside of a cast can be made of plaster or fiberglass. Cotton and synthetic materials line the inside of the cast to make it soft and to provide padding around bony areas, such as the wrist or elbow. ...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
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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
 Low Back Pain in Ergonomics
Everyone has experienced low back pain at one time or another. Most people can recover from low back pain with home treatment, such as changes in activity, weight loss, quitting smoking, and other steps. Sometimes medicine or surgery is needed. ...more
Stretching can keep your lower legs limber and your joints pain free....more
ErgonomicsPrevention and Exercise
 Low Back Pain in Ergonomics
Everyone has experienced low back pain at one time or another. Most people can recover from low back pain with home treatment, such as changes in activity, weight loss, quitting smoking, and other steps. Sometimes medicine or surgery is needed. ...more
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
A congenital limb difference is when an arm or leg doesn't form normally as a baby grows in the uterus. The baby is born with the difference. ...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
Tibial torsion is an inward twisting of the shinbones. These bones are located between the knee and the ankle. Tibial torsion causes a child's feet to turn inward. ...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
A congenital limb difference is when an arm or leg doesn't form normally as a baby grows in the uterus. The baby is born with the difference. ...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
Tibial torsion is an inward twisting of the shinbones. These bones are located between the knee and the ankle. Tibial torsion causes a child's feet to turn inward. ...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
 Osteoporosis Risk Assessment
Osteoporosis is a disease that slowly weakens bones until they break easily. People who have a broken bone related to osteoporosis often experience a downward turn in their overall health. ...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
 Osteoporosis Risk Assessment
Osteoporosis is a disease that slowly weakens bones until they break easily. People who have a broken bone related to osteoporosis often experience a downward turn in their overall health. ...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