Musculoskeletal conditions
Causes
- doing heavy physical labor
- prolonged sitting or standing in an awkward position
- repetitive strain
- Smoking
- having obesity
- eating an unhealthy diet
- not getting enough physical activity
- doing high intensity dynamic exercise
- having other health conditions, such as kidney dysfunction
- having metabolic syndromes
- having a family history of a musculoskeletal disorder
Symptoms
- Weakness
- stiffness
- numbness
- a burning or tingling sensation
- swelling
- a loss of strength
- fatigue
- discomfort
Treatment
- low impact exercises, such as walking and swimming
- physical therapy
- pain-relieving medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids
- cold or heat therapy
- medications to treat underlying conditions
- joint replacement surgery
- complementary therapies, such as massage and acupuncture