National Women’s Health Month is an ideal time to shed light on orthopedic injuries that predominantly affect women. Understanding these injuries is crucial for prevention, timely intervention, and effective treatment. New York Sports Medicine Institute, orthopedics in Westchester County NY, offers surgical solutions tailored to help women through orthopedic injuries.

Causes of Orthopedic Injuries in Women

Orthopedic injuries in women can stem from a variety of factors. Some common causes include:

  • Anatomical Differences:
    • Women typically have wider hips, which can affect knee alignment and increase the risk of injuries like ACL tears.
    • Structural differences in the body contribute to a higher susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Hormonal Factors:
    • Changes in estrogen levels during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can affect bone density and joint health.
  • Activity-Related Factors:
    • Women often engage in sports like tennis, swimming, or running, which involve repetitive motions and can lead to injuries such as rotator cuff tears and stress fractures.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears

ACL injuries are common in female athletes, occurring at a higher rate than in males due to anatomical differences, hormonal influences, and neuromuscular control variations. Surgical reconstruction is often recommended for active individuals to return to high-demand sports. This procedure replaces the torn ligament with a graft and follows with rehabilitation to restore knee stability and function.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Women engaged in activities requiring repetitive overhead motions, such as swimming or tennis, are prone to rotator cuff injuries. When conservative treatments fail, arthroscopic repair is performed to reattach the torn tendon, promoting healing and restoring shoulder function.

Hip Labral Tears

Hip labrum tears can result from structural abnormalities, repetitive stress, or trauma, leading to pain, instability, and limited range of motion. Orthopedics in Westchester County NY can perform arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove the torn labrum, offering a quicker recovery, less discomfort, and a lower risk of complications than open surgery. This minimally invasive procedure allows for a faster return to daily activities and is an effective treatment option for those seeking relief from hip pain and improved joint function.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures, especially in the foot and lower leg, occur due to repetitive force and overuse, particularly in women participating in high-impact sports or activities with intense physical demands. While many heal with rest, surgical intervention may be necessary for non-healing fractures, involving internal fixation with pins or screws to stabilize the bone and promote proper healing.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder, common in women over 40, leads to pain and limited movement. When conservative treatments fail, surgical options like manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release are considered to improve the shoulder’s range of motion.

Osteoarthritis and Joint Replacements

Osteoarthritis, especially in weight-bearing joints like hips and knees, is prevalent in women. When joint degeneration severely impacts quality of life, joint replacement surgery, such as total hip or knee arthroplasty, orthopedics in Westchester Country, NY can perform this surgery to alleviate pain and restore function.

Scheduling an Appointment with the New York Sports Medicine Institute

If you are experiencing persistent joint pain or mobility issues or have sustained an orthopedic injury, seeking expert care is essential for recovery. Orthopedics in Westchester County NY, such as the New York Sports Medicine Institute, provides top-tier orthopedic surgical solutions tailored to each patient’s needs. Schedule an appointment with the New York Sports Medicine Institute to consult with a specialist who can guide you through the best treatment options for your condition.

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