Orthopedic Injuries That are More Common in Men
Which Orthopedic Injuries are More Common in Men?
Orthopedic injuries impact the musculoskeletal system, which encompasses bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. “These injuries can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. However, certain orthopedic injuries are more prevalent in men,” shares PIH Health Physician Nelson E. Dalla Tor MD.
Here are a few orthopedic injuries common in men:
Achilles tendon injuries – Men are three times more likely than women to suffer from Achilles tendon injuries, the largest tendon in the body that connects the calf muscle to the ankle bone and enables the foot to flex. These injuries are especially common in sports like football, basketball, and track and field.
Hand and wrist fractures – Higher participation in contact and extreme sports such as mountain biking, skateboarding, and skiing, make men more prone to fractures in their hand, wrist, elbow, and arm. Home improvement projects or physically demanding jobs also increase likelihood for hand and wrirst fractures in men. Whether you're an athlete, a do-it-yourself enthusiast, or someone with a physically intensive job, taking the right precautions can help keep your hands and wrists safe.
Meniscus injuries – The meniscus is a crucial piece of cartilage in your knee that acts as both a stabilizer and shock absorber. Men are more likely to suffer from meniscal tears than women. Overuse and natural degeneration with age can lead to meniscus damage with symptoms often include swelling, pain, limited range of motion, and knee instability.
Rotator cuff injuries – Rotator cuff injuries rank among the most common orthopedic issues for men and impact the tendons that connect the shoulder blade muscles to the upper arm, allowing for arm rotation. These injuries are often seen among those who work in professions such as construction, manual labor, and certain types of industrial work. Men's shoulder structures and muscle dynamics may predispose them to a higher risk of rotator cuff injuries.
Take necessary precautions to prevent injuries from falls, sports, and other forms of orthopedic trauma when possible. Visit PIHHealth.org/Find-a-Doctor to find a doctor.
