Common joint injuries include:
- Sprains: stretching or tearing of ligaments that support a joint.
- Dislocations: displacement of a bone from its normal position within a joint.
- Cartilage injuries: damage to the smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones.
- Meniscus tears: tears of the cartilage pads that cushion the knee joint.
- Tendon injuries: strains, inflammation, or tears affecting tendons that help move and stabilize joints.
- Bursitis: inflammation of a bursa, the fluid-filled sac that reduces friction around a joint.
- Ligament tears: more severe injuries involving partial or complete rupture of a ligament, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in the knee.
These injuries commonly result from sports, falls, overuse, or sudden twisting motions and can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced joint function.