Muscular System Pathologies: Common Disorders and Conditions

Muscle Pathologies

Muscles allow us to move, but sometimes the wear and tear that comes from moving our bodies can lead to disorders of the muscular system. Below are some of the most common muscular pathologies.

1. Tendon Inflammation Can Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Tendon Inflammation Can Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is the passageway in the wrist where the median nerve and flexor tendons pass through a narrow opening. Carpal tunnel syndrome, which is also called median nerve compression, occurs when the tendons become inflamed, causing compression of the median nerve. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and eventual weakness in the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur for a variety of reasons including hereditary predisposition, repetitive movements, diabetes, or thyroid disorders.

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Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the tissues and tendons around the median nerve swelling and pressing on the nerve.

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2. Bursitis Describes Inflamed Bursae

 Bursitis Describes Inflamed Bursae

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae become red and inflamed, causing pain. This condition often occurs near joints that perform frequent repetitive motion, such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee.

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Patella

The patella is a flat, triangular bone that protects the front of the knee.

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3. A Rotator Cuff Tear Affects the Muscles and Tendons Around the Shoulder

Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles keep the top of the upper arm in the shoulder socket by forming a “cuff” that not only holds the arm in place but helps it move in various directions. Gradual degeneration due to repetitive overhead motion or a sudden traumatic event can tear one of the muscles or tendons of the rotator cuff. Symptoms of this injury include pain, decreased range of motion in the shoulder, and muscle weakness.

4. Repetitive Forearm Strain Can Cause Lateral Epicondylitis

Repetitive Forearm Strain Can Cause Lateral Epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis affects the muscles of the forearm that join on the lateral side, or outside of the elbow. This condition is also called “tennis elbow” because the repetitive strain of these muscles is commonly seen in patients who play a lot of tennis or other racquet sports. Overuse of these muscles can cause damage. As a result, microtears may develop in the tendons, causing inflammation and pain. This pain and tenderness is felt on the outside of the elbow.

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External Sources

A Science Daily article on guidelines for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.

An overview of musculoskeletal rehabilitation from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Visible Body Web Suite offers a comprehensive reference of musculoskeletal structures and functions, plus common injuries and conditions.