Labiba Khandaker What is FOP? Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (Stone Man Syndrome) FOP is an extremely rare genetic disorder in which muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues are gradually replaced by bone through a process called heterotopic ossification (bone growing where it should not). Over time, this extra bone can lock joints in place, creating what is often described as a "second skeleton." (2) Does injury make it worse? Yes. Even relatively

What Is a SLAP Tear? A SLAP tear, otherwise known as a "Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior" tear, is an injury to the labrum, the ring of cartilage that lines the socket of the shoulder joint (1). The labrum plays a crucial role in shoulder stability, providing an attachment point for the biceps tendon and helps to keep the ball of the humerus (upper arm bone) securely in its socket (1). A SLAP tear specifically involves damage to the top (Superior) portion of the lab

You cannot directly "add" synovial fluid from the outside, but you can improve its quality, quantity, and lubricating function through movement, nutrition, and supporting the physiological healing of the synovium. [1] Keep the Joints Moving Why is Movement Important for Joints? Synoviocytes constantly produce synovial fluid in response to joint mechanical loading, which can arise from compression and shear forces. Synovial joints work on a pumping mechanism; every time the jo

Image acquired from Huntington Orthopaedics Orthopaedic doctors, also called orthopaedic surgeons, are medical specialists who diagnose, treat, and help prevent problems involving the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. They treat injuries such as fractures, torn ligaments, and dislocations, as well as long-term conditions like arthritis, scoliosis, and osteoporosis. Some orthopedic doctors perform surgery, such as re

As people get older, changes in strength and coordination can affect everyday activities like cooking, writing, using tools, or handling small objects. This study looked at how age and sex influence hand skills and grip strength in healthy older adults who were not regularly active in sports. Purpose: The researchers wanted to understand whether hand coordination and finger skill decline with age, whether there are differences between men and women, and whether changes in str

How do Muscle Strains/Tears Occur? Structurally, muscles are made up of thousands of small fibers that are woven together. When these fiber strands are stretched beyond their limit, they tear apart resulting in a strain or tear of the muscle. A muscle strain is an overstretching or minor tearing of muscle fibers, while a muscle tear is a more severe injury involving partial or complete rupture of the muscle or tendon. A muscle tear occurs when the force applied to that muscle

This kneecap dislocation is more dangerous than you think! Lateral Patellar Dislocation (LPD) is a common knee injury where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position toward the outside (lateral side) of the knee joint. What is happening? Normally, the patella sits in a groove at the end of your thigh bone (femur) and moves up and down when you bend your knee. In a lateral dislocation, the patella is pushed out of that groove to the outer side. Why is it happenin

A toddler’s first steps are a memorable milestone for parents. Even before a child begins walking, many caregivers wonder how best to support their child’s feet. Do babies need shoes? What types of shoes are most appropriate? How can parents promote healthy development as their child becomes more mobile? Starting in infancy, children’s feet are continuously growing and changing. Footwear plays an important role in this process. Ill-fitting or inappropriate shoes can affect ba

Introduction The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of two cruciate ligaments in the knee, and plays a major role in overall stability. The ACL is located at the center of the knee and directly connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) (1). The responsibilities of the ACL are most relevant during physical activity, where the ligament acts as a static joint restraint, limiting motion of the joint to ensure proper alignment and maintain stability (2). Certa

A meniscus tear is among the most common knee injuries, though the term itself can sound more alarming than the injury often is. Each knee has two menisci, small C-shaped pieces of cartilage that sit between the thigh bone and shin bone. Their job is to cushion the joint, help absorb shock, and add stability when you walk, squat, pivot, or run. When one of them tears, the knee can still work, but it often becomes painful and swollen. How Does a Meniscus Tear Happen? There a

Image acquired from mdbonedocs.com Physical therapy is an essential branch of healthcare dedicated to improving a patient’s quality of life by restoring mobility, managing pain, and preventing further physical injury. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) , physical therapy is not merely a reactive treatment for injuries but more of a proactive solution for "prevention, wellness, fitness, and health promotion" across the entire lifespan (APTA, 2026). B

For millions of people living with chronic heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) offer reliable relief. Medications such as omeprazole, pantoprazole, and esomeprazole are among the most commonly used drugs worldwide, available both by prescription and over the counter. While generally considered safe, concerns have emerged over the past decade about their long-term PPIs are widely used to treat chronic heartburn and GERD. use. Rese

by David Cox, RN BSN An Old Woman’s Disease? Not so Fast! Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that weakens your bones and makes them much more likely to fracture, often with devastating consequences if they do. The standard assumption about osteoporosis is that it’s an old woman’s disease. But osteoporosis is surprisingly common in men . The incidence of osteoporosis-related male fractures (especially hip) is rising with aging populations. Osteoporosis in men is serious, under

Patellar tracking disorder, also known as patellar maltracking, refers to abnormal movement of the patella (the kneecap). Normally the patella glides smoothly in a groove at the end of your thigh bone (trochlear groove) when you bend or straighten the knee. When this movement is not smooth or unbalanced, a spectrum of disorders, from malalignment to recurrent patella instability and dislocation can occur. It most commonly affects young individuals, particularly women, and is

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops over time due to repeated stress rather than a single injury. It occurs when bones are exposed to ongoing physical strain without enough time to rest and repair. Stress fractures account for about 20 percent of sports-related injuries and are especially common in people who participate in high-impact or repetitive activities such as running, dancing, and military training. Female runners are at particularly high risk.

Figure 1. Clinical assessment of tibial torsion in a child: (A) prone examination with the knees flexed to 90°; (B) measurement of the thigh–foot angle (TFA); (C) assessment of the external transmalleolar (tibial) torsion angle (ETT). Rotational deformities are common childhood differences in the way the legs and feet point while standing, walking, or running. Parents often notice intoeing (“pigeon toes”) or out-toeing (feet pointing outward). In most children these patter

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), formally known as gluteal tendinopathy, is a common condition involving the muscles, tendons and other anatomical structures surrounding the hip. GTPS occurs in 1/300 people annually, affecting mainly middle-aged women or athletic individuals. It is characterised as pain over the greater trochanteric area, situated on the outer area of the hip, which is exacerbated by prolonged sitting, climbing stairs, high-impact activity or lying

What do Joe Burrow, Brock Purdy, and Treylon Burks have in common? Beyond being high-profile NFL players, all three have been sidelined by a condition known as turf toe. Turf toe is an injury to the soft tissues surrounding the big toe joint. This joint is formed by two bones connected by ligaments, tendons, and other supporting structures. When excessive or abnormal force is placed on the joint, these soft tissues can become overstretched or torn, resulting in a turf toe inj

Guardians of the Vertebral Axis: An Integrative Review of Evidence-Based Strategies for Lifelong Spine Health by Catherina Pascale Abstract Spinal health constitutes a foundational element of human mobility, neurological integrity, and overall quality of life. Degenerative spinal conditions, mechanical back pain, and posture-related disorders represent leading contributors to disability worldwide. Preventive strategies focusing on daily behaviors, ergonomic principles, physic

Cortisone injections are widely used in orthopedics to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. These injections deliver synthetic steroid medication directly into joints, tendons, or soft tissues to suppress the immune response that drives inflammation and pain. While commonly referred to as “cortisone shots,” the injections typically contain corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone or triamcinolone combined wit