The portal uses cookies to provide service functions such as “Bookmark” and to improve website usage. Information and opt-out options can be found in the cookie settings in the privacy policy.

Search
Woman holding her right shoulder with her left hand near her neck.

Conditions Muscles, bones and joints

When we talk about the musculoskeletal system, we are referring to our muscles, tendons, skeleton, and joints. Above all though, to the way these interact as smoothly as possible to enable us to jump, run, or work. Many musculoskeletal disorders can be attributed to wear and tear – particularly to a lack of exercise and too much sitting down. 

Muscles, bones and joints

Shoulder pain: woman holding the painful shoulder with her right hand. Shoulder pain: woman holding the painful shoulder with her right hand.

Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is one of the most common joint problems, though its cause is not always easy to identify. People with shoulder pain should avoid arm movements that place too much strain on the joint.

A doctor holding a patient’s hand to examine it. A stethoscope is lying on the table. A doctor holding a patient’s hand to examine it. A stethoscope is lying on the table.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis typically causes chronic inflammation of multiple joints. As a result, the joints can become deformed and stiff over time.

Close-up of the thigh bone (femur) and hip socket Close-up of the thigh bone (femur) and hip socket

Hip fractures

If elderly people fall, they often incur a broken bone (fracture) in the hip area, for example a femoral neck fracture. Such fractures usually require surgery.

A woman being instructed in how to train with a fitness band A woman being instructed in how to train with a fitness band

Osteoporosis

In people with osteoporosis, bone density declines more than normal. This increases their risk of breaking bones. Osteoporosis can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication.

Person in sports clothing bending over and clutching what appears to be a painful calf. Person in sports clothing bending over and clutching what appears to be a painful calf.

Muscle strain

A muscle strain is one of the most common sport injuries, in which the muscle is overstretched through heavy strain.

Arthritis: older woman trying to get up from a sofa. She is pulling herself up on a walking stick. She is straining and may be in pain. Arthritis: older woman trying to get up from a sofa. She is pulling herself up on a walking stick. She is straining and may be in pain.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs due to joint wear and is often associated with aging. Joints typically become stiff and painful. Targeted movement is a key therapeutic measure for osteoarthritis.

Back pain: young woman sitting on a couch with her chest turned slightly to one side. The woman is supporting herself with one arm and clutching her back with the other. Back pain: young woman sitting on a couch with her chest turned slightly to one side. The woman is supporting herself with one arm and clutching her back with the other.

Back pain and lower back pain

Lower back pain is very common and is usually harmless. The most effective way to prevent back pain is regular exercise.

Woman grasps her lower back. A doctor sits across from her with a model of the spine. Woman grasps her lower back. A doctor sits across from her with a model of the spine.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal. A common cause is wear and tear of the spine. It can be treated with non-drug and drug treatments.

Wrist injury: doctor examining a young man’s hand. Wrist injury: doctor examining a young man’s hand.

Wrist injury

There are different types of wrist injury which vary a lot in terms of their symptoms and treatment.

Dislocation of the knee: young woman lying on a treatment table. A physiotherapist is palpating her bent knee with both hands. Dislocation of the knee: young woman lying on a treatment table. A physiotherapist is palpating her bent knee with both hands.

Dislocated kneecap (patellar dislocation)

Patellar dislocation is when the kneecap pops out of its groove. This often occurs during sports.

A woman is sitting up in bed, clutching her shoulder. She is checking for pain in her shoulder. A woman is sitting up in bed, clutching her shoulder. She is checking for pain in her shoulder.

Frozen shoulder

The term “frozen shoulder” refers to gradual stiffness and pain in the shoulder that occurs for no apparent reason. Frozen shoulder generally clears up by itself.

Anterior knee pain: young man in sports clothing kneeling down in the open air. He is holding his knee and grimacing. He appears to have stopped in the middle of a training run because of pain. Anterior knee pain: young man in sports clothing kneeling down in the open air. He is holding his knee and grimacing. He appears to have stopped in the middle of a training run because of pain.

Anterior knee pain (patellofemoral pain syndrome)

Anterior knee pain is one of the most common knee problems. It particularly affects people involved in sports.

A doctor examines the lower back of an older male patient. A doctor examines the lower back of an older male patient.

Chronic pain

Chronic pain can affect the body and mind and impact daily life. Treatment aims to alleviate pain as far as possible and improve people’s quality of life.

Scoliosis: black, gray and white X-ray of a spinal column Scoliosis: black, gray and white X-ray of a spinal column

Adolescent scoliosis

Adolescent scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. The cause is unclear. If the curvature is permanent, it has to be checked regularly.

A young woman turns her face to the sun. A young woman turns her face to the sun.

Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is primarily important for healthy bones. A long-term vitamin D deficiency can make the bones unstable. Regularly “topping up” on sunshine can help prevent a deficiency.

A medical specialist shows a man a model of a spinal column. A medical specialist shows a man a model of a spinal column.

Slipped (herniated) disc

A slipped disc can go unnoticed, but also cause severe discomfort. The pain usually goes away within six weeks.

Neck pain: woman massaging her neck with her left hand. Neck pain: woman massaging her neck with her left hand.

Neck pain

Acute neck pain is very common and usually harmless. It is often caused by muscle tension, for example, as a result of spending long hours sitting at a computer or sleeping in certain positions.

An injured footballer lies on a sports hall floor. An injured footballer lies on a sports hall floor.

Cruciate ligament rupture

Cruciate ligament ruptures usually occur in ball sports. Whether surgery is required on a rupture depends on the stability of the knee and the age of the injured person, among other factors.

A woman with a bandage on her knee A woman with a bandage on her knee

Meniscus tear

Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries in sports, especially in ball sports like soccer. They occur when the knee is twisted while under heavy strain.

A doctor examines a girl’s arm, which has a plaster cast on it. A doctor examines a girl’s arm, which has a plaster cast on it.

Greenstick fractures

A greenstick fracture is when the bone cortex and the associated periosteum are damaged. These surround the solid bone, which remains intact. Such fractures only occur in children.

A doctor examines the back of a patient’s knee. A doctor examines the back of a patient’s knee.

Baker’s cysts

A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled bulge that occurs at the back of the knee. It can cause pain and tightness but does not usually require treatment.

A person sits on a chair holding their heel A person sits on a chair holding their heel

Heel spurs

A heel spur is the ossification of the tendon insertion point (enthesis) under the heel. Irritation of the enthesis can cause pain when walking. This can be treated in various ways.

A person with a walking aid, supported by a healthcare assistant. A person with a walking aid, supported by a healthcare assistant.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

With ALS, nerve cells that control muscles deteriorate and die. This results in muscle loss, muscle stiffness and paralysis. Treatment seeks to relieve symptoms as effectively as possible.

Sarcomas

Sarcomas are rare tumors. There are over 100 different subtypes of them. Sarcomas occur mainly in soft tissue, but also in bone.

A woman sits in bed clutching her back. A woman sits in bed clutching her back.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder in which the brain’s ability to process pain is disrupted. The measures that help with fibromyalgia differ greatly from person to person.

Eine Frau winkelt den Arm an und stützt ihren Ellenbogen mit der Hand. Eine Frau winkelt den Arm an und stützt ihren Ellenbogen mit der Hand.

Bursitis

Swelling and pain, around the knee or elbow for example, may be a sign of bursitis.

An older woman is holding her ankle and grimacing with pain. An older woman is holding her ankle and grimacing with pain.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis can occur because of heavy use of and excessive strain on a tendon. An irritated tendon requires a period of rest. 

Eine Frau fasst sich ans Handgelenk und presst ihren Daumen auf die Handwurzel. Eine Frau fasst sich ans Handgelenk und presst ihren Daumen auf die Handwurzel.

Tenosynovitis (tendon sheath inflammation)

Tenosynovitis often occurs as a result of excessive strain on the hands, arms, or feet. If the affected area is rested, the symptoms normally disappear on their own.

Person with their foot and lower leg encased in plaster. Person with their foot and lower leg encased in plaster.

Broken ankle

If the foot rolls too heavily, for example while playing sports, the upper ankle joint can break. This can affect one or more bones. A broken ankle usually heals easily.

A person with running shoes. A person with running shoes.

Sprained ankle

Ankle sprains are common. Twisting overstretches the ligaments. What is more, small blood vessels rupture and the ankle swells up.

A man holds an ice bag to his elbow. A man holds an ice bag to his elbow.

Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is usually caused by repetitive movements or too much strain – for instance, during sports or when doing manual labor. Certain treatments can relieve the pain or speed up recovery.

Model of the pelvis – a doctor uses a pen to point to the hip joint. Model of the pelvis – a doctor uses a pen to point to the hip joint.

Hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis)

Osteoarthritis of the hip often begins gradually. Pain when moving is one of the first signs. The main ways to treat this condition are exercise therapy and NSAID pain medication.

A doctor examines a patient’s ankle A doctor examines a patient’s ankle

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints as a result of psoriasis. It causes stiff and painful joints.

A woman having an ultrasound scan of her neck A woman having an ultrasound scan of her neck

Overactive parathyroid glands

Overactive parathyroid glands can cause bone degradation, kidney stones and cognitive impairments. This hormone disorder can often be cured with surgery.

A patient is talking with her doctor. A monitor shows a section of the spine. A patient is talking with her doctor. A monitor shows a section of the spine.

Spinal fractures

Most spinal fractures occur as a result of bone atrophy (osteoporosis). Less often, they are caused by traffic accidents or sports injuries. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury.

Older woman sitting on the bed clutching her painful knee. Older woman sitting on the bed clutching her painful knee.

Osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthrosis)

Osteoarthritis of the knee typically begins with knee pain that initially only occurs with strain. For example, it is fostered by being overweight or severe strain such as frequent kneeling.

A jogger clutches the back of their thigh in pain. A jogger clutches the back of their thigh in pain.

Torn muscle

A torn muscle involves the tearing of one or more fibers in a muscle. This usually occurs suddenly during a sports activity, such as playing football.

An unclothed lower leg and foot on a bed An unclothed lower leg and foot on a bed

Restless Legs Syndrome

People with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) feel a great urge to move their legs. The unpleasant feeling in the legs only occurs during rest, particularly in the evening and at night.

A hand is grasping a calf muscle. A hand is grasping a calf muscle.

Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium is important for bones, muscles, nerves and teeth. A balanced diet normally provides the body with sufficient quantities of magnesium. A magnesium deficiency is easily treated.

A gray-haired woman out for a run: she is grabbing her right shoulder with her left hand as it is obviously extremely painful. A gray-haired woman out for a run: she is grabbing her right shoulder with her left hand as it is obviously extremely painful.

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is a breakdown of muscle fibers that can be triggered by several causes. Severe cases need to be treated quickly.

Photograph of cauliflower ear with compacted cartilage Photograph of cauliflower ear with compacted cartilage

Cauliflower ear

Bruising of the external ear may cause the cartilage to shrivel, fold in on itself and form fibrous tissue, leading to a deformity known as cauliflower ear. This can be prevented by rapid treatment.

Woman clutching her chin and looking into the camera with a serious expression. The right side of her face is drooping and her mouth is skewed. Woman clutching her chin and looking into the camera with a serious expression. The right side of her face is drooping and her mouth is skewed.

Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis)

Bell’s palsy is a paralysis of the facial muscles usually on one side of the face due to nerve damage. Read on to find out more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Illustration of abdomen showing vertical sets of muscles either side of the navel diverging to form a gap. Illustration of abdomen showing vertical sets of muscles either side of the navel diverging to form a gap.

Diastasis recti

When the right and left abdominal muscles separate at the midline of the connective tissue, this is known as diastasis recti. This often occurs during pregnancy.

Close-up of a woman with her forearm in a splint, sitting on a treatment table. Close-up of a woman with her forearm in a splint, sitting on a treatment table.

Compartment syndrome

With compartment syndrome, fluid becomes retained in the muscle tissue as a result of an injury, causing severe pain. Intervention prevents the tissue from being permanently damaged.

Man’s shoulder and collarbone with a fresh incision scar. Man’s shoulder and collarbone with a fresh incision scar.

Broken collarbone

The collarbone (clavicle) is a strut that connects the shoulder blade and the breastbone (sternum). Broken collarbones are often caused by falls onto the shoulder. Surgery is sometimes necessary.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: woman holding her arms in the air and clutching her left wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome: woman holding her arms in the air and clutching her left wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

With a carpal tunnel syndrome, the hand briefly goes to sleep, tingles and can be painful. One-sided strain on the wrist can be partly responsible.

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS): person in doctor’s coat and stethoscope around their neck examining a patient’s arm by holding their shoulder and elbow and appearing to move them slightly. Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS): person in doctor’s coat and stethoscope around their neck examining a patient’s arm by holding their shoulder and elbow and appearing to move them slightly.

Neuralgic amyotrophy

Neuralgic amyotrophy causes severe pain in the arm and shoulder. It is due to an inflammation of certain nerves.

Hallux valgus: shot of a woman’s two feet standing on the ground. The bigger toes on one foot are splayed and deformed. Hallux valgus: shot of a woman’s two feet standing on the ground. The bigger toes on one foot are splayed and deformed.

Hallux valgus

Hallux valgus is also known as a bunion and is one of the most common foot deformities. Treatment is only needed for the deformity if it causes problems.