Some of the common causes of orthopaedic injuries are slipping and falling, vehicular accidents, in-home accidents, occupational accidents, sudden twisting motions, sports accidents, and a direct blow to the body.  The patient may suffer from dislocations, fractures, breaks, sprains, etc.

Some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of an orthopaedic condition are as follows. 

• Pain with a range of motion
• Swelling or redness of joints
• Stiffness, limping, loss of ability to walk
• Steady pain in joints that gets worse with activity
• Muscle twitches
• Deformities in the affected area
• Fever
• Sweating 
• Cracking or popping sound in the joint

Having any of the above signs and symptoms  doesn’t necessarily mean you have an orthopedic disorder or injury. If you have persistent and recurrent bone, joint, or muscle pain or swelling that can't be treated at home or a significant reduction of a joint's range of motion or mobility, such as your knee, elbow, or shoulder, making it difficult to carry out daily tasks, then you must see a doctor. Your doctor will take your detailed medical history before making a diagnosis. He/she might examine you to find out:

• If your pain is acute or chronic
• If you experience additional signs, like a fever or rash
• Factors that make pain worse or relieve it

If your doctor confirms the changes and suspects any musculoskeletal damage, he/she may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.