Orthopedic conditions affect muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
Behaviors that may communicate about orthopedic conditions:
Dislikes transfers (from bed to wheelchair, for example)
Grimaces, cries, gets upset when moving about or during transfers
Behavior problems when moving about or being moved
Moves stiffly upon getting out of bed or chair; loosens up within 30 minutes or as the day goes on
Behavior problems or discomfort when in certain positions, such as sitting in chair or lying in bed.
Lack of energy
Stops participating in previously enjoyed activities
Other factors that may indicate the presence of an orthopedic condition:
Fever
Sweating
Intermittent or steady pain in joints that gets worse with activity
Pain with range of motion
Swelling or redness of joints
Scraping or crunching sound when joints move
Can't move joints comfortably (limited range of motion)
Stiffness, limping, loss of ability to walk
New lump on or swelling along bone
Cerebral palsy
Down syndrome (often linked with early osteoarthritis)
Do you think someone's behavior may be telling you about an orthopedic condition? Talk with your doctor or other health care provider. They can work with you to learn whether this is the case.
The contents of this website are for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not rely on the information provided for medical decision making and should direct all questions regarding medical matters to their physician or other health care provider. Use of this information does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship.