The skeletal system consists of 80 axial skeletal bones, 126 appendicular skeletal bones and the cartilage that holds it all together. Disorders and diseases affect all 206 bones in the system. Arthritis disease processes affecting the joints in the skeletal system include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Disease, such as bone cancer, affects bones at any location in the body.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a disorder of the skeletal system that presents as a sideways curvature of the spine. Typical signs include one hip and shoulder higher than the other, unevenly protruding shoulder blades and an uneven waistline. In more severe cases, spinal twisting becomes apparent in addition to the curvature. Back pain and difficulty breathing result when the twisting puts pressure on the lung space and rib cage.
Osteoarthritis
The Mayo Clinic states that osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. As the joint cartilage wears away, pain and joint swelling occurs. Any joint in the body is a target for osteoarthritis, but the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis include the hands, lower back, hips, neck and knees. Treatments are available to reduce the pain and discomfort of the disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the lining of the bone joints. RA begins as joint pain and stiffness and progresses to joint deformity and intense pain. Because rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, progression to other organs in the body is a possibility. The Arthritis Foundation states that RA affects 1.3 million Americans.
Bone Cancer
Bone cancer is a malignancy that destroys normal bone tissue. Primary bone cancer types, as stated by the National Cancer Institute, include chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Chondrosarcoma begins in the cartilaginous tissue and is most often in the shoulder, pelvis or upper leg. Osteosarcoma is primarily in the upper arm or knee. Ewing sarcoma is a group of tumors most commonly found in the spine, pelvis and extremities.
Shin Splints
Shin splints, a common injury for runners, describes pain on the tibia (shinbone) of the lower leg. Inflammation of the tendons, muscles and tissue of the tibia from repetitive activities, such as running, jogging or dancing causes the pain. Treatment consists of cold packs, anti-inflammatory medications and reducing the amount of activity that caused the disorder. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends proper warm up and stretching prior to any exercise or activity.
