Orthopedic Conditions
Common Questions & Answers
Common orthopedic conditions include arthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia, neck pain, shoulder pain, low back pain, hand pain, knee pain, foot pain, osteoporosis, soft-tissue injuries, fractures, kyphosis, scoliosis, and other issues involving the hands, feet, knees, neck, and shoulders.
Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, and range of motion through stretches, motions, and exercises you practice at home. Seeing a licensed physical therapist can also reduce the risk of injuries in the future.
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. Most people get all the calcium and vitamin D they need from a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy or alternatives, and lean proteins.
Casts and splints can treat a fracture. However, some fractures require surgery, either to fix the bone in place with internal or external screws or to administer a bone graft. Severe breaks may need a closed reduction procedure.
For aerobic exercise that's easy on the joints, try low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling. Don't forget about weight or resistance training and stretching to improve range of motion. Ask a healthcare professional what they recommend for your condition.

Grant Chu, MD
Medical Reviewer
Grant Chu, MD, is an assistant clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Chu is also the associate director of education at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, using technology to further medical education.
He is board-certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a diplomate of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
He received a bachelor's degree in neuroscience from Brown University, where he also earned his medical degree. He has a master's in acupuncture and oriental medicine from South Baylo University and a master's in business administration from the University of Illinois. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of California in Los Angeles and a fellowship at the Center for East-West Medicine at UCLA.
He has held academic appointments at the University of California in Irvine and the University of Queensland in Australia.

Abby Siler, PT, DPT
Medical Reviewer
Rachel MacPherson, CPT
Medical Reviewer

Jennifer Payne, MD
Medical Reviewer
Jennifer Payne, MD, is a physician at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.
She earned her bachelor's from the University of St. Thomas, majoring in biochemistry and minoring in theology. She was the first service learning assistant for the service learning program and did extensive volunteer work with Open Arms of Minnesota during this time, including building a library on multiple sclerosis information. She obtained her MD from the Georgetown University School of Medicine, where she was part of the first class to run the Hoya Clinic for people without housing. She also completed an elective in medical writing and editing, working with American Family Physician magazine. Dr. Payne completed her residency in family medicine at Lancaster General Hospital and a primary care sports medicine fellowship at Wellspan Health in York, Pennsylvania.
She has served on the board of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine and assisted in obtaining speakers and clinical case studies for the physician portion of the conference.
She enjoys reading, all sports (particularly Olympic weightlifting), walking her dog, and spending time with her husband, sons, and their extended family.

Mayoni Ranasinghe, MBBS, MPH
Medical Reviewer

Allison M. Fout, PA-C
Medical Reviewer
Allison M. Fout, PA-C, has 20 years of experience as a Physician Assistant with a career rooted in orthopedic care. Since 2015, she has been a provider at Excelsior Orthopaedics in Buffalo, New York, specializing in sports medicine, joint replacements, fracture care, and a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
She works with patients across multiple age groups — from young athletes to aging adults — helping them recover function, reduce pain, and return to the activities they enjoy.
Her dedication to patient-centered care earns the trust of both her patients and colleagues. Beyond the clinic and operating room, she's involved in education and mentorship. She serves as a mentor to fellow clinicians and students alike and works as an adjunct instructor of orthopedics for the PA program at Daemen University, guiding and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals as they develop their technical skills, knowledge, and confidence.

Scott Haak, PT, DPT, MTC, CSCS
Medical Reviewer
Scott Haak, PT, DPT, has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 2000. Dr. Haak serves as faculty for the Sports Medicine Fellowship program at Mayo Clinic Florida. He is certified by the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) as a CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), is a Certified USA Weightlifting Coach and Certified USA Football Coach, and possesses a MTC (Manual Therapy Certification) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
Haak is an exercise enthusiast and enjoys running, weightlifting, and sports performance training. He is the president and director of coaching of a youth tackle football organization, JDL Providence Football, and currently coaches high school football and weight lifting.

Aubrey Bailey, PT, DPT, CF-L1
Medical Reviewer

Lisa Maloney, CPT
Medical Reviewer
- Musculoskeletal Health. World Health Organization. July 14, 2022.
- Orthopedic Preventive Care. Aurora Health Care.
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