Popping sternum is a condition associated with a cracking sound from the breast bone. Though the condition is not serious and often doesn’t require treatment, it can be associated with several causative factors.

The ankle is a hinged joint which performs the primary function of moving the foot in two directions (away from the body and towards the body). The ankle joint is formed by a combination of three bones namely the tibia, fibula and talus. Ankle pain is attributed to a host of causes and can be treated effectively using home remedies.

Benign tumors are abnormal growth of tissue, which is not likely to spread to other parts of the body and result in a malignancy. Benign bone growth is most often observed in children, when the skeletal structure is growing.

Symptoms of separated shoulder include extreme shoulder pain especially on moving the arm, weakness of the affected arm and restricted mobility. Conservative treatment includes rest to the affected arm, ice fomentation and physiotherapy.

Ankle is a weight bearing joint and any exercise or running, increases the pressure on the ankles making it prone to hurting. Improper shoes, uneven running surface and inadequate stretching include the factors that cause ankle pain.

Destruction and damage of the basal joint of the thumb results into thumb arthritis. Symptoms include pain and difficulty in movement and swelling of the thumb joint. Exercise reduces stiffness, increases mobility and reduces pain.

Synovial cyst also referred to as mucous cyst is associated with leakage of synovial fluid into surrounding tissue. Commonly observed in the hip or knee joint and mostly among elderly people it is associated with pain and stiffness.

Prevention of gout attacks is possible by following a healthy lifestyle and food habits like eating low purine diet, reducing obesity and no alcohol. Green vegetables, complex carbohydrates, fruits and high fiber foods should be eaten.

Fracture in the pelvis can be caused due to severe impact on the pelvic bone, falling from a height or vehicular accidents. Symptoms include pain in groin area, swelling, dizziness and fainting, low blood pressure and pale skin.

Cystic lesions that are found on the labrum or cartilage, surrounding the joints are referred to as paralabral cysts. Commonly involved joint are hip or shoulder joint and are more commonly observed in athletes or sports persons.

Scoliosis refers to an abnormal curvature in the spine which is curved towards the sides. Pain with muscle spasms is mostly limited to one side of spine. Pain can be moderate or severe depending upon the extent of abnormality and the age.

Unstable ankle is mostly caused due to injury and usually an ankle sprain, which tends to make the ankle joint ligaments lax. Restricting the activities that over strain the ankle joint are recommended to improve the condition.

Jumper's knee is a condition that affects the knee of an athlete, especially those who play volleyball, basketball, long and high jump. Causes include excessive overstraining in sports activities, obesity and deformity in legs.

Stress fracture or hairline fracture refers to an incomplete fracture of the bones caused due to repeated stress on them. Common sites include feet, ankle and the legs which are attributed to continuous exposure to heavy weight.

Runner’s knee is caused by due to constant irritation of femoral groove by knee cap, often attributed to dislocation of knee cap. Dislocation of patella is due to an injury or its overuse and is common in athletes.

Injuries can occur in any of the spinal discs, but they are more common in the most mobile portion of the spine. Pain, tingling and numbness, dizziness, loss of sensation and cramps are some of the common symptoms of disc injury.

Clavicle or collar bone fracture is considered to be the most serious as the fragments of the bone can harm the lungs, esophagus and in some cases the heart also. In many cases of clavicle fracture surgery may not be required.

Bruised sternum or breast bone is usually caused by a blow on the chest while playing, or due to an accident. Symptoms include severe pain in the chest, pain while moving hands, swelling and shallow breathing to avoid pain.

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is characterized by joint pains, swelling of joints, and stiffness. It is difficult to treat arthritis, but it can naturally be prevented by lifestyle change.

Too much accumulation of sodium urate crystals in the joints causes gout. As the uric acid levels in the body rises, crystals are formed and severe pain is felt. To prevent gout avoid foods with high uric acid content.