KENNEWICK — In modern times, anyone worried about an injury or illness can immediately look it up online. If you think you or someone in your life has an undiagnosed medical condition of any kind, you can easily Google signs, symptoms and responses.
While this is not a substitute for advice from a medical professional, it does allow people to do initial research as their first step. You can become more educated on the possibilities that apply to you, and discuss them with your doctor.
This is an option many people utilize, as made evident by Google data showing that hundreds of injuries are searched every year. The most-searched injuries in the U.S. were looked up hundreds of thousands of times in 2023, according to a recent study out of Hutzer Law.
The five most-searched injuries and illnesses in Washington are actually the same as the country’s top five. They are also in a similar order.
Most searched
The top five illnesses and injuries searched in Washington were shin splints, bursitis, nasal septum deviation, carpal tunnel syndrome and concussion, according to the study from Hutzer Law, which analyzed the Google data.
- Shin splints: Searched an average of 5,482 times per month.
A form of leg pain caused by overuse, specifically around the shinbone. It is commonly a result of increased physical activity.
The recommended home treatment for someone experiencing this kind of pain is rest, ice and light stretching often.
- Bursitis: Searched an average of 5,233 times per month.
Bursitis is a form of joint pain caused by inflamed fluid pockets around joints. It is commonly experienced in the shoulder, elbow and hip, but can occur around any joints that are often used in repetitive movement.
Depending on the severity of the pain, it is a good idea to visit a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment.
- Nasal septum deviation: Searched an average of 4,667 times per month.
A deviated septum occurs when the wall between your nasal passages is off-center, making one larger than the other. This can impact airflow and can cause snoring, difficulty breathing, nosebleeds and facial pain.
This can only be diagnosed by a doctor and treated with surgery.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Searched an average of 4,650 times per month.
This syndrome causes pain, tingling and numbness in the hands and forearm due to nerve compression. Symptoms begin as minor pain but become more severe over time, and can interfere with everyday schedules. It is extremely important to get it looked at by a professional before any permanent damage sets in.
- Concussion: Searched an average of 3,092 times per month.
Caused by force, concussions are mild brain injuries where the brain moves back and forth against the skull’s inner walls. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including amnesia, dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue and blurred vision.
Head injuries should be taken seriously. Monitor someone’s condition in the hours following impact to the head and seek emergency care if symptoms become severe.
The U.S.’s top five searches in order of frequency were shin splints, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, nasal septum deviation and concussion.
