Bisphosphonates are widely prescribed to strengthen bone and prevent fractures in conditions such as osteoporosis, and they substantially reduce the risk of hip, spine, and other fragility fractures. But with long-term use, a small number of people may develop an atypical femoral fracture — a rare break that occurs with minimal or no trauma. [...]
Ciprofloxacin is a widely prescribed antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone class, used for bacterial infections such as urinary, respiratory, and skin infections. Other fluoroquinolones include ofloxacin, levofloxacin, and norfloxacin. They're effective — but linked to a serious, potentially life-altering side effect: tendon damage, particularly tendon rupture. So what's the link between Cipro and tendon rupture? [...]
Low iron levels are common among athletes, causing fatigue, lethargy, and reduced performance. Being aware of low iron and running is key to staying active. So what are the signs of low iron in runners? How do we assess iron levels, and what are the best ways to top up iron? What is iron? [...]
Duloxetine is a prescription-only medication first used to treat depression. But we also use duloxetine for chronic pain, including musculoskeletal pain such as osteoarthritis. So what's the evidence for using duloxetine for arthritis and chronic pain, and how should it be used? How does duloxetine work for pain? Duloxetine is a selective serotonin and [...]
We use a Durolane injection to treat osteoarthritis — the most common form of arthritis. The condition affects the knees, hips, shoulders, thumbs, and other joints. Treatment starts with exercise, weight loss, and medication. When these are not enough, injections come next. Durolane is our preferred first-choice injection for knee arthritis and requires only [...]
Ibuprofen is a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain from musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis, ligament tears, and tendon inflammation. One of the most common questions is: how long does it take for ibuprofen to start working? Here's the answer, along with how it works, the dose, and the side effects [...]
Amitriptyline is an older antidepressant that we sometimes use for pain at much lower doses than for depression. Because it acts on the nervous system, it's more effective for nerve (neuropathic) pain than for musculoskeletal pain. So, how do we use amitriptyline for pain, what dose should you take, and what should you know [...]
More than 500,000 cortisone injections are given each year for musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis. Cortisone reduces inflammation effectively, yet it's often stigmatised. So are cortisone injections bad for you — and when are they genuinely worth having? What is cortisone? Cortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory drug, used to reduce inflammation in [...]
We use cortisone injections for arthritis and tendonitis, and one of the most common questions is how long it takes for a cortisone shot to work. This page answers that directly, then covers the other questions people ask before and after a cortisone injection. How long does it take for a cortisone shot to [...]
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for joints and tendons are increasingly popular. Part of the field of regenerative medicine, they're used to reduce pain and promote healing. But is there evidence that a platelet-rich plasma injection works for arthritis and tendonitis? This is the main PRP guide. For practical questions and cost, see our PRP [...]
