Diastasis recti is the abnormal separation of the rectus ("six-pack") muscles of the abdominal wall. It's best known in women after childbirth, but men and athletes get it too — and it's often missed in them. In men, it typically follows heavy lifting, straining, or weight gain rather than pregnancy. So what is diastasis [...]
CRPS — complex regional pain syndrome — is a condition thought to be due to an abnormality in the way nerves in the limbs and spinal cord process pain. It causes severe pain in a limb, out of proportion to the original injury. Other terms for it include reflex sympathetic dystrophy and causalgia. So [...]
Numbness and pins and needles are common symptoms affecting the hands and fingers, particularly at night. Generally, these symptoms suggest nerve compression in some area. Sometimes, however, the cause can be different and potentially severe. For example, heart attacks and multiple sclerosis can also cause hand numbness. So, what causes pain and numbness in [...]
Yoga combines breathing, meditation, and strengthening movement, and studies suggest it benefits stress, mood, and arthritis pain. But while yoga improves strength and flexibility, it can also cause injury. One common yoga injury is buttock pain — known as a "yoga butt" or a yoga hip injury. So what is it, and how do [...]
In general, most common orthopaedic procedures are done for soft tissue pathology (joint, tendon, and nerves). In the UK alone, 25% of all surgeries performed in the NHS are related to musculoskeletal problems. Surgery is considered in cases that fail simple measures and exercise. Which procedures are effective and which are not? Most common [...]
Olecranon bursitis, also called elbow bursitis, is a collection of fluid in the sac behind the elbow. This condition can appear out of nowhere or triggered by an injury such as a fall onto the tip of the elbow. So, how do we manage olecranon bursitis, and is an injection a good option? Anatomy [...]
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 [...]
A Jones fracture is a break at the base of the 5th metatarsal — the long bone behind the little toe — on the outer side of the foot. It matters because it sits in a zone with a poor blood supply, so it heals slowly and can fail to heal altogether. So why [...]
Midfoot arthritis is a common cause of foot pain in middle-aged and older people. The midfoot connects the heel to the front of the foot, so arthritis here can be particularly disabling for active people. So how do we diagnose midfoot arthritis, and what can be done about it? What is the midfoot? [...]
Syndesmosis injury, also known as a high ankle injury, is more common than thought. Generally, these injuries occur with other injuries, such as ankle sprains and fractures. Often, if left untreated, high ankle sprains can lead to chronic pain and poor function. So, how do we diagnose a syndesmosis injury, and what do we [...]
