Aches and pains are common in growing children and teenagers, especially those who are very active in sport. Most are harmless and settle with time, sensible changes to activity and the right exercises, but a few signs always need a doctor's opinion. This section explains the most common…

Aches and pains in the back, pelvis and hands are very common in pregnancy, and many women also notice changes in their tummy muscles and fitness after birth. These problems are common, but you do not have to simply put up with them, and there is usually plenty that can help. Your midwife, GP or…

Ankle and foot pain is very common and can affect walking, work, sport and sleep. Most problems, such as heel pain, sprains and ball-of-foot pain, are mechanical and settle with the right mix of advice, footwear changes, exercise and time. A clear assessment helps you understand what is going on…

Pain in the shin or calf is common, especially in people who run, play sport or have recently stepped up their activity. Most cases are linked to load: how much, how fast and how often the leg is used. Many settle with sensible changes to training and a structured rehab plan, but some need…

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people see a GP or a musculoskeletal practitioner, affecting everyone from teenage athletes to older adults. Some problems come on gradually with load, such as runner's knee or osteoarthritis, while others follow a twist or a fall. Most knee pain…

Pain around the hip, groin, buttock or pelvis is common at every age, from young people who play sport to older adults with joint wear and tear. Where you feel the pain often gives a useful clue: the groin, the outside of the hip, the buttock or the back of the pelvis can each point to different…

Lower back pain is one of the most common health problems in the world and the leading cause of years lived with disability. Most episodes settle within weeks, and serious causes are rare. Staying active, building strength and understanding what is going on usually matter more than scans or rest.

Upper back (thoracic) pain is less talked about than neck or low back pain, but it is common, with studies suggesting roughly 1 in 10 men and 1 in 5 women of working age have it in any given week. Most upper back and chest wall pain comes from muscles, joints and ribs and settles with time,…

Wrist and hand pain is common and can come from nerves, tendons, joints or a recent injury. Tingling at night, a thumb that hurts to grip, a finger that clicks or a new lump each point to different problems with different solutions. Many settle with the right advice and activity changes, while…

Elbow pain is common in working-age adults, and most of it comes from the tendons, nerves and soft tissues around the joint rather than the joint itself. Tendon problems on the outer or inner side of the elbow are the most frequent causes, and many settle over months with sensible load…

Shoulder pain is very common. Population studies suggest that, at any one time, around one in six adults has some shoulder pain, and it becomes more common from middle age. Most shoulder problems improve with the right advice, exercise and time, and only a small number need surgery.

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, and it is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Most episodes are not caused by serious damage and settle within weeks, although it can come back. Staying active, gentle movement and a gradual return to normal activities are the…

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints. Around half of adults worldwide have a headache problem in any given year, and jaw pain is also common. Most headaches and jaw problems are not caused by anything serious, and many respond well to simple self-care, exercise and good advice,…