Ganglion cyst
A ganglion cyst is a smooth, harmless lump filled with jelly-like fluid that grows from a joint or tendon lining, most often on the back of the wrist. Many cause no pain, and around half go away on their own without treatment. If a ganglion is painful or bothersome, draining it or surgical…
Hip impingement (FAI syndrome)
Hip impingement, or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome, is hip pain caused by abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip, linked to differences in bone shape. An international consensus states that diagnosis needs the right symptoms, examination findings and imaging…
Concussion and persistent post-concussion symptoms
Concussion is a brain injury caused by a knock to the head or a jolt to the body that shakes the brain. It can cause headache, dizziness, confusion and tiredness, and you do not need to be knocked out to have one. Most people recover within two to four weeks with a short period of relative rest…
Outer hip pain (greater trochanteric pain syndrome)
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip, most often caused by irritated gluteal tendons rather than a true bursitis. It is especially common in women over 40 and often makes lying on your side painful. Evidence suggests education plus a targeted…
Jaw pain (temporomandibular disorder)
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a group of conditions causing pain and stiffness in the jaw joint and the chewing muscles. It can cause clicking, aching around the ear, headaches and difficulty opening the mouth fully. Most cases settle with self-care, and guideline evidence supports…
Hip osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis is a long-term condition where the cartilage and bone in the hip joint change, causing pain, stiffness and reduced movement. It usually develops gradually in people over 45. NICE guidance recommends tailored exercise for everyone with osteoarthritis, with weight loss,…
Achilles tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy is pain, stiffness and reduced strength in the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. It usually develops when the tendon is loaded more than it can cope with. Progressive strengthening exercise is the main recommended treatment.
Migraine
Migraine is a common neurological condition that causes repeated attacks of moderate to severe headache, often throbbing and on one side, usually with feeling sick or sensitivity to light and sound. Some people also get an aura, such as flashing lights, before the headache. Migraine is diagnosed…
Axial spondyloarthritis
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a long-term inflammatory condition that mainly affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints where the spine meets the pelvis. It includes ankylosing spondylitis. It typically causes back pain and stiffness that starts before the age of 45, is worse with rest and…
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, is pain along the inner edge of the shin bone that comes on with exercise such as running or jumping. It happens when the leg is loaded more than it is ready for. Most people improve within weeks with load changes and a gradual return to activity.
Osgood–Schlatter disease
Osgood–Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in active children and teenagers, felt at the bony bump just below the kneecap. It happens when the strong thigh muscles repeatedly pull on a growth area at the top of the shin bone. It usually improves as growth finishes, but symptoms can…
Iliotibial band syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is an overuse condition that causes pain on the outside of the knee, where the iliotibial band passes over the end of the thigh bone. It is the most common cause of outer knee pain in runners and is also seen in cyclists. Most people improve with a period of…
Cervicogenic headache
Cervicogenic headache is a headache caused by a problem in the neck, such as the joints, muscles or nerves of the upper spine. The pain usually starts at the back of the head or neck on one side and spreads forwards, and it is often linked to neck stiffness or certain neck movements. Research…
Tension-type headache
Tension-type headache is the most common type of headache. It usually feels like a dull, pressing or tight band around both sides of the head, and it does not normally come with sickness or worsen with routine activity. Most people can manage it well with simple painkillers used sparingly,…
Aches and pains in children and young people
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…
Pain in pregnancy and after birth
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
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…
Shin and calf pain
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
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…
Hip, groin and pelvic 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…