Injuries and Pain
Find information and supports for your pain or injury. Factsheets in English, Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
What is Achilles Tendon Rupture? The Achilles tendon is at the back of the heel. It can be ruptured by sudden force on the foot or ankle creating a tear. It can feel like being kicked in the lower leg, making it difficult to walk or rise on your toes....
Shoulder dislocation and instability
What is shoulder dislocation and instability? A shoulder dislocation is when the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder blade socket. It can be very painful. It is often caused by falls or sport and high impact injuries. If your shoulder is out of its socket, you won’t be...
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles Tendinopathy is a painful condition that affects the achilles tendon. It is a type of injury due to overuse and is more common in young people and athletes. Symptoms include: pain in the back of the heal difficulty walking swelling, tenderness and warmth of achilles tendon May be...
Lower Leg Fractures
What is a Lower Leg Fracture? A lower leg fracture is a break in a bone above the ankle. It can happen from a direct hit or from twisting the leg. In adults it is often caused by strong impacts, such as car accidents, being hit by a vehicle, or...
Mallet splints
What is a mallet splint? A mallet splint is designed to keep your finger tip in an over-extended position to allow the tendon, and sometimes an associated small piece of bone, to heal. The splint prevents your finger developing a permanent droop. Your finger is checked at one week to...
Ankle sprain
What is ankle sprain? An ankle sprain is an ankle injury caused by rolling, twisting or straining the ankle. An ankle sprain causes swelling, pain and bruising. In many cases, you can treat your ankle sprain at home with rest, ice, a compression bandage and elevation (RICE). You may also...
Gout and Pseudogout
What is gout and pseudogout? Gout happens when small crystals form in and around the joints. These crystals are made of a substance called monosodium urate. They can cause sudden pain, swelling, and joint damage over time. People get gout when their body has too much uric acid and doesn’t...
Inflammatory arthritis
What is inflammatory arthritis? Inflammatory arthritis causes sore and stiff joints, especially in the morning. The pain lasts more than 30 minutes but usually feels better when you move. It can be worse at night.
Ankle fractures
What is an ankle fracture? An ankle fracture is a broken ankle. Fractures can be thin cracks or complete breaks that shatter. Ankle fractures cause pain, bruising and swelling. There are several types of ankle fractures. The most common type is called a distal fibula fracture. An ankle fracture is...