Pain

What is back pain? Back pain is the term for pain felt in the spine or back. It can be mild or severe. Back pain is common. It affects around 80% of people around the country at some point. Common causes of back pain include poor posture, heavy lifting, sitting...

What is chronic pain? Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than expected. It usually occurs after an injury or disease. Chronic pain can be exhausting – both emotionally and physically. It can impact your day-to-day activities, working life, social life, and family life. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, don’t...

What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain and tenderness in the body. It can also cause sleep issues, tiredness and memory problems. There is no known cause for fibromyalgia and no cure. Your GP will help you to manage your symptoms.

What is foot pain? Foot pain can happen in any part of the foot. It can affect the toes, midfoot, ankles, arches and heels. Pain can be because of an injury, underlying health condition, bad fitting shoes or the structure of the foot. Foot pain is common, especially in people...

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...

What is it? Headaches are very common and usually not concerning. Many people can treat their headache with over-the-counter pain medicine, rest and drinking more water. Sometimes, a headache can be a symptom of a serious illness. There are different types of headaches: Tension: This is the most common type...

What is an ingrown toenail? Ingrown toenails occur when your toenail grows into the skin of the toe. They are most common in young adults and often occur in the big toe, though they can impact any toe. Ingrown toenails can be painful and affect your daily life. They may...

What is knee pain? Knee pain is pain you can feel in the knee joint or around the knee. Knee pain can be caused by an injury or a medical condition. Common causes include: Ruptured ligament Torn cartilage Arthritis Gout Infection Your treatment will depend on the cause of the...

What is medication for acute pain? There are two main types of pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain starts suddenly and is usually short-lived. It can range from mild to severe and can have many different causes. Acute pain does not mean the pain is necessarily severe. It means it...

What is shin pain? The shin bone (tibia) is the large bone at the front of the lower leg. Shin pain is common and can also be called shin splints. Shin pain can happen when you try a new form of exercise or when you push yourself. This kind of...

What is shoulder pain? Shoulder pain is very common. It is a sign that all or part of your shoulder is injured, strained, or not working properly. The pain may be coming from the joint, muscles, tendons or ligaments around the shoulder. Sometimes, shoulder pain is caused by problems with...

What is trigger finger? Trigger finger happens when your finger is hard to straighten after bending. You might notice a pop or clicking feeling as you bend your finger. Your finger may also feel stiff. In severe cases a trigger finger will get locked or stuck after flexing and may...