--- title: "Bones, joints and muscles Guides — Doctor-Reviewed" description: "Practical guides to bone, joint and muscle problems, from back pain and arthritis to osteoporosis — easing pain at home and when to seek medical advice." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/topics/bones-joints-and-muscles/ robots: noindex --- # Bones, joints and muscles Guides — Doctor-Reviewed Health topic Aches and pains in your bones, joints and muscles are very common and usually improve with simple self-care. These guides cover the most common causes, what you can do at home, and the signs that mean you should see a GP or physiotherapist. ## Conditions - [Carpal tunnel syndrome](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/) A plain-English guide to carpal tunnel syndrome — numb, tingling hands — and what helps. - [Fibromyalgia](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/) Fibromyalgia — widespread pain, fatigue, and brain fog explained: diagnosis, NHS treatments, and distinguishing from other conditions. - [Frozen shoulder](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/frozen-shoulder/) A plain-English guide to frozen shoulder — symptoms, stages, treatment and recovery timeline. - [Gout](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/gout/) Gout causes sudden severe joint pain from uric acid crystals — often in the big toe. Learn triggers, attack treatment, prevention and when to see a GP. - [Lupus](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/lupus/) Lupus (SLE) — butterfly rash, joint pain, fatigue, diagnosis with blood tests, and NHS treatment with hydroxychloroquine and specialist care. - [Osteoarthritis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/) Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis in the UK. Learn which joints it affects, why movement usually helps, when to see a GP, and who should skip this page. - [Osteoporosis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/) Osteoporosis — fragile bones, fracture risk, DEXA scanning, prevention with calcium, vitamin D, and NHS treatments. - [Plantar fasciitis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/plantar-fasciitis/) A plain-English guide to plantar fasciitis — heel pain — and the steps that genuinely help. - [Rheumatoid arthritis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — joint pain and swelling, morning stiffness, diagnosis, NHS DMARD treatment, and when to see a GP urgently. - [Vitamin D deficiency](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/vitamin-d-deficiency/) A plain-English guide to vitamin D deficiency — symptoms, who is at risk, testing and treatment in the UK. ## Symptoms - [Back pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/back-pain/) What causes back pain, what actually helps recovery, and the red flags that need urgent attention. - [Hip pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/hip-pain/) Hip pain in adults is often caused by osteoarthritis or bursitis. Where it is felt helps find the cause, and being unable to bear weight after a fall needs A&E. - [Joint pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/joint-pain/) Joint pain is usually caused by injury, overuse or osteoarthritis and often eases with rest and simple painkillers. Persistent or swollen joints need a GP. - [Knee pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/knee-pain/) Knee pain is often caused by overuse, sports injury or osteoarthritis. Learn the common causes, self-care that helps, and when locking or swelling needs a GP. - [Leg pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/leg-pain/) Leg pain is usually caused by muscle strain or cramps, but one-sided swelling can signal DVT. Learn the common causes, self-care and when to get urgent help. - [Muscle pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/muscle-pain/) Muscle pain (myalgia) is usually caused by overuse, tension or viral illness and eases with rest — severe pain with dark urine needs urgent review. - [Neck pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/neck-pain/) Neck pain is usually caused by muscle strain or poor posture and settles within a few weeks — a stiff neck with fever needs urgent assessment for meningitis. - [Sciatica](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/sciatica/) Sciatica is pain that travels from the lower back down the leg, usually caused by a bulging disc pressing on a nerve. Most cases improve in four to six weeks. - [Shoulder pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/shoulder-pain/) Shoulder pain is often caused by rotator cuff problems or frozen shoulder and usually improves with physiotherapy over weeks. See a GP after an injury. ## Treatments and medicines - [Co-codamol](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/co-codamol/) Co-codamol combines paracetamol and codeine for short-term moderate pain — strengths, 4g paracetamol limit, constipation risk, and when to see a GP. - [Codeine](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/codeine/) Codeine is a short-term opioid for moderate pain — how it works, constipation and dependence risks, and why it is restricted in children and breastfeeding. - [Ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory painkillers](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/ibuprofen/) Ibuprofen eases pain, swelling and fever for some people. Take it with food, at the lowest dose, for the shortest time. Skip it if a pharmacist says it is unsafe for you. - [Naproxen](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/naproxen/) Naproxen is an NSAID painkiller that reduces pain and inflammation; how to take it safely, side effects, and heart, kidney and stomach cautions. - [Paracetamol](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/paracetamol/) Paracetamol eases mild to moderate pain and fever when you follow the pack. Never double up with cold remedies. Overdose needs 111 or 999 even if you feel well. - [Prednisolone](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/prednisolone/) Prednisolone is an oral steroid that suppresses inflammation in asthma, arthritis and autoimmune conditions; long courses need tapering and monitoring. ## Tests and screening - [MRI scan](https://healthanswers.co.uk/tests/mri-scan/) An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves, not radiation, to produce detailed images of the brain, spine, joints and soft tissues inside the body. - [X-ray](https://healthanswers.co.uk/tests/x-ray/) An X-ray uses low-dose radiation to image bones and some tissues, quickly detecting fractures, chest infections and joint disease in most cases.