Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal pain is probably the most common presenting symptom to general practitioners, accounting for up to 30 per cent of all visits.

A great many people who present with musculoskeletal disorders get better if treated by their family doctor, and treatment may include anti-inflammatory tablets and painkillers, according to Dr Josh Keaveny, Consultant Pain Management Specialist at the Sports Surgery Clinic.

High levels of total cholesterol are linked to a heightened risk of tendon abnormalities and pain, reveals a pooled analysis of the available evidence published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Pilot studies in UK and Australian primary schools has suggested that the introduction of so-called ‘sit-to-stand desks’ appears to be an effective way of reducing classroom sitting and tackling children’s sedentary behaviour.

Use of a lower intensity bone marrow transplantation method has shown promising results among 30 patients (16-65 years of age) with severe sickle cell disease, according to a study in the July 2 issue of JAMA.

Taking the street drug Ecstasy could lead to a potentially fatal weakening and rupture of the spinal cord artery, doctors have warned in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks healthy joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and over time, loss of function in the joints — as well as overall fatigue and weakness.

The likelihood is that early rheumatoid arthritis patients — who are treated within two years of diagnosis — will be fully able and in complete remission, writes Gary Culliton.

Dr EA Rahim and Dr M Barry provide an overview on the management of rheumatoid arthritis, including diagnosis, referral guidelines and pharmacological therapies.

Dr Fahim Khan, Consultant Rheumatologist, outlines the risk factors, diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis and provides an overview of appropriate pharmacologic therapies.