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Musculoskeletal conditions

If you'd like to discuss any worries or symptoms related to musculoskeletal conditions, A Livi GP can help.

What is your musculoskeletal system?

An adult’s musculoskeletal system is made up of 206 bones and more than 600 muscles, connected by ligaments, tendons and soft tissues. It lets us walk, run, sit and move throughout our lives. A musculoskeletal condition is a disorder or injury that impacts our body’s movement.

A quarter of adults live with a musculoskeletal condition, like back pain, arthritis or fibromyalgia. These make up around 30% of GP consultations. The number of patients is increasing rapidly due to our ageing population.

Search a symptom or condition

Enter a condition or symptom to filter the conditions below.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and can cause pain and stiffness in other parts of the body. Read about the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis and treatment options.

Bunions

A bunion is a bony lump, found on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe. The lump is caused by a deformity of the joint that connects the big toe to the foot. Find out more about how they’re caused and treated.

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions your joints. Read on about the symptoms and how to treat it.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when there’s too much pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. It causes tingling, numbness, weakness and pain. Read more about the causes and treatment.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is inflammation around the breast, which causes uncomfortable chest pain and swelling. Read more about the symptoms and when to seek help.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos (EDS) is a group of genetic conditions. It’s caused by a faulty gene that causes your body to produce weak or not enough collagen, leading to overly flexible joints and fragile skin. Read about the causes and treatments.

Frozen shoulder

A frozen shoulder is stiffness caused by inflammation of the tissue around the shoulder joint. Read more about what causes it and how it’s treated.

Ganglion cyst

A ganglion cyst is a lump under the skin, usually surrounding a joint. It may cause some pain or irritation but isn’t harmful. Discover the symptoms and treatments available.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis. It causes sudden pain and swelling in your joints, often with swollen red skin. The big toe is often affected first, but gout can also affect your feet, knees, hands, wrists and elbows.

Joint hypermobility syndrome

Joint hypermobility syndrome is when you have very flexible joints, which causes joint pain. You might refer to yourself as being double-jointed, as you’re particularly supple and can move your limbs into positions others might find impossible. Read more about the causes, symptoms, and how to treat joint hypermobility syndrome.

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema develops when there’s a blockage in the lymphatic system, causing swelling and aching in the limbs and often leading to mobility and skin problems. Find out why it happens and what can help.

Osteomalacia

Osteomalacia causes weak bones. Find out more about the symptoms and how it’s treated.

Osteomyelitis

Find out about what causes osteomyelitis, a painful infection of the bone, and why it’s important to get it treated as early as possible.

Osteophytes (bone spurs)

Osteophytes, also called bone spurs, are hard, bony lumps that grow on the ends of your bones. They don't always lead to problems, but sometimes they cause pain and stiffness. Find out why they develop and how they're treated.

Osteoporosis

If you have osteoporosis, it means your bones are very weak and brittle, and prone to breaking easily. We explain what treatment is available, and what you can do to help yourself.

Otosclerosis

We explain why otosclerosis causes hearing loss and look at the treatment options that can help to improve and restore your hearing.

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves in the peripheral areas of your body. Learn the symptoms, causes and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is irritation of the plantar fascia on the sole of the foot. Read on about the causes, symptoms and treatments

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and stiffness in muscles on both sides of the body. Discover the symptoms, treatments and when to seek help.

Repetitive strain injury

Repetitive strain injury causes pain following repeated similar movements like typing, decorating, hairdressing or playing tennis. Read on to find out how to recognise it and how you can help your symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that typically affects the hands, feet and wrists. Find out more about the symptoms and how it’s treated.

Sciatica

Sciatica is pain along your lower back to your feet. It’s caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Find out about the causes and treatments.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is where the spine curves to the side, a condition most often seen in children. We explain how scoliosis can be diagnosed and what treatment is available.

Shin splints

Shin splints are a pain along your shinbone (tibia) – the large bone in the front of the lower leg – usually caused by exercise. Learn more about the symptoms and how to prevent it.

Slipped disc

Slipped discs are when the soft pads of tissue between the bones of your spine move out of place. These discs can press on nerves and cause severe pain. Most slipped discs get better with gentle exercise and painkillers. Read on to discover the symptoms and treatments.