Most cases of simple ‘soft tissue rheumatism’ – aches and pains, strains and stiffness – are eased without needing to see a doctor. However, on occasion pain and limited function will mean a consultation is required. Common conditions requiring further investigation include:

• Shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tendon problems
• Finger tendon problems (“trigger finger”)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing pains and needle sin the hand and/or pain in the wrist/hand/arm)
• Bursitis and tennis/golfers elbow
• Trochanteric bursitis – pain around the outer thigh, often described as ‘hip pain’ by the general public, but not due to a problem with the hip joint itself
• Achilles tendon and heel/foot pain, such as tendonitis and plantar fasciitis (“policeman’s heel”).

 These conditions can be treated with physical therapies, local steroid and anaesthetic injections, splints and orthotics.