Easyortho
Understand your symptoms, know your options, look after yourself
Bone, joint, muscle and tendon problems explained in plain language, grounded in medical evidence.
Where does it hurt?
Choose the area with symptoms to see what is relevant.
What would you like to know?
Pick whichever matches what you need.
Learn about conditions
Plain-language explanations of the common bone, joint and muscle problems.
Tests and scans
What an X-ray, MRI, ultrasound or bone-density scan is, and what it can show.
Treatment options
From self-care and medicines to injections and surgery, and the trade-offs of each.
Rehabilitation and exercise
Phase-by-phase programmes for the shoulder, knee and back, and balance training.
Featured topics
A good place to start if you are not sure what to read first.
- Knee painMany causes. Where and when it hurts points to which one.
- Shoulder painTendons, capsule or joint. The movements that hurt narrow it down.
- Back painVery common, and most settles — but some warning signs need a doctor.
- Frozen shoulderThe capsule tightens, so the shoulder moves less. It runs over months.
- Plantar fasciitisHeel pain from the sole, worst on the first steps of the morning.
- Knee osteoarthritisThe cartilage lining the knee thins: pain, stiffness, harder walking.
Which symptoms need a doctor?
A general guide, not a diagnosis. If you are unsure, always ask a doctor.
Usually safe to manage yourself
Mild symptoms that are slowly improving, you can still walk and use the limb normally, and none of the warning signs below.
Arrange to see a doctor
Pain lasting more than two to three weeks, disturbing your sleep or work, or not improving with self-care.
See a doctor straight away
A serious injury, being unable to bear weight, a joint that is swollen, red and hot with a fever, sudden numbness or weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
In a life-threatening emergency, call 1669 or go straight to the nearest emergency department.
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- Grounded in medical evidence
- Reviewed by a specialist
- Written to be understood
- For better health at every stage of life