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Bones, Muscles, Joints Questions

Scaphoid fracture Hello, hope someone can help me with a question I have; I've currently got a broken scaphoid (I've had 2 bone graft surgeries, the most recent being 7 weeks ago). The injury was missed by my A&E department from my initial fall playing football, and by my GP on a follow up visit 2 weeks later whilst still in pain. This injury occured some 20 months ago. My issue surrounds when I first attended A&E. I was given x-rays and the doctor who initially treated me suspected a fracture and put this in his notes. He stated the x-rays showed a potential break but couldn't be 100% sure. I was told to come back to the fracture clinic the next day. On my return I met another doctor who showed me my x-rays from the day before and said there was no fracture, just potenitally a sprain. No further x-rays were taken. I was told to rest the wrist and come back if there were any further problems. Two weeks later I returned to my GP, complaining of a large swelling above the base of my thumb, he again diagnosed no fracture and suggested rest. It was not until 3 months later the fracture was found on an MRI scan at the request of a surgeon. My question is, given what I've read about the difficulty of diagnosing this type of fracture from an x-ray, should I have been referred for more investigation (i.e. MRI/Bone Scan) on my first visit to the fracture clinic?? I've heard that a follow up x-ray if there's any doubt is mandatory?

I keep ripping a tendon (I think) in my lower legs - what to do I am a utilitarian runner: I run back from work as a way to commute 4-5 days a week at 5 miles each run. I have been doing this for c. 5 years. However over winter I have been unable to run as I keep tearing the tendons that join my calf muscle to my ankle (I am no physiologist, so I might be wrong about the tendon). The first tear/strain came in October in my right leg and I took 2 weeks off. When I restarted I was fine for 2 weeks. Then my other leg (the left one) had a really bad tear below the calf muscle and I didn't run again until Christmas. I then tried a short run and it pulled my right calf muscle! After another 2 months of rest I set off for another run and this time my left calf muscle/tendon tore. After each tear I walk gingerly for a week, then can walk normally (almost), but if I stretch my gait, e.g., through running or 'Dad dancing' with my kids, then I feel a sharp pain as if I am tearing, or at least pulling a muscle. I think I have eliminated shoes from the problem as I tried 3 pairs and settled back into the pair I used for most of the 5 years. I am 37 and have not changed my diet or felt ill or different in any other way. My running style and routine and number of runs was pretty constant before the first injury. I realise the best thing to do is go see a doctor or maybe a sports injury person, but before I do thought I check to see if there is anything obvious I am missing. Thanks

painful heels the soles of heels are in constant pain and sore to the touch

MGUS. Post strep arthritis. EBV and CMV positive I have been unwell for over 4 months now. It started when I was on hoilday in Portugal and had sore eyes, headache , hypersensitive skin, rash and very painful joints and swelling. Had bloods taken there (C-reactive protein)and back home and what has shown up is I have strep throat positive titre (reactive arthritis) - After investigation :MGUS - ebv and cmv positive and ANA 1-160. I feel awful most of the time with a myriad of symptoms and am off work (I am a teacher). There seems slight improvement on some days while most are fairly debilitating. I also have worsening digestive problems-heartburn/bloating/burping and recently had an attack of pleurisy. What do you think? I have been prescribed omeprazole,domperidone (which is helping) and anti-inflammatory pills. My fingers are often swollen and painful and weak. My ankles are painful also knees and lower back and hips. Also neck. Under my armpits are swollen and have felt nodules in my neck-they come and go. I often have sore throat -swab is clear now and have developed what I think are mouth ulcers-which I haven't mentioned to doctor as symptoms are so numerous. At night on occasion,pain wakes me up and it can be a crushing or burning feeling in ribs,feet or hands or tingling. Sometimes my bones feel like they are bruised and the vibration from walking is painful, tendons feel tight and obvious swelling around ankle/achilles. When I walk longer distances my legs 'puff up' and ther is more heat in anklesor/and knees and lower back. I am a bit dopey (not usually) but noticably clumsy- articles flying out of my hands when I have picked them up - eyesight/coordination deteriorated and often pressing the key next to intended one on keyboard when typing- so confidence has been affected. Sorry to add on but I thought it might help with answering. I am upset about where these ebv and cmv infections have come from.I am a clean living person.I understand the strep throat as there was scarlet fever at school and often had children sneezing and coughing on me - took anti biotic for sore throat at the time - carried on working(January time) until May when I was really struggling and strep was diagnosed- been unable to work ever since.

I have a badly worn back and each morning my legs are swollen I am 82 years old and have had a worn back for many years.Most of the pain is at the base and I have attended the pain relief clinic several times, most recently in March this year. When I sit dow the pain goes. My present problem is my legs, The ankles feel as though they have a clamp around them. Both legs are swollen during the day, making walking a problem. my right leg calf is considerably more swollen than the left and i am getting pain just above the ankle on the right abd an area of painful to touch swollen skin. No discolouration.The middle finger of my left hand is painful when I touch something cold. U anm taking water tablets 2 each day to help my kidney which did have cancerr, now thankfully cured.

I have a swollen and slightly painfully foot Banged my shin 6 weeks ago. Still a little lump there. 1 week ago started getting slight pain in foot at top. Very local. 1 week later general swelling on top and lower part of foot. Not too much swelling. Sore to touch foot. Ankle still feels a little tender, but no pain. Foot is ok when rest, but painful when put shoes on. Just wanting to check out as started 1 week ago. Foot is tender. Not aware of banging foot.

Radial Fracture I have a fratured my elbow a year ago. Ive had surgery to try and straighten my elbow. He removed bone on the outside of the elbow joint but couldnt remove anymore because he said i will lose strength in my elbow. I have being doing physio therapy nearly for 8 months. I still cant straightnen it. Is there any treatments or more surgery where theres a chance i can straighten my elbow more? e.g. Laser Treatment? I am more or less 20 degrees off. I know my arm will never be as good has new but just seeing if theres a chance of getting close to straighten.

Pain in various parts of my body I have had pain in the right side of my back for about 10 years, I have looked through the internet to see what the area could be called and I think it is referred to as ‘external oblique’. It is a dull continuous pain and increases if I am standing for a little while or doing any kind of work that puts even a little pressure on my body such as using a screwdriver or pushing or pulling anything, even something as light as a simple bed. My General Practitioner initially gave me pain killer (Diclofenac Sodium) however it had no effect so he added Co-Dydramol again to no effect. Despite taking these medications for 2 years the pain kept getting worse so he referred me to the hospital. At the hospital I was examined by the Orthopaedics Consultant and a Surgeon, both concluded that it was a simple muscular pain and asked me to continue my medication of Diclofenac Sodium & Co-Dydramol. After continuing these medications for another year, I once again approached my GP and this time he referred me to a neurologist. The neurologist concluded that it is not a muscular pain; he suggested that the pain was due to a trapped nerve and so even now I continue to take those two medications. Due to the lack of progress in the normal medical practices, I started acupuncture 3 years back and each session gives me temporary relief from pain. However it is temporary and I am looking for a permanent solution. For the last 2 years I have also had sharp pain in the calf area of my left leg, for this the doctor suggested that it could be due to nerve damage caused by any accident. In the last year, I feel like my muscles have become very weak. Today I washed and dried my car and now my hand is stiff with a constant dull pain. It is the same for my body whenever I do some work, I just feel like it looses strength so much so that it happens even when I shave. I also get strong pain in my buttocks from sitting and working in my office chair during the day, it’s so bad that I have problems sitting on my soft mattress at night when I get home. I am not sure if the two are related but these problems are making life miserable. I have been failed again and again by the NHS, my GP has not been able to do anything. I am hoping that you can suggest what could be wrong with me, you are my last hope as everyone else has just given up. Additionally, I was also diagnosed with Hypertension about 5 years ago and I am currently taking Candesartan 4mg. For this period I have also been taking Simvastatin, about two years back the doctor changed the dosage from 40mg to 20mg because he though it could be the reason for the muscle stiffness. NB. These are the medications that I am currently taking on a regular basic. Amitriptyline 25mg, Candesartan 4mg, Co-Dydramol 10mg/500mg, Colecalciferol 200 units / Calcium Carbonate 1.25g, Dyclofenac Sodium 50mg, Lansoprazole 30mg, Simvastatin 20mg, Asprin 75mg, Levothyroxine Sodium 25mg.

possibilities of surgery for severe cervical spondylosis a recent x-ray showed I had cervical spondylosis, kyphosis with a moderate curve, and the spine had fused at c5-6. Symptoms were acute and chronic pain through the left shoulder blade, shoulder ,elbow , and over the left hand terminating at pinky finger and the finger next to it. Treatment currently gabapentin and amatryptiline. My GP didn't seem keen on surgical options although the hospital report mentioned surgery. My right hand is now becoming very clumsy - dropping keys, fork slipping out of hand when eating. Also tinnitis. Could you tell me how treatable this condition is - are there surgical options (I have heard of Kyphoplasty and vertoplast y on American websites)- or if it is so degenerative that I will become totally disabled and dependent? This condition began last October like severe sciatica, it went away after 6 weeks. However, I resumed my normal habit of swimming daily ( a very poorly postured breaststroke) and the symptoms returned around the end of April and have persisted. My doctor says there is no treatment for degenerated cartillage. I am very unsure about what the future holds and I would like to put my affairs in order while I am still functional. Many thanks

re cervical spondylosis i was diagnosed withg cervical radiculopathy (spelling?) bout 6 years ago. this gives unsteadiness, difficulty walking etc. My question is : some days it is not too bad and I feel ok, Other days it is very bad and I wonder what has hit me. Is this normal with this condition ? What causes the flare up?

For my husband - very sore big toe My husband over the last couple of years has sporadic gout in his left toe which I usually cure for him naturally via cherries, celery etc and it goes within a couple of days. He has developed a very sore toe in his right foot but it does not look like his usual spell of gout. It is not red and burning. At the outside of the toe and alongside the base of the nail there is a small bony part (painless usually) not swollen. However, this has got much bigger and is hard and yellowish. This is swollen and the swelling and yellowish colour runs around the toe and across to the back. There is no cut not oozing just swollen and this colour, but it is extremely painful and making it hard to walk on. I tried the cherry treatment as that usually gets rid of the gout, and also he has tried an antiflam which he has off the doctor for a back problem, again this usually sees off the gout rapidly - but its not happening. On googling pictures, it looks rather like a callous on the side of the toe view - what do you think. Many thanks. Mrs **** ***** **********

Should I seek a second opinion privately or should I accept this diagnosis of fibromyalgia? I have been unwell for nearly four years, at first all my symptoms in hindsight were just irritating but slowly then rapidly they have become totally debilitating . at the moment for the first time since the start of my working life I have been unable to work for nearly two months. I am 31 but feel and am starting to look older than my 70 year old mother Since starting to be unwell I have seen five general practitioners, a nurse practitioner and three consultants. I have had all manner of blood tests as well as an eeg, ecg and mri all either clear or mostly within normal parameters. I have been told many fun things, from “i don’t have time to look at your notes” to “this is all clearly anxiety, what are you really worried about?” .At almost every turn a mistake of some description has been made some simply amusing and others slightly more serious for example being misdiagnosed and being prescribed a cocktail of medications that should not have been prescribed together, thank goodness for my pharmacist! Out of the five general practitioners I have seen four managed to miss an underactive thyroid that was suggested in my notes ten years previously. Without physical examinations, each doctor in turn found out another piece of the puzzle before giving up on trying to diagnose me, happy for me to go away in great pain with little more than dihydrocodeine. which I have now been on regularly for over two years. My current general practitioner after my latest round of blood tests came back without showing anything new has now diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. a diagnosis that means an end to further investigation, any hope I have of finding out what is actually wrong and therefor any hope of treatment. This diagnosis blankets any individual problems I may have with a fibromyalgia being the simple answer for everything. i feel fibromyalgia does not match my symptoms and will give me little hope of progressing past being stoned on dihydrocodeine, pregabalin and potentially now antidepressants. I do not believe I have this illness and I do believe he is labelling me with this to bring an end to investigating my problems. However I am not a doctor and am clearly affected in my opinion because I have not had the most productive and straightforward interactions with medical professionals. Initially I started to feel a little iffy with a little uncomfortable pain, weight gain, eye sight deterioration , passing out, exhausted and cognitively I was turned off eg slurring my words and slowing of everything mentally. my periods were becoming more and more troublesome in heaviness an increase in facial hair and thinning of the hair on my head. These symptoms were starting to affect my life so I made an appointment with a gp. just before this appointment i went down with a kidney infection, very nearly ending up in hospital. The pain I had during this infection didn’t go away when the infection did and became so severe I could barely walk. At this point I saw a neurologist and attended the eye hospital. I had a clear mri and eeg with a suggested diagnosis of a form of narcolepsy. my eye health was fine. the high pressure and deteriorating sight baffled the doctor who tested me for diabetes which I did not have . My symptoms worsened, my gp gave me more dihydrocodeine and amitriptyline. I started to suffer from numbness more dizziness and was passing out more and more I also developed boils inside my inner thighs and I was constantly on a very heavy period. My pain was becoming unbearable so at this point i started see a new gp who believed my pain to be neuropathic and prescribed me gabapentin, which had a positive impact on the pain and antibiotics for the boils. she started investigating my periods and associated slightly squiffy hormone levels. I was diagnosed with pcos without cysts with no treatment. Again I got worse so after being told there was nothing else she could do I sought out another gp for no apparent reason or change in diet or exercise at this point I started to lose a lot of weight about two stone very quickly. My new gp did some tests and discovered the underactive thyroid and a vitamin d deficiency. I started levothyroxine and supplements and apart from a small amount of totally manageable pain I was in heaven I didn’t have to take any dihydrocodeine and felt better than I had in years. I then kept getting chest infection after chest infection and was told the lining of my lungs was inflamed but each time antibiotics fixed me until another infection a few weeks later and so on. this all caused my asthma to flare up for the first time in ten years and was prescribed a simicort inhaler . My skin infection also worsened so I had my antibiotics changed to tetralysal. It was discovered by an acupuncturist that I had a rapid heart beat after a fast but normal ecg that was put down to pain levels although at this point the pain wasn’t that bad. Despite all of this I felt so well. I did everything I was told to even getting 20minutes of sun a day, it was wonderful. Throughout this time I continued to lose weight in total losing four stone. Then out of the blue after nearly six months I started to get tired again. my hair started to fall out again but this time in handfuls and I developed spots all over my scalp. My rapid heart beat started to feel different, it started to show on my abdomen and almost balloon like in my body mostly while at rest. I gave up caffeine thinking it would help these palpitations, it didn’t and overall I went further down hill. I started getting rashes on my face and calf muscles. my pain returned growing to the worst it had ever been, feeling like my bones, muscles, skin, joints were being eaten from the inside out. I was getting flu like symptoms frequently with temperatures from 35 to 39, all the symptoms that had been put down to the thyroid came back with a vengeance. my periods disappeared then came back. tired became exhausted and I was virtually passing out again and when out and could stay out for 18hrs with no one able to raise me. I started to get muscle spasms and cramps everywhere from my forehead to my hands even bum cheeks! my skin looked bruised and blotchy and the veins on my hands and arms started to painfully swell . Parts of my right leg became perminantely numb as did the left side of my forehead after a spasm that gave me a three week headache and an eyebrow stuck in a disbelieving position half way up my forehead. The glands in my neck(to the side more so than the front), armpits and groin were up and down to the size of golf balls. I started to gain weight again. I had electrolysis for the facial hair and almost immediately I felt like I had been hit by a truck with a dose of the flu built in it was now that I had to take time off from work. I went back to the gp who tested for lupus and checked my thyroid, no lupus and my thyroid was now at the higher end of normal. All other results within normal parameters except a foliate deficiency. And now we arrive at the fibromyalgia diagnosis. My gp referred me to the pain clinic. I am very thankful to him for this and for the care he has given me up to now, I do understand fully the limitations of time and I do feel guilty taking up appointments that could go to very ill patients and i not mean to sound ungrateful for the work he has put in. I need someone that has unbiased knowledge to tell me or advise me which way to turn here, is this fibromyalgia? has being stuck in a painful incorrectly functioning body turned me into a hypochondriac and consequently am i making myself worse? Should I accept this and try to work with this diagnosis Or do I financially stretch myself to go to a private gp who has the time to deal with me?

Struggling with current GPs in practice Dear Doctor, I have had an existing problem for a very long time and feel that I am not being listened by my current GPs. I can feel fluid in my shoulder in a swishing type feeling like possible mucus or some sort is around my bones and muscles. I can also hear and feel as if this fluid pops some sort of way similar as if it were fizzy but I reckon it isn't. I have always though this was a case of bursitis or similar but my opinion never mattered to anyone. I have lost slight mobility in my left hand along with tingling and numbness in my little and ring finger and was tested to show I needed to have an ulnar nerve decompression rather than to think in was inflammatory problems in my neck and muscles I had started having after a severe case of bed ridden flu. While having this problem, I have had numerous antibiotics for other non-related issues. It seems every time I have had a prescription my muscles relax, my shoulder and neck feel less fluidy and normal operation of my hand and fingers return. When I am off the course of antibiotics, the condition returns and in my opinion, because infection in my neck and shoulder area has not fully disappeared as I am not being treated for this. My last issue I have had, I have been diagnosed with Urinary Track Infection. I had been given a course of meds and it had not quite gone away but because of my problems with reluctant GPs, it took a while for me to return to book an appointment with my practice with even a different doctor. The doctor prescribed me Ciprofloxacin, which seems to have almost done the job but I feel still not quite. More importantly, it seems to be sorting the problem in my neck and shoulder area. I feel less fluid in the affected area, inflammation has decreased and I have better mobility in the finger affected. I had read the Cipro's leaflet that comes with the meds and I was surprised to see about the mention of bone infection or similar to this. Sorry I have lost the paper to recall exactly what it was mentioning. Sorry to be so long winded but unless you have a better opinion, my question really is to see if I can be on a longer course of Ciprofloxacin or possible better medication? I believe I had read that a course of Ciprofloxacin can be taken up to 28 days depending of the condition. This is the first time I have used an online consultation so I don't know if what I am asking is possible? I have ready that doctors do not need to be face to face with a patient to have meds prescribed to them. Are you capable of issuing a prescription? Please help. Many Thanks & Best Regards, ******

back problem my back has been a hurting since october it hurts on left hand side near bottom,yesterday i found a sweling which moves around it is a ovel lump and is giving me a lot of pain please could you advise me thanks *****

Pain in back after falling Fell in August and injured my upper back. Diagnosed as torn muscles and slowly improved during the next few weeks. Then suddenly got much worse for no apparent reason and has still not improved significantly. Doctors don't seem very interested. Any suggestions? **********

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