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Bones and joints
Kōiwi me pona

AC (acromioclavicular) joint injury

Your AC (acromioclavicular) joint is the joint at the outer end of your collar bone (clavicle). Injuries to this joint usually happen because you have fallen directly onto your shoulder. An injured AC joint can range from mild to severe.

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury

Your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is 1 of 2 ligaments inside your knee joint. It is in the front of your knee joint. The ACL stabilises your knee when you twist or pivot it. An injury can be to just the ligament, or it may involve other parts of your knee.

Achilles tendon rupture

Your Achilles tendon attaches your calf muscle to your heel. When some or all of the tendon's fibres tear, we call this a rupture. This often happens after a sudden force on the foot or ankle, such as suddenly breaking into a sprint while playing sport. It makes it difficult or impossible to stand on tiptoes.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

A condition that causes pain, tingling and numbness in your hand when the median nerve running through your wrist is squeezed.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful wrist condition affecting the 2 tendons that control your thumb. The tendons are on the back of your hand and run down the back of your thumb and the side of your wrist.

Gout

A form of arthritis caused by a build up of uric acid. Gout attacks cause severe pain and swelling in the joints and can lead to complications if left untreated.

Heel and foot pain (plantar fasciitis)

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain under one of your heels. The plantar fascia is a strong flat band of connective tissue (like a ligament). It acts like a bow string and supports the arch of your foot by connecting your heel bone to the bones in the front of your foot.

Inflammatory arthritis

When your body mistakenly uses its immune system to attack the area between your joints. Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are forms of inflammatory arthritis.

Knee injuries

The knee is the largest joint in your body. Parts of your knee that are commonly injured include the soft tissue, like the cartilage, ligaments and tendons, or the bone.

Low back pain

Low back pain is very common. In many cases we do not know exactly what is causing your back pain. This is called non-specific low back pain.

Mallet finger

Mallet finger is the name for an injury that results in the tip of your finger bending downward, so you can no longer straighten it. It can usually be treated by wearing a splint.

Neck pain

Many people suffer from neck pain, and it can have a variety of causes. The most common are injury and arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

A condition that causes your joints to become painful and stiff. It is the most common type of arthritis.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to be thinner and weaker than normal. This means they can break easily.

Unstable shoulders and dislocations

Your shoulder joints are the most mobile joints in your body. A dislocated shoulder is common and requires immediate medical help.

Vertebral compression fracture

A vertebral compression fracture (also called a spinal compression fracture) is a break that happens in the bones that make up your spine.

Calf stretch exercises

You can do calf stretches at home after minor injuries that you do not need to see a health provider for. You should see your health provider if you are not getting better within a week of doing these stretches.

Lower body strengthening exercises

Lower limb strengthening exercises can help you recover from an injury. They can also be helpful if you have osteoporosis or osteoarthritis and need to strengthen your lower body.

Upper body strengthening exercises

Upper limb strengthening exercises can help you recover from an injury. They can also be helpful if you have a condition that means you will benefit from strengthening your upper body.