Practitioner pressing another person’s lower back and hip while they lie on their side on a grey table

Pain and injury explained

Plain answers to the questions people actually have about a painful back, shoulder, knee or foot, including the ones where the honest answer is not the popular one.

Black open-patella knee brace with Velcro straps on bare leg

Do I need a knee brace? When bracing helps, and when it does not

A knee brace can offload an arthritic knee, steady an unstable one or protect a repair, but only the right type, properly fitted. Nick Thornhill explains when bracing helps.

Therapist assists patient with bent leg stretch on treatment table in bright room

Pain and injury explained · 5 min

How long does sciatica actually take to settle?

Practitioner pressing another person’s lower back and hip while they lie on their side on a grey table

Pain and injury explained · 4 min

Do I need a scan for my back pain?

Hands typing on a compact black keyboard beside a silver laptop elevated on an aluminum stand at a wooden desk

Pain and injury explained · 3 min

Setting up a laptop at home so your neck stops hurting

Gloved hands using a white rotary tool with orange abrasive bit on a foot sole

Pain and injury explained · 3 min

Corns and calluses: what causes them and when to see a chiropodist

Older woman with round glasses smiles while conversing with someone wearing white

Pain and injury explained · 3 min

Pelvic organ prolapse: what it is and what actually helps

Clinician in white coat palpates patient's ankle and foot on a blue exam sheet

Pain and injury explained · 3 min

Pain on the inside of the ankle that will not settle: adult acquired flat foot