:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/6/VuFyYf6KFuBIWTHoEmzhBh0HWwiUsDtC.jpg)
Hip and back arthritis who to see and whenHip replacement is usually considered when pain and stiffness dominate daily life despite exercise, medication and physiotherapy, rather than when a single score or scan reaches a set threshold. Persistent groin pain, stiffness lasting 30 minutes or less, or mixed hip and back symptoms usually start with a GP or…Hip replacement is usually considered when pain and stiffness dominate daily life despite exercise, medication and physiotherapy, rather than when a single score or scan reaches a set threshold. Persistent groin pain, stiffness lasting 30 minutes or less, or mixed hip and back symptoms usually start with a GP or NHS MSK assessment, with rheumatology, orthopaedics or pain services added as needed.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/5/vr2gmALATLPP3aqcj5KOug0molKYuaan.jpg)
Deciding on return to running and frozen shoulder careReturn to running after an ankle sprain is judged by pain, swelling, movement, strength, balance and confidence, not by a fixed number of days. Frozen shoulder is usually a gradual, painful loss of active and passive movement, most often in adults aged 40 to 60 and linked to diabetes and…Return to running after an ankle sprain is judged by pain, swelling, movement, strength, balance and confidence, not by a fixed number of days. Frozen shoulder is usually a gradual, painful loss of active and passive movement, most often in adults aged 40 to 60 and linked to diabetes and thyroid disease.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/5/pLrPi4DmcATl5nfOltsHZwJKiUyMTUcg.jpg)
Which joint specialist to see and when to scanMost new non-traumatic joint and back pain settles within days to a few weeks and does not need immediate imaging or a specialist opinion. GP or community MSK physiotherapy is usually the first step, with same-day assessment reserved for trauma, a hot swollen joint, or back pain with bladder, bowel…Most new non-traumatic joint and back pain settles within days to a few weeks and does not need immediate imaging or a specialist opinion. GP or community MSK physiotherapy is usually the first step, with same-day assessment reserved for trauma, a hot swollen joint, or back pain with bladder, bowel or saddle numbness symptoms.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/5/F2M6qaS3IzNad3ggBguKPb3sWrjcKhuB.jpg)
When to see a specialist for common sports injuriesMild sports injuries often start with self-management or a GP, physiotherapist or MSK clinician, but a locked or swollen knee, a shoulder that will not move properly, or a hamstring injury with a sudden pop, heavy bruising or weakness needs prompt specialist review. Function, not scan findings alone, should drive…Mild sports injuries often start with self-management or a GP, physiotherapist or MSK clinician, but a locked or swollen knee, a shoulder that will not move properly, or a hamstring injury with a sudden pop, heavy bruising or weakness needs prompt specialist review. Function, not scan findings alone, should drive urgency.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/5/oiZayNAJAg93s3QK0tbPcgXlPpOC2cN9.jpg)
When a hip labral tear needs specialist assessmentPersistent hip or groin pain, especially with clicking, locking or a catching sensation, warrants specialist assessment when rest and early rehabilitation do not help or walking, sitting and exercise start to suffer. Severe sudden pain, a hot or swollen hip, fever, deformity or inability to bear weight need urgent review.Persistent hip or groin pain, especially with clicking, locking or a catching sensation, warrants specialist assessment when rest and early rehabilitation do not help or walking, sitting and exercise start to suffer. Severe sudden pain, a hot or swollen hip, fever, deformity or inability to bear weight need urgent review.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/5/tMYX3ZxKDsoyREjomSwcEi5wMFDY4LtQ.jpg)
When shoulder or back pain needs a specialistShoulder pain that has not improved after two weeks, or back pain that is still not easing after a few weeks, needs routine medical assessment; sudden very severe pain, fever, bladder or bowel change, saddle numbness or leg weakness needs urgent help.Shoulder pain that has not improved after two weeks, or back pain that is still not easing after a few weeks, needs routine medical assessment; sudden very severe pain, fever, bladder or bowel change, saddle numbness or leg weakness needs urgent help.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/5/FNZ3x8u7DZIxB5FojGh2y3ikNiXwsunr.jpg)
Self-manage or get assessed for hamstring and outer hip painMild hamstring strains can often be managed briefly at home with rest, ice, compression, elevation and gentle movement if walking and basic leg use are still possible. Persistent or worsening outer-hip pain is harder to diagnose and usually needs assessment by a GP, sports medicine or orthopaedic clinician.Mild hamstring strains can often be managed briefly at home with rest, ice, compression, elevation and gentle movement if walking and basic leg use are still possible. Persistent or worsening outer-hip pain is harder to diagnose and usually needs assessment by a GP, sports medicine or orthopaedic clinician.
