Muscles, bones and joints

Nothing might sound easier than putting one foot in front of the other. But it actually needs a whole orchestra of support. A person needs more than half of their 720 muscles, 200 bones and 68 joints to take a step. Some of the joints have a weakness though: their durability. With age, wear and tear lead to problems in the knees, hips, shoulders and back. These are some of the most common health problems - along with injuries to the muscles, bones and joints at any age.

Research summaries

Achilles tendon injury: Operation or orthotics?

Surgery for a torn Achilles tendon means a bit less chance of a new tear than with treatments that keep the leg immobilised. But adverse effects from surgery are common, including wound infections. more...

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Do corticosteroid injections work?

Corticosteroids injected directly into the wrist can temporarily relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. This local injection has a longer effect than taking corticosteroid tablets or injecting corticosteroids into a blood vessel or muscle. A second injection might not add benefit. more...

Neck pain: Does manipulation or mobilisation help?

When mobilisation or manipulation by chiropractors or physiotherapists is combined with exercise, it can improve neck pain. But the benefit might be coming from the exercise, not from the neck treatment. more...

Open limb fractures: Do antibiotics help?

Antibiotics improve healing and prevent infections after open limb fractures, and they are a key element of treatment. more...

Rheumatoid arthritis: How helpful are low-dose corticosteroids against flares?

Corticosteroid medications have a bad reputation for adverse effects. But when taken in low doses for a short time they have fewer side effects and they can help reduce painful arthritis flares. more...

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