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Musculoskeletal & joint diseases

Take care of the joints and be able to advise on topical pain relief and lifestyle advice.

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Supporting patients with joint and muscle pain

Joint and muscle pain are among the most common reasons patients seek advice in community pharmacy. Pharmacists are ideally placed to assess symptoms, recommend treatment options and fast-track those who require referral, writes Rod Tucker.

19 Feb 2026 , 5 Min Article

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Ready for action – a quick guide to managing sporting injuries

As the warm weather encourages more people to participate in sport and exercise, it is likely that pharmacies will see increasing requests for advice on minor injuries. Sarah Purcell considers best practice recommendations and treatment options.

01 Jul 2025 , 4 Min Article

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Clinical review: Dealing with joint pain

Of the millions of chronic pain sufferers in the UK, most say that at least some of their discomfort is caused by a musculoskeletal condition. Sarah Purcell looks at how pharmacy teams can help patients to manage joint and muscle pain better.

17 Apr 2025 , 5 Min Article

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No gain with pain

Many people believe that aches and pains are inevitable as we age, but this is not the case. Training Matters explores how simple changes and habits can positively impact joint and muscle health

25 Mar 2024 , 1 Min Article

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Flex out on joint pain

Joint pain can significantly impact day-to-day life. Explore the advice and support available in the pharmacy.

13 Nov 2023 , 1 Min Article

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Beta-blockers may reduce knee arthroplasties in OA

Beta-blockers may reduce the need for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in people with osteoarthritis, a Spanish case-control study reports.

06 Oct 2023 , 1 Min Article

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Don’t use opioids for lower back or neck pain

Opioids could even make patients’ pain worse in the medium or long-term, say researchers.

14 Aug 2023 , 3 Min Article

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What a pain! Tackling muscle and joint issues

Cases of musculoskeletal conditions in the UK continue to rise, what advice pharmacy teams can offer to those suffering?

11 Aug 2023 , 1 Min Article

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Muscle and joint pain

Think you're up to speed on strains and sprains? Our latest module aims to boost your confidence when recommending OTC treatments and further advice for muscle and joint pain.

15 Mar 2023 , 15 Min Module

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First prescriptions for gout

This module covers medicines used in the management of gout.

14 Feb 2023 , 20 Min Module

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Clinical update on gout

Drawing on the June 2022 NICE guidance, Gout: Diagnosis and Management (NG219), this module provides a clinical update on the causes of gout and identifies those who are at higher risk of developing the condition.

13 Jan 2023 , 20 Min Module

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MHRA approves secukinumab for paediatric arthritis

The drug will be used to treat two types of paediatric arthritic conditions

09 Nov 2022 , 1 Min Article

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Managing muscle and joint pain

Help customers avoid muscle and joint injury with preventative measures and relevant OTC treatments

15 Jun 2022 , 15 Min Module

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