This is the second year running (excuse the pun) that the City to Surf has been cancelled. I will never break any land speed records but it is certainly an annual goal to extend my runs up to 12km in the lead up to late August. Reaching the finish line is always a boost to the spirit. Increased training in any physical activity can remind us of muscles we haven’t thought about for a while.
Statistics tell us that many presentations in primary care are related to the musculoskeletal system. It may be sore backs, arthritic joints, sports injuries, or generalised soreness. It is estimated that one in five Australians live with chronic pain and a significant percentage of these people have musculoskeletal pain.
Despite this prevalence, this body system often gets less attention and less research than others.
This month we look at approaches to assessing and managing ACL injuries, scoliosis, and Achilles’ tendinopathy. We are increasingly aware of the downside of too many tests, so the piece on when not to investigate joint pain is timely.
Exercise has been
shown to be beneficial for both physical and mental health. As doctors, we are also prone to stress and perhaps never more so than in this ongoing pandemic. It is a cliché, but we do not always look after our own health as well as that of our patients. Regular exercise is something we can all incorporate into our schedules, and it can be as simple as a walk.
Muscle cramps are a common problem and there is a surprising factor that may make these more likely.
Exercise is important for all. It can be tricky for those using insulin to control their diabetes. A new app being developed here in WA looks to solve that problem. For something different we also look at new ideas in management of psoriasis.
Exercise has been shown to be beneficial for both physical and mental health. As doctors, we are also prone to stress and perhaps never more so than in this ongoing pandemic. It is a cliché, but we do not always look after our own health as well as that of our patients. Regular exercise is something we can all incorporate into our schedules, and it can be as simple as a walk.
After one of the coldest and wettest winters in decades, spring offers us the opportunity to get outside and be active in the fresh air. We should all commit to using our muscles more.
Lastly, as the vaccination rates increase, we edge closer to being reunited with friends and family who don’t live in WA. We can even dare to dream of wandering around in faraway places!