Sports injuries & musculoskeletal conditions we help with
Plain-English information on common problems across the whole body. Select a category to read about typical symptoms, when to seek help, how problems are assessed, treatment options and recovery advice.
Seek urgent help now if you have a serious injury with severe pain, an obvious deformity, inability to move or bear weight, loss of sensation or circulation (numbness, pins and needles, a cold or pale limb), a suspected fracture or dislocation, or new bowel/bladder problems with back pain. Call 999 or attend your nearest A&E.
The shoulder is a mobile but relatively unstable joint, which makes it prone to injury in throwing, racquet, contact and overhead activities. Common problems include rotator cuff strains and tears, shoulder impingement, instability or dislocation, AC (acromioclavicular) joint injuries and frozen shoulder.
Common symptoms
- Pain at the top or outer shoulder, often worse overhead
- Weakness lifting or reaching
- Night pain or pain lying on the shoulder
- Clicking, catching or a sense of instability
When to seek help
- Pain lasting more than a couple of weeks
- Significant weakness or loss of movement
- Recurrent dislocations or feelings of "giving way"
- Symptoms affecting sleep, work or training
Possible assessment
- Detailed history and clinical examination
- Movement and strength testing
- Where indicated, imaging such as ultrasound, X-ray or MRI
Possible treatment options
- Activity modification and load management
- Targeted physiotherapy and strengthening
- Pain-relief strategies; injection therapy where clinically appropriate
- Onward referral for a surgical opinion if needed
Red flags: obvious deformity or suspected dislocation, inability to move the arm after trauma, numbness or a cold/pale hand, or significant swelling — seek urgent care.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A personalised assessment is important. Book a shoulder assessment.
Elbow pain in active people is often related to tendon overload — such as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylalgia) — but can also involve ligament strain, nerve irritation or, after trauma, fractures.
Common symptoms
- Pain on the outer or inner elbow
- Pain gripping, lifting or twisting
- Tenderness over the bony points of the elbow
- Aching that eases with rest but returns with activity
When to seek help
- Pain persisting beyond a few weeks
- Weak or painful grip affecting daily tasks
- Pins and needles into the hand or fingers
- Locking, swelling or instability
Possible assessment
- History and examination, including grip and resisted testing
- Assessment of the neck and shoulder where relevant
- Imaging (ultrasound, X-ray or MRI) if indicated
Possible treatment options
- Load management and technique review
- Progressive strengthening of the affected tendon
- Bracing or pain-relief strategies where helpful
- Injection therapy considered only in selected cases
Red flags: deformity after a fall, inability to straighten or bend the elbow, marked swelling, or numbness in the hand — seek urgent assessment.
General information only. A personalised assessment is important. Book an assessment.
Wrist and hand problems range from sprains and tendon irritation to ligament injuries and fractures — common in falls, racquet and contact sports, climbing and gym work. Some, such as a scaphoid fracture, can be subtle but important.
Common symptoms
- Pain or swelling around the wrist or hand
- Pain on gripping, weight-bearing or twisting
- Reduced movement or grip strength
- Pins and needles in the fingers
When to seek help
- Pain after a fall onto an outstretched hand
- Persistent swelling or bruising
- Numbness, weakness or colour change
- Symptoms not settling within 1–2 weeks
Possible assessment
- Clinical examination of the wrist, hand and nerves
- X-ray if a fracture is suspected (some need repeat imaging)
- Ultrasound or MRI for soft-tissue problems
Possible treatment options
- Splinting or relative rest where appropriate
- Graded rehabilitation and grip strengthening
- Pain-relief strategies
- Referral for a hand specialist opinion if needed
Red flags: obvious deformity, severe pain or swelling, an open wound, loss of sensation, or a cold/pale hand — attend A&E.
General information only. A personalised assessment is important. Book an assessment.
Hip and groin pain is common in running, football, hockey and other multi-directional sports. Causes include muscle and tendon strains (such as adductor or hip flexor injuries), hip joint problems, and pain referred from the lower back or pelvis.
Common symptoms
- Pain in the groin, front or side of the hip
- Pain on running, twisting, kicking or lunging
- Stiffness, especially after sitting or sport
- Clicking or a deep ache in the joint
When to seek help
- Pain limiting walking, sport or sleep
- Symptoms not improving over a few weeks
- Recurrent groin strains
- A limp or feeling of the hip "giving way"
Possible assessment
- History, examination and movement testing
- Assessment of the lower back and pelvis
- X-ray, ultrasound or MRI where indicated
Possible treatment options
- Load management and graded strengthening
- Movement and running-technique advice
- Pain-relief strategies; injections in selected cases
- Specialist referral where appropriate
Red flags: inability to bear weight after injury, severe night pain, fever with hip pain, or numbness/weakness in the leg — seek prompt assessment.
General information only. A personalised assessment is important. Book an assessment.
The knee is one of the most commonly injured joints in sport. Problems include ligament injuries (such as ACL and MCL), meniscal (cartilage) tears, kneecap (patellofemoral) pain, and tendon overload such as patellar tendinopathy ("jumper’s knee").
Common symptoms
- Pain around the kneecap, joint line or front of the knee
- Swelling, stiffness or a sense of giving way
- Locking or catching
- Pain on stairs, squatting, running or twisting
When to seek help
- A "pop" at the time of injury with rapid swelling
- The knee giving way or locking
- Inability to fully straighten or bend the knee
- Pain that limits sport or daily life
Possible assessment
- History and detailed knee examination
- Ligament and meniscal testing
- X-ray and/or MRI where indicated
Possible treatment options
- Structured rehabilitation and strengthening
- Activity and load modification
- Bracing or pain-relief strategies where helpful
- Surgical opinion for selected ligament or cartilage injuries
Red flags: inability to bear weight, a locked knee that won’t straighten, severe swelling soon after injury, deformity, or a hot, red, painful knee with fever — seek urgent care.
General information only. A personalised assessment is important. Book a knee assessment.
Ankle sprains are among the most common sports injuries, but foot and ankle pain can also come from tendon problems (such as Achilles or peroneal tendinopathy), plantar heel pain, and stress-related bone injuries.
Common symptoms
- Pain, swelling or bruising around the ankle or foot
- Difficulty weight-bearing after a twist
- Stiffness or a feeling of instability
- Heel or arch pain, often worse first thing
When to seek help
- Inability to walk on it after injury
- Persistent swelling or repeated sprains
- Pain not settling over 1–2 weeks
- Heel or forefoot pain limiting running
Possible assessment
- Examination of the ankle, foot and gait
- X-ray if a fracture is suspected
- Ultrasound or MRI for tendon and soft-tissue problems
Possible treatment options
- Early protection then graded movement and balance work
- Progressive strengthening and return-to-running plans
- Footwear and load advice; orthoses in selected cases
- Specialist referral where indicated
Red flags: inability to bear weight or take a few steps, bony tenderness suggesting a fracture, deformity, numbness, or a sudden painful "snap" at the back of the heel — seek urgent assessment.
General information only. A personalised assessment is important. Book an assessment.
Tendons connect muscle to bone and can become painful when load increases faster than they can adapt. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar (knee), gluteal (hip), rotator cuff (shoulder) and elbow tendons. This is often called tendinopathy.
Common symptoms
- Localised pain over the tendon, often worse with load
- Stiffness or pain warming up that may ease, then return
- Tenderness and sometimes thickening of the tendon
- Pain the morning after activity
When to seek help
- Pain persisting for several weeks
- Symptoms limiting training or progressing
- A sudden, severe tendon pain or "snap"
- Repeated flare-ups
Possible assessment
- History and load review (training spikes, footwear, surfaces)
- Examination and loading tests
- Ultrasound or MRI in selected cases
Possible treatment options
- Graded loading programmes — the cornerstone of treatment
- Load and training-volume management
- Pain-relief strategies; injections only in selected cases and with caution
- Specialist input for non-responding tendons
Red flags: a sudden painful snap with weakness or inability to push off (possible tendon rupture, e.g. Achilles) — seek urgent assessment.
General information only. A personalised assessment is important. Read our tendon pain guide or book an assessment.
A muscle strain ("pulled muscle") happens when muscle fibres are overstretched or torn, often during sprinting, jumping or sudden effort. Hamstrings, calves and quadriceps are frequently affected.
Common symptoms
- Sudden pain during activity, sometimes a "pull" sensation
- Tenderness, swelling or bruising
- Pain on stretching or contracting the muscle
- Reduced strength or a limp
When to seek help
- Significant weakness or inability to use the muscle
- A large or rapidly spreading bruise
- Pain not improving over 1–2 weeks
- Recurrent strains in the same muscle
Possible assessment
- History and examination, grading severity
- Strength and flexibility testing
- Ultrasound or MRI for higher-grade injuries
Possible treatment options
- Early relative rest and protection, then graded loading
- Progressive strengthening and running rehabilitation
- Return-to-sport criteria to reduce recurrence
- Specialist input for severe or recurrent strains
Red flags: a complete loss of muscle function, a palpable gap in the muscle, severe swelling, or calf pain with swelling, redness and warmth (possible blood clot) — seek urgent assessment.
General information only. A personalised assessment is important. Book an assessment.
Ligaments are strong bands that stabilise joints. A sprain occurs when they are overstretched or torn, commonly at the ankle, knee, thumb and fingers. Severity ranges from mild to complete tears.
Common symptoms
- Pain, swelling and bruising around a joint
- A feeling of looseness or instability
- Pain on weight-bearing or stressing the joint
- Reduced movement
When to seek help
- Marked instability or "giving way"
- Inability to use or bear weight on the joint
- Swelling that doesn’t settle
- Repeated sprains
Possible assessment
- Examination and joint-stability testing
- X-ray to exclude fracture where relevant
- MRI or ultrasound for higher-grade injuries
Possible treatment options
- Early protection, then graded movement and strengthening
- Balance and proprioception retraining
- Bracing in selected cases
- Specialist opinion for complete or unstable injuries
Red flags: obvious deformity, inability to bear weight, severe instability, or numbness/coldness beyond the joint — seek urgent care.
General information only. A personalised assessment is important. Book an assessment.
Sport-related back and neck pain is common in lifting, rowing, cycling, contact sports and racquet sports. Most spinal pain is not serious and improves with movement and graded activity, but some symptoms need prompt assessment.
Common symptoms
- Aching or stiffness in the back or neck
- Pain on certain movements or after training
- Muscle tightness or spasm
- Sometimes referred pain into a limb
When to seek help
- Pain not improving over a few weeks
- Pain, pins and needles or weakness spreading into an arm or leg
- Symptoms limiting work, sleep or sport
- Recurrent episodes
Possible assessment
- History and examination, including a neurological check
- Review of training, technique and ergonomics
- Imaging only where clinically indicated
Possible treatment options
- Staying active and graded return to movement
- Targeted strengthening and load management
- Pain-relief strategies
- Onward referral if red flags or persistent nerve symptoms
Red flags — seek urgent care: new problems controlling your bladder or bowels, numbness around the back passage or genitals, severe or worsening leg weakness, unsteadiness, fever with back pain, or significant pain after major trauma. Call 999 or attend A&E.
General information only. A personalised assessment is important. Book an assessment.
Most running injuries are overuse-related, often linked to rapid increases in distance, pace or hills. Common problems include runner’s knee, iliotibial (IT) band pain, shin pain, Achilles and calf issues, and plantar heel pain.
Common symptoms
- Pain that builds during or after runs
- Localised knee, shin, calf, Achilles or heel pain
- Symptoms that worsen with mileage or speed
- Stiffness the day after running
When to seek help
- Pain forcing you to stop or alter your gait
- Pain persisting beyond 1–2 weeks
- Sharp, localised bony pain (possible stress injury)
- Recurring injuries each training block
Possible assessment
- Training-load and footwear review
- Examination and movement/strength testing
- Imaging where a bone stress injury is suspected
Possible treatment options
- Load management and a graded running plan
- Strength and conditioning
- Footwear and cadence advice where appropriate
- Specialist input for stress injuries or non-resolving pain
Red flags: focal bone pain that worsens and hurts at rest or night (possible stress fracture), or severe calf pain with swelling and warmth — seek prompt assessment.
General information only. See our running injury prevention guide or book an assessment.
Cycling injuries are often related to repetitive load and bike fit rather than a single event. Common issues include knee pain, lower back and neck ache, and hand or wrist numbness. Falls can also cause collarbone, wrist and shoulder injuries.
Common symptoms
- Front or outer knee pain when pedalling
- Lower back, neck or shoulder ache on longer rides
- Hand or wrist numbness and tingling
- Saddle-related discomfort
When to seek help
- Pain that persists despite rest and adjustment
- Numbness or weakness in the hands
- Injury following a crash
- Recurring overuse symptoms
Possible assessment
- History, examination and review of training load
- Discussion of bike set-up and position
- Imaging after trauma or where indicated
Possible treatment options
- Load management and graded return to riding
- Strength and mobility work
- Advice on position and equipment (with a professional bike fit)
- Specialist input after fractures or for persistent pain
Red flags: after a crash — deformity, severe pain, inability to move a limb, head injury with confusion, chest pain or breathlessness — call 999 or attend A&E.
General information only. A personalised assessment is important. Book an assessment.
Racquet and golf sports place repetitive demand on the elbow, wrist, shoulder and spine. Tennis and golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff and shoulder pain, wrist overload and lower back pain are all common.
Common symptoms
- Inner or outer elbow pain with gripping or swinging
- Shoulder pain on serving or overhead shots
- Wrist pain or weakness
- Lower back pain after rounds or matches
When to seek help
- Pain limiting play or daily activities
- Symptoms persisting beyond a few weeks
- Weak grip, numbness or instability
- Recurrent flare-ups
Possible assessment
- History, examination and movement testing
- Review of technique and training load
- Imaging where indicated
Possible treatment options
- Graded loading and strengthening
- Technique and equipment review
- Pain-relief strategies; injections in selected cases
- Specialist referral for persistent problems
Red flags: sudden severe pain with weakness, deformity, or numbness spreading into the hand — seek prompt assessment.
General information only. A personalised assessment is important. Book an assessment.
Strength training is excellent for health, but injuries can occur from technique errors, rapid load increases or insufficient recovery. Common areas include the lower back, shoulders, knees and wrists.
Common symptoms
- Pain during specific lifts (e.g. squats, deadlifts, presses)
- Lower back, shoulder, knee or wrist pain
- Tightness or reduced range after sessions
- A "tweak" during a heavy or fatigued rep
When to seek help
- Pain that stops you training normally
- Pain not settling over 1–2 weeks
- Numbness, weakness or instability
- Recurrent injuries with the same movement
Possible assessment
- History, examination and movement screening
- Review of programming, technique and load
- Imaging only if clinically indicated
Possible treatment options
- Load and programme modification (rather than stopping entirely)
- Technique coaching and targeted strengthening
- Graded return to heavier loads
- Specialist input for persistent or significant injuries
Red flags: sudden severe back pain with leg weakness or numbness, bladder/bowel changes, a sudden muscle "pop" with loss of function, or chest pain — seek urgent care.
General information only. See our strength training & injury prevention guide or book an assessment.
Overuse injuries develop gradually when repetitive load exceeds the body’s ability to adapt and recover. They include tendinopathies, stress reactions in bone, and grumbling joint or muscle pain.
Common symptoms
- Gradually worsening pain with activity
- Symptoms linked to training spikes or changes
- Stiffness, niggles that come and go
- Pain that lingers after sessions
When to seek help
- Pain persisting or worsening over weeks
- Pain affecting performance or daily life
- Sharp, localised bony pain
- Repeated injuries each training block
Possible assessment
- Detailed training-load history
- Examination and movement/strength testing
- Imaging where a bone stress injury is suspected
Possible treatment options
- Load management and a structured progression plan
- Strength and conditioning
- Addressing contributing factors (sleep, recovery, technique)
- Specialist input where needed
Red flags: focal bone pain worse at night or at rest, unexplained weight loss, fever, or pain unrelated to activity — seek prompt assessment.
General information only. See our overuse prevention guide or book an assessment.
Acute trauma is a sudden injury such as a fall, collision, twist or direct blow. It can cause fractures, dislocations, significant sprains, muscle tears or joint injuries that may need prompt assessment.
Common symptoms
- Sudden, significant pain at the time of injury
- Rapid swelling or bruising
- Difficulty moving or bearing weight
- A "pop", "snap" or feeling of the joint shifting
When to seek help
- Any injury you cannot weight-bear or use normally
- Significant swelling or rapidly worsening pain
- Suspected fracture or dislocation
- Ongoing instability after the initial injury
Possible assessment
- Urgent first aid and protection
- Examination and X-ray to exclude fracture
- Further imaging (MRI/ultrasound) once urgent issues excluded
Possible treatment options
- Initial protection and pain relief
- Structured rehabilitation once safe
- Specialist or surgical opinion for selected injuries
- Staged return-to-sport planning
Red flags — this is an emergency: obvious deformity, an open wound with bleeding, inability to move or bear weight, a cold/pale/numb limb, a head injury with confusion or vomiting, or chest pain/breathlessness. Call 999 or go to A&E.
General information only. A personalised assessment is important. Book an assessment.
Not sure what’s causing your pain?
A thorough assessment is the best way to understand your injury and the right next steps. Book at our Surrey or London clinics.