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Soft tissue conditions

Soft tissues include muscles, tendons and joints. Arthritis, tendonitis and fibromyalgia are common joint problems in older adults and they can be chronically painful. Read our evidence-based resources for information about diagnosing and treating soft tissue conditions.

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Patient Decision Aid

Achilles tendon rupture: Should I have surgery?
OHRI

This patient decision aid helps people with an Achilles tendon rupture decide on whether to have surgery or treat the rupture with a cast or brace by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options.
Web Resource Rating

Treating pressure ulcers: New evidence, continued uncertainty
Evidently Cochrane

Gauze dressings should not be used to treat pressure ulcers (bed sores). Other options include alginate dressings, hydrogel dressings, and negative pressure wound therapy. More evidence is needed about which options are best to improve pain and reduce complications. Research should measure outcomes that matter to patients and carers as well as health professionals.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Common breast problems (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Breast lumps, breast pain, nipple discharge and changes in breast skin are common breast problems. They can occur at all ages and for many different reasons. See your doctor if you develop any changes in your breasts.
Evidence Summary

Corticosteroid injections do not reduce pain from rotator cuff tendinosis at 3 months
Clin Orthop Relat Res (2016)
Evidence Summary

Home-based supervised exercise may prove an effective, alternative treatment for leg and muscle pain among people living with peripheral arterial disease
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine (2015)
Evidence Summary

Manipulation and mobilisation for neck pain contrasted against an inactive control or another active treatment.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
Evidence Summary

Acupuncture for neck disorders.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Evidence Summary

Walking reduces pain and improves physical functioning in people who have chronic musculoskeletal pain
Arch Phys Med Rehabil (2015)
Evidence Summary

Topical NSAIDs for acute musculoskeletal pain in adults.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
Evidence Summary

Quinine for muscle cramps.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
Evidence Summary

Follow-up consultations via telemedicine may be an effective alternative to face-to-face consultations for patients suffering from foot ulcerations
BioMed Central Health Services Research (2014)
Evidence Summary

Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy can improve tendinitis of the shoulder
Ann Intern Med (2014)
Evidence Summary

The positive painful arc and positive external rotation resistance test results are the most accurate for diagnosing rotator cuff disease
JAMA (2013)
Patient Decision Aid

Rotator Cuff Problems: Should I Have Surgery?
OHRI

This patient decision aid helps people with a rotator cuff injury considering treatment decide on whether to have surgery or try other treatments such as physical therapy. It facilitates this process by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
Patient Decision Aid

Tennis elbow: Should I have surgery?
OHRI

This patient decision aid helps people with lateral epicondylitis who have not had improvement of their symptoms after 6 to 12 months of non-surgical treatment decide on whether or not to have surgery by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. It includes alternative treatment options to surgery such as trying tendon rest and rehabilitation.
Patient Decision Aid

ACL Injury: Should I Have Knee Surgery?
OHRI

This patient decision aid helps adults who have not had ACL surgery previously decide on whether or not to have knee surgery by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. It also includes alternative options to surgery such as trying rest, exercise, and physical rehab.
Web Resource Rating

Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
Mayo Clinic

Bedsores are caused by pressure on one part of the skin for too long. Change position frequently if confined to bed or a wheelchair and use supportive mattresses or cushions. Check, protect and clean skin regularly.
Web Resource Rating

Joint pain
Mayo Clinic

Apply ice for 15-20 minutes a few times each day, use a heating pad and try an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with mild joint pain. See your doctor if you have joint pain with swelling, redness, tenderness or warmth around the joint or if joint pain is caused by an injury.
Evidence Summary

Electrotherapy modalities for rotator cuff disease.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Evidence Summary

Exercises for mechanical neck disorders.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
Evidence Summary

Platelet-rich therapies for musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2014)
Patient Decision Aid

Plantar Fasciitis: Should I Have Surgery for Heel Pain?
OHRI

This patient decision aid helps individuals with chronic plantar fasciitis considering surgery for relief decide on whether to have surgery or to try other treatment by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options.
Patient Decision Aid

Dupuytren's Disease: Should I Have Hand Surgery?
OHRI

This patient decision aid helps patients with severe cases of Dupuytren's disease decide on whether or not to have surgery by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. It also includes alternative options to surgery such as trying finger exercises, physical therapy, or an injection.
Blog Post

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions and exercise: Getting on track with wearable activity trackers

We can all use a helping hand from time to time. Being more physically active is one area where some of us need that extra assistance and motivation. Wearable activity trackers may be a source of support for people living with a rheumatic and/or musculoskeletal disease who are looking to increase their activity levels.
Blog Post

A pain in the neck! Does a specialized pillow really help?

Neck pain is a common and disabling health problem that can affect your daily function including sleep. Specialized pillows have been used to help but the recent evidence is limited.

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Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.