Don’t let aches and pains stop festive fun

Winter is here and that means Scotland’s 111 service sees an increase in calls relating to muscle aches, as well as joint and bone injuries.

As part of the national winter ‘healthy know how’ campaign, NHS 24 is advising people how to safely treat common musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as back pain, wrist ache and twisted ankles so they can still enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

Dr Ronald Cook, NHS 24’s Associate Medical Director says: ‘During winter, we always see an increase in calls relating to muscle, joint and bone injuries – often because of slips, trips and falls in bad weather.

“People can suffer a wide range of symptoms from minor discomfort right through to severe pain but a lot of the time these types of injuries will naturally heal and with safe treatment at home, don’t need a trip to the hospital.

‘We have recently updated NHS inform’s MSK pages with the most up to date advice on how to look after this type of injury, and also when and where to seek further help if the issue needs urgent attention or symptoms are not improving. It’s a fantastic resource and I would recommend anyone with an MSK issue to visit NHS inform first to help them get the right care, in the right place.’

Dr Cook’s advice compliments the national winter health campaign ‘Healthy Know How.’ The ‘Healthy Know How’ campaign provides advice on how to stay well and enjoy the festivities, avoiding the need to get medical help over the holidays.

Tips include:

• Know how to stay on top of prescriptions. Order only what is needed and in plenty of time before the festive holidays.
• Know how to be prepared for common illnesses. Ensure the medicine cupboard is well stocked.
• Know how to check symptoms if you do become unwell. NHS inform’s symptom checkers can give you all the health advice you need online.
• Know how to get the right care, in the right place. Further medical advice can be found during the week by contacting your GP, pharmacist, dentist or optometrist. For out of hours or during holiday closures call NHS 24 on 111.

Advice on musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and treatment advice can be found here – nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints

More details on the Healthy Know How campaign can be found here – nhsinform.scot/winter