Progress maybe?

lindamay

A couple of weeks ago I visited the doctors as my pain is getting worse. He asked me what I wanted to do. Stronger pain killers, (stronger cocodermol) steroid injections or maybe another x-ray. I have already had one. He said it probably wouldn't give them any more information. I opted for the stronger painkillers. I am a bit frightened to take too many. I limit myself to about 4 a day. Today I received a letter saying I have been referred to the Musculosketal Screening service for a telephone consultation. I have to call them at a date in November. Can anyone help to tell me what this may be for? (my arthritis is mainly in my left hip, but I get pain all the way down my leg to my ankle) . Thank you.

helpline_team

Hi @lindamay

Thank you for your posting on the forum. I am sorry to hear your pain is getting worse and it is positive that you have seen your GP to speak about your options.

A musculoskeletal clinic is a service for patients with muscle or joint problems. You may try to find out if the MSK referral is also about seeing an orthopaedic specialist as well to find out what perhaps can be done long term for you. You could speak to your GP about the reason you have been referred.

If your condition is osteoarthritis then you could perhaps speak to your GP about trying capsaicin cream for pain relief? Capsaicin is taken from chilli peppers. It works mainly by reducing Substance P, a pain transmitter in your nerves. 

Others may reply to your post here with their own experiences of the support an MSK clinic may be able to provide. You can also ask the clinic about their role when you speak to them for your appointment. I have put a link below for our information on Hip pain and hope that it is helpful to you.

Hip Pain

Capsaicin

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Best Wishes

 

Dawn Smith

Helpline Advisor