AFP BY TOPIC

Musculoskeletal Care

Editors' Choice of Best Available Content

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This collection features the best content from AFP, as identified by the AFP editors, on musculoskeletal care and related issues, including fracture management, joint aspiration, joint injections, pain in various parts of the body (foot and ankle; neck and back; hip; knee; arm and shoulder; and wrist and hand). New research may affect the interpretation and application of this material. Clinical judgment is advised. Note that AFP content published within the past 12 months is accessible to AAFP members and paid subscribers only.

Categories

Joint Injections/Aspiration

Fracture Management

Foot and Ankle

Neck and Back

Hip

Knee

Arm and Shoulder

Wrist and Hand

Athletic and Child/Adolescent Conditions

Editorials and Letters

Improving Practice

Patient Education, Self-Care



Joint Injections/Aspiration
10/15/2015 Corticosteroid Injections for Common Musculoskeletal Conditions
10/01/2013 Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections for Shoulder Pain [Cochrane for Clinicians]
10/01/2003 Diagnostic and Therapeutic Injection of the Ankle and Foot
05/15/2003 Diagnostic and Therapeutic Injection of the Hip and Knee
02/15/2003 Diagnostic and Therapeutic Injection of the Wrist and Hand Region
12/01/2002 Diagnostic and Therapeutic Injection of the Elbow Region
10/15/2002 Knee Joint Aspiration and Injection Patient Education
07/15/2002 Joint and Soft Tissue Injection Patient Education

Fracture Management
02/01/2016 Diagnosis and Management of Common Foot Fractures
04/15/2020 Ketorolac vs. Morphine for Pain Relief After Fractures [FPIN's Help Desk Answers]
04/15/2012 Common Finger Fractures and Dislocations
01/01/2011 Stress Fractures: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Algorithm Differential Diagnosis Patient Education
11/15/2009 Common Forearm Fractures in Adults
09/01/2009 Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods
01/01/2009 Principles of Casting and Splinting Patient Education
01/01/2008 Clavicle Fractures Patient Education
09/15/2007 Diagnosis and Management of Metatarsal Fractures
09/01/2004 Diagnosis and Management of Scaphoid Fractures
12/15/2003 Evaluation and Management of Toe Fractures
01/01/2003 Tarsal Navicular Stress Fractures
09/01/2002 Foot Fractures That Are Frequently Misdiagnosed As Ankle Sprains

Foot and Ankle
06/15/2019 Plantar Fasciitis Differential Diagnosis
09/01/2018 Common Foot Problems: Over-the-Counter Treatments and Home Care
05/01/2018 Charcot Foot: Clinical Clues, Diagnostic Strategies, and Treatment Principles
02/01/2018 Injected Corticosteroids for Plantar Heel Pain [Cochrane for Clinicians]
01/15/2018 Heel Pain: Diagnosis and Management Algorithm Differential Diagnosis
06/01/2015 Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]
06/15/2012 Update on Acute Ankle Sprains
11/15/2009 Tendinopathies of the Foot and Ankle
12/01/2007 NSAIDs vs. Acetaminophen for the Treatment of Ankle Sprains [AFP Journal Club]
10/01/2007 Radiologic Evaluation of Chronic Foot Pain
10/15/2004 Evaluating the Patient with an Ankle or Foot Injury [Point-of-Care Guides]

Neck and Back
08/01/2020 Neck Pain: Initial Evaluation and Management new Algorithm
09/01/2019 Gabapentin for Treatment of Radicular Low Back Pain [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]
08/01/2019 Chronic Neck Pain: Nonpharmacologic Treatment [Implementing AHRQ Effective Health Care Reviews]
02/15/2019 Manipulative Therapies: What Works
10/01/2018 Mechanical Low Back Pain Differential Diagnosis
07/15/2018 Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]
09/15/2017 Low Back Pain: American College of Physicians Practice Guideline on Noninvasive Treatments [Practice Guidelines]
09/01/2017 Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain [Implementing AHRQ Effective Health Care Reviews]
05/01/2016 Nonoperative Management of Cervical Radiculopathy Algorithm Differential Diagnosis
04/01/2016 Pilates for the Treatment of Low Back Pain [Cochrane for Clinicians]
02/01/2016 Cyclobenzaprine in the Treatment of Low Back Pain [Medicine by the Numbers]
05/15/2015 Common Questions About Chronic Low Back Pain Algorithm
05/01/2015 Treatments for Sciatica [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]
07/15/2013 Epidural Steroids for Sciatica Minimally Effective in the Short Term [POEMs]
02/15/2012 Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain Differential Diagnosis
08/15/2011 Low Back Pain (Chronic) [Clinical Evidence Handbook]
10/15/2010 Radiologic Evaluation of Chronic Neck Pain
02/15/2009 Predicting Benefit of Spinal Manipulation for Low Back Pain [Point-of-Care Guides] Point of Care
10/01/2008 Acute Lumbar Disk Pain: Navigating Evaluation and Treatment Choices Algorithm Differential Diagnosis Patient Education
11/15/2007 Nonspecific Low Back Pain and Return to Work Patient Education
09/01/2006 Acute Low Back Pain [Clinical Evidence Handbook]
04/01/2006 Herniated Lumbar Disk [Clinical Evidence Handbook]

Hip
01/01/2014 Evaluation of the Patient with Hip Pain Differential Diagnosis
08/15/2012 Evaluation of Hip Pain in Older Adults [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]
12/15/2009 Hip Impingement: Identifying and Treating a Common Cause of Hip Pain Differential Diagnosis Patient Education

Knee
01/15/2019 Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Differential Diagnosis
11/15/2018 Braces and Splints for Common Musculoskeletal Conditions
11/01/2018 Knee Pain in Adults and Adolescents: The Initial Evaluation Differential Diagnosis
02/01/2018 Effectiveness of ACL Injury Prevention Programs [FPIN's Help Desk Answers]
11/15/2015 Nonsurgical Management of Knee Pain in Adults Algorithm
08/01/2015 Management of ACL Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline from the AAOS [Practice Guidelines]
02/01/2012 Evaluating Acutely Injured Patients for Internal Derangement of the Knee
09/01/2011 Exercise for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]
05/15/2011 Clinical Significance of Meniscal Damage on Knee MRI [AFP Journal Club]
01/15/2011 Reducing ACL Injuries in Female Athletes [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]
10/15/2010 Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention Patient Education
06/01/2011 Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Differential Diagnosis Patient Education
08/01/2008 Arthroscopic Surgery for Knee Osteoarthritis [Cochrane for Clinicians]
10/01/2005 Intra-articular Corticosteroid for Treating Osteoarthritis of the Knee [Cochrane for Clinicians]
04/15/2005 Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A Common Source of Knee Pain
03/15/2005 Evaluating the Patient with a Knee Injury [Point-of-Care Guides] Point of Care
02/01/2016 Pes Anserine Bursitis: An Underdiagnosed Cause of Knee Pain in Overweight Women [Letters to the Editor]

Arm and Shoulder
03/01/2019 Adhesive Capsulitis: Diagnosis and Management Differential Diagnosis
11/01/2017 History and Physical Examination for Identifying Rotator Cuff Tears [FPIN's Help Desk Answers]
02/15/2017 Common Superficial Bursitis Algorithm
12/01/2016 Rotator Cuff Disease: Diagnostic Tests [FPIN's Help Desk Answers]
07/15/2016 Acute Shoulder Injuries in Adults
04/15/2014 Evaluation of Elbow Pain in Adults Differential Diagnosis
04/01/2014 Common Conditions in the Overhead Athlete
01/15/2011 Shoulder Pain [Clinical Evidence Handbook]
09/01/2009 Diagnosis and Treatment of Biceps Tendinitis and Tendinosis
02/15/2008 Chronic Shoulder Pain: Part II. Treatment
02/15/2008 Chronic Shouler Pain Part I: Evaluation and Diagnosis
09/15/2007 Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis Algorithm Patient Education
03/01/2007 Tennis Elbow [Clinical Evidence Handbook]
04/15/2005 Diagnosing Rotator Cuff Tears [Point-of-Care Guides] Point of Care
11/01/2000 Acute Brachial Plexus Neuritis: An Uncommon Cause of Shoulder Pain
06/01/2000 The Painful Shoulder: Part II. Acute and Chronic Disorders
05/15/2000 The Painful Shoulder: Part I. Clinical Evaluation.

Wrist and Hand
06/15/2018 Treatments for de Quervain Tenosynovitis [FPIN's Help Desk Answers]
12/15/2016 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management Differential Diagnosis
11/15/2016 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome [Clinical Evidence Handbook]
04/15/2013 Evaluation and Diagnosis of Wrist Pain: A Case-Based Approach Differential Diagnosis
03/01/2006 Acute Finger Injuries: Part II. Fractures, Dislocations, and Thumb Injuries Patient Education
03/01/2006 Acute Finger Injuries: Part I. Tendons and Ligaments Patient Education
11/01/2005 A Clinical Approach to Diagnosing Wrist Pain
04/15/2004 Hand and Wrist Injuries: Part II. Emergent Evaluation
04/15/2004 Hand and Wrist Injuries: Part I. Nonemergent Evaluation
05/15/2001 Fingertip Injuries

Athletic and Child/Adolescent Conditions
07/01/2020 Back Pain in Children and Adolescents new Algorithm Differential Diagnosis
06/01/2020 Preparticipation Physical Evaluation: AAFP and Others Update Recommendations [Practice Guidelines] new
01/01/2020 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Common Questions and Answers
08/01/2019 Management of Chronic Tendon Injuries
05/15/2019 Apophysitis and Osteochondrosis: Common Causes of Pain in Growing Bones
05/15/2018 Hyperpronation Method for Reduction of Nursemaid's Elbow [Medicine by the Numbers]
05/15/2018 Screening for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Recommendation Statement [U.S. Preventive Services Task Force]
05/15/2018 Screening for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis [Putting Prevention into Practice]
04/15/2018 Common Running Injuries: Evaluation and Management
08/15/2017 Lower Extremity Abnormalities in Children
07/15/2017 Treatment for Calcaneal Apophysitis [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]
06/15/2017 Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: Diagnosis and Management Differential Diagnosis
10/01/2016 Stretching for Prevention of Exercise-Related Injury [FPIN's Help Desk Answers]
07/15/2016 Preparticipation Screening for CVD in Competitive Athletes: Recommendations from the AHA/ACC [Practice Guidelines]
07/01/2016 Topical NSAIDs for Acute Musculoskeletal Pain in Adults [Medicine by the Numbers]
11/15/2015 A Systematic Approach to the Evaluation of a Limping Child Algorithm Differential Diagnosis
09/01/2015 The Preparticipation Sports Evaluation
04/01/2014 Common Conditions in the Overhead Athlete
10/15/2011 Managing Intoeing in Children [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]
03/15/2009 Health-Related Concerns of the Female Athlete: A Lifespan Approach Differential Diagnosis
07/15/2007 Common Problems in Endurance Athletes
10/15/2006 Management of Head and Neck Injuries by the Sideline Physician
07/01/2006 Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Children: Part I. Initial Evaluation
04/01/2003 Prevention and Treatment of Common Eye Injuries in Sports Patient Education
05/01/2002 Common Conditions of the Achilles Tendon
10/15/2001 Groin Injuries in Athletes
05/15/2001 Bicycle-Related Injuries Patient Education
01/01/2000 Osteochondritis Dissecans: A Diagnosis Not to Miss Algorithm Patient Education

Editorials and Letters
02/15/2019 Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Primary Care Approach [Editorials]
04/15/2018 The Female Athlete Triad: Recommendations for Management [Editorials]
04/15/2017 Preventing Sports Injury and Illness: Key Resources for Family Physicians [Editorials]
04/15/2012 Is Spinal Manipulation an Effective Treatment for Low Back Pain? Yes: Evidence Shows Benefit in Most Patients [Editorials: Controversies in Family Medicine]
04/15/2012 Is Spinal Manipulation an Effective Treatment for Low Back Pain? Yes: Spinal Manipulation Is a Useful Adjunct Therapy [Editorials: Controversies in Family Medicine]
04/15/2012 Is Spinal Manipulation an Effective Treatment for Low Back Pain? No: Evidence Shows No Clinically Significant Benefit Over Watchful Waiting [Editorials: Controversies in Family Medicine]
04/15/2011 Appropriate Use of MRI for Evaluating Common Musculoskeletal Conditions [Editorials]
05/15/2012 Acupuncture May Be Helpful for Patients with Plantar Fasciitis [Letters to the Editor]

Improving Practice

From FPM

AAFP's Peer-Reviewed Practice Improvement Journal

10/01/2006 Sports Physicals: A Coding Conundrum
03/01/2005 Acute Knee Injury Encounter Form

Patient Education, Self-Care
06/15/2019 Plantar Fasciitis Patient Education
01/15/2019 Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Patient Education
10/01/2018 Low Back Pain Patient Education
09/01/2018 Common Foot Problems: Home Treatments Patient Education
02/15/2017 Bursitis of the Elbow, Knee, and Heel Patient Education
12/15/2016 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patient Education
05/01/2016 Cervical Radiculopathy: A Common Cause of Neck Pain Patient Education
11/15/2015 Knee Pain Patient Education
04/01/2014 Shoulder Pain in Throwing Athletes Patient Education
01/01/2014 What You Should Know About Hip Pain Patient Education
06/15/2012 How to Care for Your Ankle Sprain Patient Education
06/01/2011 Knee Osteoarthritis Patient Education
02/15/2011 Adhesive Capsulitis Patient Education
01/01/2011 Stress Fractures Patient Education
10/15/2010 ACL Injuries Patient Education

From FamilyDoctor.org

AAFP's Patient Information Resource

Lifting Safety: Tips to Help Prevent Back Injuries
Low Back Pain
Rotator Cuff Exercises
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis
Hip Fractures
Transient Synovitis of the Hip

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