02 Mar 2023
Muscle, bone or joint problems? NHS inform can help.
NHS 24 is promoting new musculoskeletal (MSK) resources and advice on Scotland's health website NHS inform. The updated information explains how to manage common MSK conditions and injuries, such as back pain, twisted ankles and knee problems, as well as details on when to see further medical help if needed.
Laura Neil, Lead for Allied Health Professions at NHS 24 explains,
“If you have sustained an injury due to a fall for example, or you have an ongoing condition that affects your muscle, bone or joints – NHS inform should be your first point of reference for accurate and trusted advice. This fantastic resource is available 24/7 and is regularly reviewed by clinicians to ensure that all guidance is relevant and up to date.”
NHS 24’s 111 service receives on average around 12,000 calls per month regarding MSK conditions. Approximately 20% of calls result in self-care advice, where the condition can be effectively managed at home without the need to further consult a health professional.
NHS inform’s updated MSK pages included self-management advice for the ankle, back, calf, elbow, foot, hip, knee, neck, shoulder, thigh, as well as the wrist, hand and fingers. It provides information on a range of MSK conditions such as ankle sprains and sciatica and has a range of exercises to help alleviate symptoms and aid movement and strength.
Laura Neil continues,
“Many MSK injuries or conditions are not serious, but they can be painful and debilitating in the short term. NHS inform’s MSK resources includes guidance on appropriate self-care, such as pain relief and exercises, so you can safely manage the problem at home. Each page also has advice on when to look for further help if you need it and how to access MSK services in your area.
“In just a few clicks, this excellent MSK advice is all instantly available. If you are currently managing a problem or injury with your muscles, bones or joints, I highly recommend you visit NHS inform which should give you all the advice you need to get on the path to recovery.”
For more information on NHS inform’s MSK pages – nhsinform.scot/msk-help
Contact Information
Gillian Morrison
Communications Manager - External
NHS 24
gillian.morrison@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk
- During office hours: NHS24.hqcommunications@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk (NHS 24 Communications Team)
- Out of hours: 0330 123 3241 (duty press officer)
About us
We are Scotland’s provider of digital and telephone-based health and care services. Our services include:
- 111 – providing urgent care triage for anyone who thinks they need A&E, but it is not life or limb threatening, support for those in mental health distress and advice when their GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed.
- NHSinform.scot - Scotland's online health information service that offers quality assured health and care information including - Symptom checker, Scotland’s Service Directory and Mental health advice and resources.
- Breathing Space a free and confidential phone and web chat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety.
- Care Information Scotland (CIS) a phone, webchat and website service providing information about care services for people living in Scotland.
- Quit Your Way Scotland an advice and support service for anyone trying to stop smoking in Scotland.
- Living Life a phone service that offers support to people in Scotland who are experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression or symptoms of anxiety through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
NHS 24 Online app
Our app ‘NHS 24 Online’ provides people in Scotland an additional channel to find out more about their symptoms, how to safely self-manage illnesses and conditions, and when and where to see further medical advice if required. NHS 24 Online is free and can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices.
Social media
For more details on our services, including current campaigns and recruitment, have a look at our social media: Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
Recruitment
For all applicants hoping to join the organisation, our careers section of our website provides key information including:
- links to current vacancies
- videos of staff discussing their roles
- details of the recruitment process
- benefits of working for NHS 24 and top tips for a successful application.
Accessibility
Work is continually ongoing to ensure our services are accessible.
You can access 111 in diverse ways:
- Language Line - If English is not your first or preferred language, you can use the free interpretation service Language Line.
- British Sign Language (BSL) - If you use BSL, you can use the free BSL interpreting video relay service Contact Scotland BSL.
- Relay UK. - If you use a textphone you can contact NHS 24 on 18001 111. Or you can contact NHS 24 with the Relay UK app.
NHS inform provides health information online in 24 different languages, British Sign Language (BSL), Audio, Easy Read, and Large Print. For more information on this see: nhsinform.scot/translations/
Powered by Onclusive PR Manager © 2025