Adults
Regional soft-tissue problems
Rotator cuff disease, epicondylitis, trigger finger, de Quervain's, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel, bursitis.
What to look for
- Localized pain from a tendon, bursa or entrapment, without features of inflammatory arthritis
What to do
- Manage through MSK pathways: physical or occupational therapy, splints or orthotics, and injections where appropriate.
- Sports medicine or orthopedics may also help.
Refer if
- Multiple regions are involved, or there is swelling suggesting inflammatory disease (for example, enthesitis in spondyloarthritis)
About this urgency level
Common in referral queues. Many can be managed in primary care with the guidance below, though some rheumatology practices are happy to see them. A pre-referral e-consult can help decide.
Timeframes are typical targets. Local pathways, capacity and clinical judgment come first.