Neck pain is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives. Although felt in the neck, it can be caused by numerous other spinal problems. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back, or pinching of the nerves emanating from the spine. Joint disruption in the neck creates pain, as does joint disruption in the upper back.

The head is supported by the lower neck and upper back, and it is these areas that commonly cause neck pain. The top three joints in the neck allow for most movement of your neck and head. The lower joints in the neck and those of the upper back create a supportive structure for your head to sit on. If this support system is affected adversely, then the muscles in the area will tighten, leading to neck pain.

Foot pain can be a disabiliting problem originating from different backgrounds. The most common type of foot pain is Plantar Fasciitis, which occurs when the long, flat ligament on the sole of the foot (Plantar Fascia) stretches irregularly and develops small tears that cause the ligament to become inflamed. The pain can be on the heel, arch and sole of the foot. It is described as dull, aching or sharp, and can be easily reproduced by flexing the toes upwards to tense the fascia.
It usually develops gradually starting with pain specifically on the inside of the heel, slowly spreading towards the sole of the foot causing the individual to limp when walking. Heel pain accompanies physical activities and may also occur when taking the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period of time.

It is known that the biomechanics of the foot/ankle/leg can contribute to the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis. Usually it is found that the athlete “over pronates” turning the foot inwards, when running or walking which involves an excessive rolling of the inner arch of the foot, stressing the Achilles tendon.

The hip joint is a very mobile joint formed by the articulation of the rounded head of the thighbone (femur) and the cup-like acetabulum of the pelvis. It forms the primary connection between the bones of the lower limb and the trunk and pelvis.

Hip pain is not just felt in the hip itself. Some people may feel pain in the groin, lower back, or legs or from the muscle of the hip joint itself. This is ‘referred pain’, which is where pain experienced in one area of the body is actually generated in another region. It is important that referred pain is diagnosed correctly. Other related signs of hip problems, that should be reviewed by a doctor include:

Hip pain that persists beyond a few days
Hip pain that occurs at night, or while resting
Not being able to stand in one place for too long
Swelling of the hip or the thigh area

Pain from the hip joint is often felt in the groin. This may feel like a tightening or throbbing in the inner thigh. Pain over the outside of the hip is usually not caused by a hip joint problem, and is more commonly related to Trochateric Bursitis or a trapped nerve in the lower region of the back, causing lower back pain as a consequence.

Stiffness and grinding in the hip are typically symptoms of hip arthritis, which is a wearing away of the normal smooth cartilage within the hip joint. This can leave bone to grind against bone. Stiffness can also be experienced by patients who have childhood conditions that cause an abnormally shaped hip joint, such as Congenital Hip Dislocations (Dysplasia), or Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.

A limited motion of the hip in normal activities can result from a damaged or deformed hip joint. For example, the degenerate bone and subsequent related pain from hip osteoarthritis often makes it painful for a person to carry out the full range of hip movements. Some people may have trouble bending their hip to put on their socks or shoes, or lifting the leg to walk upstairs.

More commonly seen in people who participate in such sports as ice hockey, football, golf and ballet are at higher risk of developing a hip labral tear (rupture of the ring-like structure that helps to hold the femur in place). Structural abnormalities of the hip also can lead to a hip labral tear, accompanied by cyst formation. Symptoms include hip pain or a “catching” sensation in your hip joint. Initial treatment may include pain relievers and physical therapy. Using arthroscopic techniques, surgeons can remove loose fragments from within the joint and trim or repair the hip labral tear.

The knee joint joins the thigh with the lower leg and consists of two articulations: one between the femur and tibia, and one between the femur and patella. It is the largest joint in the human body and is very complicated. The knee is a pivotal hinge joint, which permits flexion and extension as well as a slight rotation. Since in humans the knee supports nearly the whole weight of the body, it is vulnerable to both acute injury (ligament sprain, muscle strain, meniscus tear) and the development of diseases.
Knee pain can be caused by trauma, misalignment, and degeneration as well as by conditions like arthritis. The most common knee disorder is generally known as patellofemoral syndrome. The majority of minor cases of knee pain can be treated at home with rest and ice but more serious injuries do require surgical care. One form of patellofemoral syndrome involves a tissue-related problem that creates pressure and irritation in the knee (patellar compression syndrome) causing pain.

The second major class of knee disorder is Patella Tendinopathy, where the patella (knee cap) tendon becomes dysfunctional and inflamed.

Age also contributes to disorders of the knee. Particularly in older people, knee pain frequently arises due to osteoarthritis. In addition, weakening of the muscles around the knee may contribute to the problem.

Cartilage lesions can be caused by:
Accidents (fractures)
Muscle injuries
The removal of a meniscus
Anterior cruciate ligament injury
Posterior cruciate ligament injury
Posterolateral corner injury
Medial knee injuries
Considerable strain on the knee.

Any kind of work during which the knees undergo heavy stress may also be detrimental to cartilage. This is especially the case in professions in which people frequently have to walk, lift, or squat. Other causes of pain may be excessive on, and wear of, the knees, in combination with such things as muscle weakness and overweight.

Common complaints are a painful, blocked, locked or swollen knee. Sufferers sometimes feel as if their knees are about to give way, or may feel uncertain about their movement.