This information will support you to decide whether or not to make a self-referral for a MSK condition. You may be asked to make certain changes to your life-style to support your care and not everyone is able or willing to do this. Therefore, you might like to consider the following before deciding to refer yourself or not.
There is also some self-care advice for common conditions people have and which can be successfully managed without the need to see a health professional.
Taking part in your care of a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition
MSK Podiatry treatments can often require you as the patient to make temporary or long-term changes to cure or reduce the impact of your condition.
This may include:
- making changes to the shoes and other footwear you use,
- changing, increasing or decreasing your physical activities or the type of sports you do,
- using strengthening and conditioning exercise programs,
- wearing insoles (shoe inserts) and changing the shoes and other footwear you use to fit them in.
Some MSK problems cannot always be “cured”. Depending on your exact problem, your general health, age and other factors, it might not be possible to cure the problem you have completely, but it is usually the case that treatments can reduce your symptoms and pain and improve your mobility and ability to do everyday things. Success will often depend just as much on you following our advice, as what we do for you.
When you think about making changes to your footwear or activities, or doing exercises, what is your first thought?
- I really do not like the idea of making these changes.
- I think I can make changes but I’m not very keen about it as I will find it difficult.
- I’m fine with the idea of making changes. I’m looking forward to the idea.
Which answer did you choose? Click on the box to find out more based on your answer.
A. I really do not like the idea of making these changes
You may not be ready to make changes or follow treatment plans and advice. Talking to health professionals and learning more about your options may help you. You may have long held negative feelings about the changes that you need the most to help you now or have made changes in the past which were not right for you at the time.
Our advice:
Please consider very carefully, whether you really want to make a self-referral as without making changes such as these, the treatment we might be able to offer you will likely not improve your condition.
B. I think I can make changes but…
You are on the right track. You will likely benefit from some advice and support to increase your motivation and success.
Our advice:
Consider making a self-referral if you think you can make some changes. We will give you the advice and support you need and help you to find ways to make changes which will improve your condition.
Make your self-referral here but check to see if your condition is one you can self-care for without seeing a health professional first – see the information below.
C. I’m fine with the idea of making changes
You are ready to learn about and make any changes that will improve your health or condition. Continue to ask for clarification and support when you need it.
Our advice:
Please make a referral for yourself to see if you have a problem we can help you with. The advice and support we can offer will likely enable you to help yourself and improve the chances of your condition being treated successfully.
Make your self-referral here but check to see if your condition is one you can self-care for without seeing a health professional first – see the information below.
Self-care advice for your condition
Some conditions will respond very well to self-care and can be done without seeing a health professional first. Please see our self-care information covering a range of conditions for adults, children and young people on the links below: