Table 6 Previous treatments provided to the participants prior to referral to public-sector orthopaedic department
|  | General practitioner initiated, (n = 233) | Other health professional initiated, (n = 148) |
|---|---|---|
Analgesia | ||
 Paracetamol | 123 (52.8) | 44 (29.7) |
 Oral NSAIDs | 106 (45.5) | 37 (25.0) |
 Codeine/opioids | 62 (26.6) | 22 (14.9) |
 Topical NSAIDs | 82 (35.2) | 32 (21.6) |
Corticosteroid injection | 63 (27.0) | 30 (20.3) |
Change of footwear | 109 (46.8) | 63 (42.6) |
Foot orthoses | 83 (35.6) | 66 (44.6) |
Exercises | 90 (38.6) | 66 (44.6) |
Ankle brace | 33 (14.2) | 16 (10.8) |
Walking aid (stick or frame) | 31 (13.3) | 13 (8.8) |