Many runners complain of lower back pain, in the United States this could account for nearly 10% of all running related injuries. As I’ve explained before there is a myth that the shock and impact from running causes joint pain. This isn’t true! Runners actually have stronger bones, healthier joints and are less likely to require joint replacement surgery. It’s not the activity that’s at fault – it’s the mechanics…
Arthroscopy – one of the most common surgical options for arthritic knees. A procedure that most patients with knee pain have been offered at some point in their process. What is an arthroscopy? This is a “keyhole” surgery procedure where an arthroscope camera is inserted through a small incision in the knee, allowing the surgeon to view the inside of the knee. The surgeon can then use other micro instruments…
The knee is the largest joint in the body and one of the most complex, making it a very vulnerable joint! It is made up of 4 bones, more than 20 muscles each with a tendon, 4 major ligaments as well as many little ones, and at least 3 layers of cartilage. Arthroscopy An operation to “clean” inside the knee joint. Results of recent studys report that arthroscopic surgery is…
Again and again you’ve heard me stress the vital importance of a proper clinical assessment when you have knee pain. One of the KEY factors in a knee pain assessment (because we have to check it is a knee problem and not a hip or foot or lower back problem – they all cause knee pain too!) is examining knee extension – basically how straight you can get your knee.…
Last week I was invited to join the lovely Nicole King on her Marbella Now TV show for the RTV Marbella TV station. My part starts at about 50 minutes and I’m talking about my new Headache Clinic. You can see all of their programmes online and keep up with the news on Nicole’s facebook page.
Migraines – any one who suffers will tell you they are so much more than “just” a headache. Intense, throbbing pain, sometimes on one side, sufferers are often unable to continue with their everyday lives. Patients often end up on regular medication with indifferent effectiveness. But, there is another option . . . . . Migraine Symptoms Some people experience symptoms before a migraine attack called an aura. flashing lights,…
I’ve just been reading a really fascinating article in the Wall Street Journal of all places! Not my usual paper by any means but this particular article caught my eye. Edit – my apologies, it seems that for some people this article might be behind a pay wall. I’m not quite sure how I was able to view it for free but I do apologise for any frustration! I have…
So you have a pain in your elbow. Maybe you play golf AND tennis. Which is it?? Roughly speaking Golfer’s elbow affects the inner elbow; bending the wrist and fingers inward towards your palm is often painful. If you wince or get pain when you strike a divot (now I mean physical pain! not the pain of playing badly!) then this can be a sign that there is a problem.…
So I wrote last week about the importance of getting the right diagnosis in cases of Tennis Elbow. I spoke about the importance of a full assessment including the neck and shoulders to rule our referred pain as well as a full history to rule out any previous injuries or issues causing a compensation pattern. But it is a hard problem to understand – I have pain here, why are…
Tennis Elbow aka epicondylitis or epicondylagia is when the tendons (stringy bits that attach muscles to bones) on the outside of the elbow become damaged and irritated, usually caused by overuse. This translates to pain on the outside of the elbow because you have been doing a particular action repeatedly, common in tennis players but also seen in plasterers, painters, and anyone who’s job or hobby includes a repetitive action…