CONDITIONS
There are a number of common long-term conditions that can lead to knee pain and other severe disabling symptoms like knee swelling, stiffness, or instability. They require specialist diagnosis and management. Some conditions will benefit from surgery alongside a specific programme of strengthening, conditioning and return to optimal function.
Degenerative conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Synovitis
- Chondromalacia
- Osteochondritis dissecans
The majority of these conditions can be initially investigated with plain x-rays that are routinely obtained and reviewed together as part of your first appointment. It is not unusual for me to need 3-4 views of your knee alongside full length x-rays from your hips to your feet. I can then also assess your leg alignment and how this may affect your function and the load through your knee.
Often an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is needed which can routinely be obtained within a week with a report and follow-up to talk through your images within two weeks.
Non-surgical options can range from physiotherapy strengthening and conditioning, knee bracing, and specific targeted knee injections.
Surgical management options are broads and can range from key-hole (arthroscopic) approaches, joint preservation limb realignment, or partial and total knee replacement (arthroplasty).
Chronic sports injuries:
- Knee instability
- Meniscal tears
- Recurrent cartilage trauma
- Persistent swelling
There are times when recovery from a knee injury can be a partial success. It is hear when knee problems are only experienced when trying to get back to higher level of manual work or sports.
Non-surgical options will always be initiated with physiotherapy strengthening and conditioning, knee bracing, and specific targeted knee injections all able to break through inflammation and pain.
Surgical management options are injury specific and can range from key-hole (arthroscopic) approaches, cartilage regeneration, ligament reconstruction, and joint preservation limb realignment.
There are also a number of deconditioning situations or repetitive strain injuries that can lead to pain. These conditions are diagnosed clinically and with an MRI. You will recieve an individualised treatment approach, alongside a specialist knee physiotherapist.
- Iliotibial Band (ITB) syndrome
- Quadriceps dysfunction
- Patella tendinopathy
- Anterior knee pain
- Gluteal dysfunction
- Reduced core strength