Here in Andalucia we’ve just had Semana Blanca where traditionally everyone goes to the Sierra Nevadas (and from what I’ve heard the snow was good!). But sadly this means a little flurry of phone calls to me! Knee Particularly the ligaments. When we fall and twist, when our skis or board go one way and we go the other – it’s the knees that take the damage and sometime the…
It is that time of year when it seems almost everyone is heading for the slopes, either Sierra Nevada or further afield. As I’m sure you can imagine, this can make for a very busy time for me so let’s hope I don’t see you in my clinic! To help avoid a visit and to help stop achy muscles ruining your fun, strengthen the correct muscles now so that you…
So many of us have “sprained” an ankle. That general term for “I fell and hurt my ankle and it’s still sore”. In medical terms a sprain is when there is a “stretching or tearing of ligaments” so it’s a useful catch all term for joint injuries that need a bit of rest and Ice but not much more. But a recent study suggests that there might be longer term…
I don’t think it will surprise anyone who’s met me or read my blog that in my opinion surgery is to be considered the last resort, the thing you do when you’ve tried everything else or things have got so bad there just isn’t another option. But if you are at that point then I think it’s important to get the BEST results possible. These points apply for all kind…
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.…
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…
There are many daily activities which can cause or aggravate back pain. Before you rush off to the doctor for pain medication or treatment try these simple tips to make your daily life more comfortable. I realise my accountant will disagree but I firmly believe that there’s a lot that we can do without treatment to reduce pain. TIP If back pain lasts longer than 24 hours always seek professional…
Many of the testimonials I receive are by email, often just a couple of lines in reply to my follow ups. A quick “Yup all better thanks” as people get on with their lives. Brilliant for me as I know their history, have been in touch several times and know the “story”. But occasionally I get patients like Joe, who set out to write a detailed explanation for future patients.…
Most people don’t want to take a lot of time off from their life when they get an injury. Rest is probably the most loathed treatment option, certainly here on the Costa del Sol where many of my patients are involved in sport! While patients generally want to get better as quickly as possible most people don’t have quite such a tight deadline. Carlos injured his hamstring playing football and…