So what exactly is a ligament? Within a joint there are 4 key structures that keep you moving: Bones – a joint is where 2 bones meet Cartilage – this is the squishy stuff on the end of bones, in the discs in your spine and in extra cushions like the meniscus. This stops the bones rubbing together Tendons – the rope like fibres that join muscles to bones Ligament…
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…
Carpal Tunnel is a diagnosis that is becoming more and more common. But what is the best solution? Symptoms: a vague aching in your wrist that can extend to your hand or forearm. Tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand, often worse on waking. Pain from your wrist up your arm to your shoulder or down into your palm or fingers, especially after forceful or repetitive use. Weakness in…
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…
Often, when I say that I can help people’s migraines and severe headaches by assessing and treating their neck their response is, “but my neck doesn’t hurt”. And yet . . . it’s still involved. How nerves work Nerves are designed to send messages from their end to the brain. That’s all they know how to do. If there is a problem at any point along that route all the…
What is the Carpal Tunnel? The Carpal Tunnel is located on the palm side of your wrist. It is a tunnel to protect the median nerve which controls index and middle finger function. If there is any kind of blockage, pressure or inflammation in this tunnel it puts pressure on the nerve, creating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms Carpal Tunnel syndrome typically starts with a vague aching in your wrist that…
Sciatica, one of those wonderful medical terms which we now use in everyday conversation to cover a whole host of aches and pains. Real, true sciatica is only from problems in the disc L3 in your lower back and symptoms include: Pain in the buttocks or leg, often worse when sitting. Burning, tingling or “pins and needles” down the leg. Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot. A…
Arthritis – such a common diagnosis for so many people and so many joints. But what is it? Arth – joint Itis – inflammation This can happen to any joint in the body –any point where 2 bones meet, and this includes each disc of the spine as well! Sometimes we are given more complicated names for specific joints or conditions: Osteoarthritis – when the cartilage within the joint has…
Technology is a wonderful thing, but more and more I am seeing pain and problems due to people spending so much time hunched over their smartphones and computers. With a desktop PC, the separate components could be adjusted for better posture. But using a laptop, tablet or smartphone, people often work away from a desk, hunched over on a sofa. The average human head weighs between 10 and 12lbs or…