Specialised Services
As well as seeing your everyday injuries we also focus on specific conditions, offering specialist, focused treatment and care for the likes of:
Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, helping to keep the head of the upper arm bone securely within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A rotator cuff injury can cause a dull ache in the shoulder, which often worsens at night. Rotator cuff injuries are common and become more frequent with age. These injuries often occur in athletes who repeatedly use the shoulder joint, such as those involved in tennis, cricket, or baseball. They may also develop earlier in people whose jobs require frequent overhead movements, such as painters and carpenters. Symptoms The pain associated with a rotator cuff injury may: Be described as a dull, deep ache in the shoulder Disturb sleep, especially when lying on the affected side Make it difficult to comb your hair or reach behind your back Be accompanied by weakness in the arm Causes Rotator cuff injuries are most commonly caused by gradual wear and tear of the tendon tissue over time. Repetitive overhead activities or prolonged periods of heavy lifting can irritate or damage the tendons. In some cases, the rotator cuff can also be injured suddenly due to a fall or accident. Diagnosis During a physical examination, a healthcare provider will press on different areas of the affected shoulder and move the arm into various positions. They will also test the strength of the muscles around the shoulder and upper arm. Imaging tests may include: X-rays: While a rotator cuff tear does not appear on an X-ray, this test can help identify bone spurs or other causes of shoulder pain, such as arthritis. Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of structures within the body, particularly soft tissues such as muscles and tendons. It allows the provider to assess shoulder structures during movement and compare the injured shoulder with the healthy side. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This technique uses radio waves and a strong magnet to produce detailed images of all shoulder structures, providing a comprehensive view of the rotator cuff.
Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that results from overuse of the muscles and tendons around the elbow. It is commonly linked to repetitive movements of the wrist and arm. Despite its name, most people who develop tennis elbow do not play tennis. The condition is often seen in people whose jobs involve repeated arm and wrist motions, such as plumbers, painters, carpenters, and butchers. However, in many cases, tennis elbow develops without a clearly identifiable cause. Symptoms The pain associated with tennis elbow may radiate from the outer part of the elbow down into the forearm and wrist. Pain and weakness can make it difficult to: Shake hands or grip objects Turn a doorknob Hold a coffee cup When to See a Doctor Consult a healthcare provider if self-care measures such as rest, ice, and pain relievers do not improve elbow pain and tenderness. Causes Tennis elbow is commonly related to overuse and muscle strain, although the exact cause is not fully understood. Repeated contraction of the forearm muscles used to straighten and lift the hand and wrist may trigger symptoms. Over time, this can lead to microscopic damage and degeneration of the tendon fibers that attach the forearm muscles to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow.
Golf elbow
Golf elbow is a condition that causes pain where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. The pain may spread into the forearm and wrist. Golf elbow is similar to tennis elbow, which affects the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, golfer’s elbow is not limited to golfers. Tennis players and others who repeatedly use their wrists or frequently clench their fingers can also develop this condition. Symptoms Pain and tenderness: Usually felt on the inner side of the elbow. The pain may extend along the inner side of the forearm and typically worsens with certain movements. Stiffness: The elbow may feel stiff, and making a fist can be painful. Weakness: Weakness may be present in the hands and wrists. Numbness or tingling: These sensations may radiate into one or more fingers, most commonly the ring and little fingers. Causes Golf elbow is similar to tennis elbow and is most often linked to overuse and repetitive stress. Repeated wrist flexion, gripping, or forearm movements can strain the muscles and tendons, leading to small tears and degeneration of the tendon tissue where it attaches to the inner elbow.
A torn meniscus
A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries. Any activity that causes forceful twisting or rotation of the knee, especially while bearing full body weight, can result in a torn meniscus. Each knee contains two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as cushions between the shinbone (tibia) and the thighbone (femur). A torn meniscus can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. You may also experience a catching or blocking sensation in the knee and have difficulty fully straightening it. Symptoms A popping sensation at the time of injury Swelling or stiffness Pain, especially when twisting or rotating the knee Difficulty fully straightening the knee A feeling that the knee is locked when attempting to move it A sensation of the knee giving way Causes A torn meniscus can result from activities that involve forceful twisting or rotation of the knee, such as sudden pivoting, abrupt stops, or sharp turns. Kneeling, deep squatting, or lifting heavy objects can also sometimes lead to a meniscus tear. In older adults, degenerative changes in the knee may weaken the meniscus, allowing it to tear with little or no obvious trauma. Diagnosis A torn meniscus can often be identified during a physical examination. A healthcare provider may move the knee and leg into different positions, observe your walking pattern, or ask you to squat in order to determine the source of your symptoms. Imaging Tests X-rays: Because the meniscus is made of cartilage, a tear will not appear on X-rays. However, X-rays can help rule out other knee conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of both soft tissues and bones in the knee. It is the most effective imaging test for detecting a torn meniscus. Rotator cuff injuries are common and become more frequent with age. These injuries often occur in athletes who repeatedly use the shoulder joint, such as those involved in tennis, cricket, or baseball. They may also develop earlier in people whose jobs require frequent overhead movements, such as painters and carpenters. Symptoms The pain associated with a rotator cuff injury may: Be described as a dull, deep ache in the shoulder Disturb sleep, especially when lying on the affected side Make it difficult to comb your hair or reach behind your back Be accompanied by weakness in the arm Causes Rotator cuff injuries are most commonly caused by gradual wear and tear of the tendon tissue over time. Repetitive overhead activities or prolonged periods of heavy lifting can irritate or damage the tendons. In some cases, the rotator cuff can also be injured suddenly due to a fall or accident. Diagnosis During a physical examination, a healthcare provider will press on different areas of the affected shoulder and move the arm into various positions. They will also test the strength of the muscles around the shoulder and upper arm. Imaging tests may include: X-rays: While a rotator cuff tear does not appear on an X-ray, this test can help identify bone spurs or other causes of shoulder pain, such as arthritis. Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of structures within the body, particularly soft tissues such as muscles and tendons. It allows the provider to assess shoulder structures during movement and compare the injured shoulder with the healthy side. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This technique uses radio waves and a strong magnet to produce detailed images of all shoulder structures, providing a comprehensive view of the rotator cuff.
Patellar tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis is an injury to the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). The patellar tendon works together with the muscles at the front of the thigh to extend the knee, allowing you to kick, run, and jump. Patellar tendinitis is most common in athletes whose sports involve frequent jumping, such as basketball and volleyball. However, people who do not participate in jumping sports can also develop patellar tendinitis. Symptoms Pain is usually the first symptom of patellar tendinitis and is typically felt between the kneecap and the point where the tendon attaches to the shinbone. At first, pain may occur only at the start of physical activity or shortly after an intense workout. Over time, the pain may worsen and begin to interfere with sports performance. Eventually, the pain can affect everyday activities, such as climbing stairs or rising from a seated position. Causes Patellar tendinitis is a common overuse injury caused by repeated stress on the patellar tendon. This ongoing stress leads to small tears in the tendon tissue, which the body repeatedly attempts to repair. Over time, this process can weaken the tendon and lead to persistent pain. Diagnosis During the examination, a healthcare provider may apply pressure to different areas of the knee to identify the source of pain. Pain associated with patellar tendinitis is usually located at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap. Imaging Tests X-rays: These are used to rule out other bone-related problems that may cause knee pain. Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to produce images of the knee and can help identify tears or changes in the patellar tendon. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images, allowing detection of subtle changes in the patellar tendon.
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone. Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It is also common in middle-aged individuals who participate in sports such as tennis or basketball only on the weekends. Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be managed with relatively simple at-home care under a doctor’s supervision. Self-care strategies are often necessary to prevent recurrence. More serious cases may lead to partial or complete tendon tears (ruptures), which can require surgical repair. Symptoms Pain associated with Achilles tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or just above the heel after running or other physical activity. Episodes of more severe pain may occur after prolonged running, stair climbing, or sprinting. You may also experience tenderness or stiffness, particularly in the morning. This stiffness often improves with mild activity. Causes Achilles tendinitis is caused by repetitive or excessive strain on the Achilles tendon. This tendon is heavily used during walking, running, jumping, and pushing off the toes. As people age, the structure of the Achilles tendon naturally weakens, making it more vulnerable to injury. This is especially true for individuals who engage in sports only occasionally or who suddenly increase the intensity of their exercise routines. Diagnosis During a physical examination, the healthcare provider will gently press on the affected area to identify pain, tenderness, or swelling. They will also assess the flexibility, alignment, range of motion, and reflexes of the foot and ankle. Imaging Tests Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following imaging studies: X-rays: Although X-rays cannot show soft tissues such as tendons, they may help rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to visualize soft tissues, including tendons. It can also provide real-time images of the Achilles tendon during movement, and Doppler ultrasound can assess blood flow around the tendon. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of the Achilles tendon and surrounding structures.
A sprained ankle
A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when the ankle is rolled, twisted, or turned in an awkward way. This movement can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue, called ligaments, that help hold the ankle bones together. Ligaments stabilize joints and prevent excessive movement. A sprained ankle occurs when these ligaments are forced beyond their normal range of motion. Most ankle sprains involve injury to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. While self-care measures and over-the-counter pain medications may be sufficient for mild sprains, a medical evaluation may be necessary to determine how severe the injury is and to guide appropriate treatment. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of a sprained ankle vary depending on the severity of the injury and may include: Pain, especially when bearing weight on the affected foot Tenderness when the ankle is touched Swelling Bruising Limited range of motion Instability in the ankle A popping sensation or sound at the time of injury Causes A sprained ankle occurs when the ankle is forced out of its normal position. This can cause one or more ligaments to stretch, partially tear, or tear completely. Diagnosis During a physical examination, the healthcare provider will assess the ankle, foot, and lower leg. They may apply gentle pressure to check for tenderness and move the foot to evaluate range of motion and identify positions that cause pain or discomfort. If the injury appears severe, one or more imaging tests may be recommended to rule out a fracture or to assess the extent of ligament damage: X-ray: Uses a small amount of radiation to create images of the ankle bones and is helpful in ruling out fractures. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments. Computed Tomography (CT) scan: Combines X-rays taken from multiple angles to create detailed cross-sectional or 3D images of the ankle bones. Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to produce real-time images, allowing assessment of ligaments or tendons while the foot is positioned in different ways.