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:
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. Bones may become so fragile that a fall or even mild stresses, such as bending over or coughing, can result in a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist, or spine. Symptoms Osteoporosis often develops silently until a fracture occurs. Signs and symptoms may include: Back pain caused by a broken or collapsed vertebra Loss of height over time A stooped or hunched posture Bones that fracture more easily than expected Causes and Risk Factors Several factors increase the risk of developing osteoporosis: Sex: Women are significantly more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Age: The risk of osteoporosis increases as you get older. Race: People who are white or of Asian descent have a higher risk. Family history: Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis increases risk, particularly if a parent has had a hip fracture. Body frame size: Individuals with smaller body frames may have a higher risk due to having less bone mass to draw from as they age. Diagnosis Bone density can be measured using a specialized test that employs low levels of X-rays to determine the amount of mineral present in the bones. This test helps assess bone strength and the risk of fractures.
Gout
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, most commonly the big toe. A gout attack can occur suddenly and often wakes people in the middle of the night with intense pain, commonly described as the sensation of the big toe being on fire. The affected joint becomes hot, swollen, and extremely tender, and even the weight of a bedsheet may feel unbearable. Although gout symptoms may come and go, effective management strategies can help control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Symptoms Intense joint pain: Gout most often affects the big toe but can involve other joints, including the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Pain is usually most severe within the first 4 to 12 hours after onset. Lingering discomfort: After the initial severe pain subsides, joint discomfort may persist for several days or even weeks. Subsequent attacks may last longer and affect additional joints. Causes and Risk Factors Several factors increase the risk of developing gout: Diet: Consuming large amounts of red meat and shellfish, as well as beverages sweetened with fructose, can raise uric acid levels and increase gout risk. Alcohol consumption, particularly beer, also increases risk. Weight: Being overweight increases uric acid production and makes it harder for the kidneys to eliminate uric acid. Family history: A family history of gout increases the likelihood of developing the condition. Age and sex: Gout occurs more frequently in men and typically develops in adulthood. Diagnosis Joint fluid test: A healthcare provider may use a needle to withdraw fluid from the affected joint. The presence of urate crystals under microscopic examination confirms gout. Blood test: A blood test may be performed to measure uric acid levels, although levels may be normal during an acute attack. X-ray imaging: X-rays can help rule out other causes of joint inflammation but do not typically show gout in early stages.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints but can also involve other body systems. In some people, the condition may damage the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning it occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Symptoms Common signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include: Tender, warm, and swollen joints Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite Early rheumatoid arthritis often affects smaller joints first, particularly those connecting the fingers to the hands and the toes to the feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms may spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. In most cases, the same joints on both sides of the body are affected. Symptoms may vary in severity and can come and go. Periods of increased disease activity, known as flares, alternate with periods of remission, during which pain and swelling may lessen or disappear. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint deformity and misalignment. Risk Factors Sex: Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Age: Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age but most commonly begins in middle age. Family history: Having a family member with rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of developing the condition. Diagnosis Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because early symptoms often resemble those of other conditions. There is no single blood test or physical finding that confirms the diagnosis. During a physical examination, a healthcare provider will assess joints for swelling, redness, and warmth. Reflexes and muscle strength may also be evaluated. Blood Tests People with rheumatoid arthritis often have elevated levels of inflammatory markers, such as: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) C-reactive protein (CRP) Additional blood tests may detect rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, which are commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Imaging Tests X-rays may be used to monitor joint damage and disease progression over time. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound can help assess disease severity and detect early joint inflammation.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as axial spondyloarthritis, is an inflammatory disease that over time can cause some of the bones in the spine, called vertebrae, to fuse together. This fusion reduces spinal flexibility and may result in a forward-stooped or hunched posture. Symptoms Early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis often include pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The areas most commonly affected include: The joint between the base of the spine and the pelvis (sacroiliac joints) The vertebrae of the lower back Causes The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown, but genetic factors appear to play a significant role. People who carry the HLA-B27 gene have a much higher risk of developing the condition. However, not everyone with this gene develops ankylosing spondylitis, and some people develop the disease without having the gene. Diagnosis During a physical examination, a healthcare provider may ask you to bend in different directions to assess the range of motion of your spine. They may attempt to reproduce pain by applying pressure to certain areas of the pelvis or by moving the legs into specific positions. You may also be asked to take a deep breath to determine whether chest expansion is restricted. Imaging Tests X-rays: Used to identify changes in joints and bones associated with ankylosing spondylitis, also known as radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of both bones and soft tissues, allowing earlier detection of inflammation. Blood Tests Blood tests may be used to check for the presence of the HLA-B27 gene. However, many people with the gene do not develop ankylosing spondylitis, and the disease can occur in individuals who test negative for HLA-B27.
