Resources

What is it? What do I look for? What causes it? Although this condition is often self-limiting and will usually improve with rest and with increasing age, over time you may have some additional problems if left untreated There are a variety of treatments, strapping techniques and appropriate stretches and exercises that can help with […]

Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee is one of the most highly publicised injuries in Sport. These injuries can be associated with dramatic footage of the injury occurring. They are injuries that often result in the surgery known as knee reconstruction. Physiotherapists and sports medicine doctors/physicians regularly deal with this major […]

A torn cartilage/meniscus is a very common knee injury. It can happen while playing sport, at work and also while doing household activities. Causes The tear more often than not occurs when we twist on the knee with the foot firmly anchored on the ground. The amount of pain caused by a meniscal tear can […]

Functional strength training improves knee stability following meniscectomy Exercise and knee osteoarthritis: benefit or hazard? Overall, exercise can lower the incidence of disability, pain and improve functional capacity in those with signs of knee OA. References

A recent review of Literature and research into the effects of hydrotherapy in hip and knee pain found the following: Hydrotherapy is beneficial prior to surgery Hydrotherapy is beneficial immediately after joint replacement Lifecare physiotherapists would be happy to discuss any of your patients hydrotherapy needs. It is advised that anyone undertaking a hydrotherapy program […]

With netball, and all the football codes commencing their seasons, you are sure to have patients limp in saying ‘I think I have done my knee!’ Working out just what the diagnosis is when they have done their knee is a challenging task, let alone knowing about the latest management. With such rapid advancements in […]

The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick strip of fibrous tissue that passes down the outside of the thigh and attaches just below the outside of the knee. During running the ITB repeatedly rubs over the outside bony prominence of the knee. This may lead to an inflammatory response. It is characterised by: Treatment As […]

What is it? The iliotibial band is a strong band of connective tissue that runs from the hip region on the outside of the thigh and attaches onto the outside part of the shin bone. Where this band passes over the base of the thigh bone friction between the bone and the ITB occurs. With […]

What is it? This condition refers to degeneration of the knee joint surfaces and often a loss of space between the thigh and shin bones. What do I look for? What causes it? When do you see someone for help? Your Lifecare practitioner will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate management […]

The stability of a joint is increased by the presence of a joint capsule made up of connective tissue, thickened at points of stress to form ligaments. The ends of the ligaments attach to bone. The medial collateral ligament (or MCL) is a broad, flat band situated on the inside of the knee. It is […]

What is a meniscus The meniscus are made up of tough cartilage that cushion the knee joint. The medial meniscus rests on the medial plateau of the tibia, and the lateral meniscus rests on the lateral plateau. The menisci help to distribute the weight evenly through the joint. Outline of injury and cause Tearing of […]

Pain at the attachment of the quadriceps tendon to the tibia can often be due to the condition known as Osgood-Schlatter disease. This condition is most often noticed during a growth spurt early in the second decade of life. There is a higher prevalence in boys but this may be due to a greater involvement […]

What is it? What do I look for? What causes it? When do you see someone for help? Your Lifecare practitioner will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate management plan. Often this problem can require a sports medicine doctor, physiotherapist, and/or podiatrist to assist. For more information, see your local Lifecare […]

Do your knees crackle and crunch when you squat down? Are they painful when you are running? Do you have pain climbing up and down stairs? Do your knees hurt when you stand up after watching a movie? If you answered yes to these questions there is a good chance you are suffering from patellofemoral […]

What is it? The patellofemoral joint is the articulation between the thigh bone (femur) and the knee cap (patella). Usually the kneecap sits in a groove at the end of the femur, sliding up and down on a smooth surface as the knee bends and straightens. Pain may occur if this lining is damaged or […]

Arguably one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in Australia, patello-femoral syndrome can be resolved quickly and easily with physiotherapy. Sometimes called ‘movie goers knee’ sufferers are commonly heard to say; ‘My knees hurt when I stand up after watching a movie.’ ‘My knees crackle and crunch when I squat down.’ ‘I get pain in […]

Pain at the attachment of the patellar tendon to the patella can often be due to the condition known as Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease. This condition is most often noticed during a growth spurt early in the second decade of life. There is a higher prevalence in boys, but this may be due to a greater involvement […]