"My Knees Ache - should I see a knee specialist?"

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and is made up of the lower end of the femurThe thigh bone. and the upper end of the tibiaThe shin bone., which form a hinge. The hamstring muscles behind the thigh bend the knee, the quadriceps muscles at the front straighten it by pulling on the patellaThe kneecap. at the front. Unlike the hip joint, there is no inherent stability of the knee from the shape of the bones themselves, and it is made stable by strong ligaments around the joint. If these ligaments are damaged, the knee may then become unstable.

The objective of this article is to introduce different knee injuries and conditions, the processes that have occurred in these conditions, and how AposTherapy, a novel non-surgical treatment modality can address the underlying causes. As a Chartered Physiotherapist I have experience working for a professional football club and then for the past three years have worked with AposTherapy. My main interest and area of expertise is knee conditions. I am fortunate to work closely with like-minded professionals who have fantastic clinical skills and at the same time work to develop strong links with some of the world's best healthcare professionals throughout the capital. We all strive to provide the best solution for our patients, whatever the knee complaint may be.

Partial knee replacement is a viableCapable of survival. surgical treatment option in some patients with isolated degenerative joint disease, when wear is confined to a particular area of the knee and the remainder of the articular cartilage is in good condition. Surgical treatment for degenerative conditions of the knee can include arthroscopic knee surgery (keyhole surgeryA type of minimally invasive surgery.), osteotomyA surgical procedure whereby bone is cut or broken to straighten, shorten or lengthen the bone. (cut is made in bone to improve alignment), partial and total knee replacement.

This article aims to provide an understanding of the biomechanics involved in the knee and explains how a non-invasiveAny test or technique that does not involve penetration of the skin. The term 'non-invasive' may also describe tumours that do not invade surrounding tissues. biomechanical adjustment of the joint may be a better option than surgery. This looks at the modern management of knee pain treatment and helps patients avoid the need for surgery.

There can be few amongst us who has not wrenched or twisted our knee, either in normal day-to-day activities, for example, slipping on the stairs or on a slippery pavement, or whilst engaged in sporting activity. Some apparently minor accidents can result in significant soft tissueA group of cells with a similar structure and a specialised function. injury, (to ligaments, muscles and tendons) and some apparently major injuries may not. Most of the time however, the severity of the accident will determine the severity of the soft tissue damage.

1. HRTAbbreviation for hormone replacement therapy, the administration of female hormones in cases where they are not sufficiently produced by the body. will stop your hot flushes and sweats
2. Oestrogens will treat vaginal dryness and many causes of painful intercourse and lack of libidoSexual drive.
3. HRT increases the bone density and prevents osteoporotic fractures
4. HRT protects the intervertebral discs
5. HRT does reduce the number of heart attacks
6. Oestrogens help depressionFeelings of sadness, hopelessness and a loss of interest in life, combined with a sense of reduced emotional well-being in many women
7. HRT improves libido
8. HRT improves the texture of the skin
9. "I am a nicer person to live with"
10. HRT is safe

There has been much controversy about hormone replacement therapyThe administration of female hormones in cases where they are not sufficiently produced by the body. Abbreviated to HRT. (HRTAbbreviation for hormone replacement therapy, the administration of female hormones in cases where they are not sufficiently produced by the body.) since the initial publication of a Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002. This study linked HRT with an increased risk of heart disease, strokeAny sudden neurological problem caused by a bleed or a clot in a blood vessel. and cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body..  However, in later publications by the same authors it is clear that they realise methodological errors. These errors were around the over dosage to older asymptomatic women (women with no symptoms), and they have as a result retracted much, but not all, of the bad news. The major reported side effects occurred in the 22% of women over the age of 70. 

Spine fractures are often the result of bone weakening (osteoporosisA condition resulting in brittle bones due to loss of bony tissue.) and are known as vertebralAffecting the vertebrae, the bones of the spine, or the joints between them body fractures. These fractures are a serious problem and have a highly negative impact on quality of life through pain and reduced mobility. More conservative methods of treatment aim simply at pain reduction and this often requires narcotic pain medication, bed rest and/or spinal orthotic support. Satisfactory pain control is often only achieved after several weeks of treatment.