Monday, April 11, 2011

Knee and Ankle joint problems

I went to see the doctor, described the history of the situation, she diagnosed the ankle problem as inflammation of lower tendon (insertion point). She recommended an ultra sound and some anti-inflammatory tablets/gels.

A little google'n lead to this cool sight and advise:
http://www.tendonitis.net/achilles-tendonitis.html


"Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms

Symptoms can vary from an achy pain and stiffness to the insertion of the Achilles tendon to the heel bone (Calcaneus), to a burning that surrounds the whole joint around the inflamed thick tendon. With this condition, the pain is usually worse during and after activity, and the tendon and joint area can become stiffer the following day.  This is especially true if your sheets are pushing down on your toes and thereby driving your foot into what is termed plantar flexion (downward flexed foot), as this will shorten the tendon all night."  


This sounds FAMILIAR. Reassuring!


I will begin a good stretching regiment for the calf muscle. Consider the use of anti-inflammatory tablets if the pain cycle worsens with the stretches.


Regarding the knee the doctor confirmed my thoughts, after some physical tests she believes that the medial collateral ligaments of the knee have been damaged to some degree.


http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/medialligament.htm


Medial Collateral Ligament

The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) connects the inner (medial) surfaces of the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). 



Grade 1 symptoms:

  • Mild tenderness on the inside of the knee over the ligament.
  • Usually no swelling.
  • When the knee is bent to 30 degrees and an outward force applied to the lower leg to stress the medial ligament, pain is felt but there is no joint laxity (looseness)
For the knee I'm not sure I can deal with it myself, so I will go to a physiotherapist and seek their advise.

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