The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It is the cord-like tendon that you can feel at the back of your ankle just above your heel. Normal function of the Achilles is essential to walk and run properly. An Achilles tendon tear is often referred to as an Achilles tendon rupture. Once you have seen what a ruptured Achilles tendon looks like at surgery, you will understand why – it looks a bit like spaghetti!..
Shoulder bursitis could certainly be the cause of your pain. It is one of the more common causes of shoulder pain that I see and treat on a daily basis Waterfall Hospital in Waterfall/Midrand and Morningside Mediclinic in Sandton. An accurate diagnosis can be made through examination and simple, non-invasive investigations. The good news is that it is treatable and, in many instances, does not require surgery…
Pain on the inner side of the knee may have a number of causes. The three commonest conditions that I diagnose are one (or a combination) of the following:
As a shoulder surgeon, I notice most people have never heard the term “rotator cuff”. This refers to the tendons of a group of four muscles in the shoulder which attach to the top of the humerus. They give you the ability to lift and rotate the arm. A rotator cuff tear can be caused by trauma, such as a fall, or as a result of a degenerative process over time. Early diagnosis is essential for correct treatment…
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the four major stabilising ligaments in the knee. It is commonly injured in sporting activities such as netball, basketball, rugby and soccer. It can also be torn in non sports-related injuries. The ACL has poor healing potential and a tear usually results in an unstable knee. Instability can result in further injury to important structures in the knee. This may have negative effects in later years…
The biggest task I face when seeing a patient for the first time is trying to ascertain if they have a problem which requires surgery. One of the commonest conditions I see is knee pain caused by a meniscus tear. The meniscus acts like a “shock absorber” in the knee. It is important to diagnosis this accurately, especially in those with healthy knees, as a delay in treatment may result in further damage to the knee in future…
A knee meniscal tear is one of the most common knee injuries. It is a common cause of knee pain. Men are typically affected in their 30’s and 40’s, and women in their 20’s. A degenerative tear can also occur with minor trauma such as getting up from a chair, especially in patients in their 50’s and 60’s. The meniscus is a c-shaped cartilage which acts like a “shock absorber”. It also provides stability, lubrication and position sense…
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions affecting the hands. It is a condition which causes pain, paraesthesias (“pins and needles”) or even weakness in the hand. It specifically affects the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers although not all fingers are always affected. Both hands may be affected at the same time, and if established, may require surgery…