Author Archives: Peter Sweeney

How Can A Radiologist Be Of Help To You?

There are many ways that a radiologist could be of great help to you and your overall health. For example, they can act as expert consultants to your regular physician. In this instance your physician will refer you to the radiology clinic or department for a radiologists opinion. They will assist your doctor in selecting the right kind of medical imaging and help them in interpreting the scan results. This is a very common stage of diagnosing and assessing many musculoskeletal conditions.

Help in Treating Diseases

Consultant radiologists can be instrumental in treating some diseases, this field is known as interventional radiology. For example, they may provide injection therapies such as steroid or PRP using CT or ultrasound to guide placement of the needle.

A radiologist’s opinion is often essential in diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. They can assess images, such as x-rays, MRI’s, CT or ultrasound scans to assess the nature and severity of a particular condition, as well as help determine if further testing is required. They may also suggest or administer treatments.

A radiologist undergoes significant and comprehensive training in order to act as consultants to General Doctors and other specialists.

At The Forefront Of Imaging Technology

Radiologists are pioneers when it comes to using CT (Computed Tomography), PET (Positron Emission Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and fusion imaging. They are also experts when it comes to procedures that are minimally invasive such as endovascular treatment of tumours and aneurysms, exactly precise radiation therapy, and percutaneous biopsies.

Seeing A Consultant Radiologist

A Radiologist often takes the role of consultant in a patient’s treatment pathway. This means that it is quite rare to see a Radiologist directly or as a first provider of care. Often a patient will be referred by a GP or other specialist who would benefit from the expertise and knowledge. This is particularly true for Musculoskeletal specialists, who are often diagnosing and treating breaks, sprains or overuse pathologies, which will typically require medical imaging.

Podiatric Medicine

The term Podiatry refers to a branch of medicine related to treatment of disorders, defects, and wounds that affect the foot. As a discipline, Podiatry extends over a number of healthcare domains, including:

• surgery
• physical therapy
• biomechanical therapy
• adjunctive therapy

What kinds of issues can a Podiatrist deal with?

Podiatrists are capable of dealing with the following kinds of foot issues:

• bunions
• corns
• neuromae
• ingrown nails
• hammertoes
• calluses
• heel pain
• sprains
• fractures
• infections
• injuries

Common Foot Problems

Podiatrists typically diagnose and treat the following common foot conditions:

Bunions:

Bunions are thought to be a hereditary condition. The toe deviates from its natural position and the joint becomes deformed, leading to a bony protrusion outwards from the foot at the base of the big toe. Bunions are often aggravated by wearing shoes that have little space for your toes. Surgery is the only available treatment to correct the deformity, although the symptoms can be managed.

Hammertoes:

Hammertoes are a condition arising from muscular imbalance. This in turn leads to your toes starting to look like claws. Typically this condition affects the second toe, but it can affect other toes as well. You can treat the condition by wearing socks and shoes that do not cramp your toes.

Heel spurs:

In heel spurs your plantar fascia becomes inflamed and thicker than usual. You can always reduce the strain by wearing the right shoes and using the best possible warm up techniques.

However, in chronic cases you need minimally invasive surgery and shockwave treatment to resolve the condition.

Ingrown nails:

As the name would suggest this is a condition where your nails dig into your skin. This normally happens because your nails have not been trimmed the right way. However, there are other causes, such as:

• shoe pressure
• family history
• poor foot structure
• fungus infection
• injury

You can stop it from happening by trimming your nails in a straight way and also by wearing shoes that are of the same size. They should also not be shallow or tapering.

Neuromae:

Neuromae involve nerves between joints becoming compressed against the ligaments. Abnormal structure of bones and shoes that do not fit well can lead to this condition as well. Podiatrists normally treat them by using the likes of shoe inserts, cortisone injections, and metatarsal pads. They do not have to be treated surgically, although surgery is often used if conservative measures fail.

Conclusion

Podiatrists are specially trainer to diagnose and treat a range of common foot issues. There are often local Podiatry clinics and these can be an important first port of call, should you have concerns about your feet.

Orthopaedic Shoulder Specialist

An Orthopedic surgeon is a specialist who uses surgical or non surgical means to treat different musculoskeletal issues. Musculoskeletal issues include any injury or condition affecting the bones, muscles, joints or ligaments. Orthopaedic surgeons often specialise in a particular area of the body and therefore Orthopaedic Shoulder Specialists are a good choice when seeking advice or treatment for shoulder issues.

How can a Shoulder Specialist Help?

An Orthopaedic Shoulder Specialist will normally use various means to diagnose an issue. They will look at such things as medical history, medical imaging (such as x-rays or MRI’s), physical examinations, and diagnostic tests. Common shoulder issues that they work with include:

• Dislocated shoulder
• SLAP tear
• Separated shoulder
• Frozen shoulder
• sternoclavicular separation
• Shoulder arthritis
• Rotator cuff issues
• Wear and tear in the AC (acromioclavicular) joint

As far as rotator cuff issues are concerned the most prominent ones are tendinitis, impingement syndrome, bursitis, and rotator cuff tear.

Seeking Treatment

People often think shoulder pain will go away given enough time. This leads to a delay in seeking advice or treatment and can be a big obstacle to resolving a painful condition.

Shoulder issues can affect anyone, regardless of age or levels of physical activity. Orthopaedic Shoulder Specialists can advise on a number of treatments, from simple conservative measures to surgery. An Orthopaedic shoulder Specialist will have a wide knowledge base regarding possible treatment options and what is best suited to your particular case.

Non-Surgical Methods of Treatment

Surgical intervention is a path that is often chosen to manage certain conditions when other treatment methods fail. Patients of arthritis, serious neck injuries and herniated disc often have to go through complex surgical procedures so that they can return to normal activities. However, there are numerous patients who feel a strong sense of dread when they are told that they need to undergo surgery and would prefer less drastic forms of treatment. Over the years, the popularity of non-surgical methods has increased. Most doctors in London and other parts of UK prefer to attempt multiple non-surgical therapies and opt for surgery only as a last resort.

If you are someone who is experiencing major pains from a herniated disc, a knee problem, a major back pain or any other type of serious painful condition, then a professional medical expert can often try to resolve your problem using non-surgical methods. It is often thought that conservative treatments are only able to manage the pain and discomfort for a brief period of time. However, non-surgical methods like compression and physical therapy have been proven to be very effective in minimizing pain and helping patients return to a normal life.

One of the main reasons that many patients prefer non-surgical methods is that they consider them safer and less painful. The very thought that their bodies will be exposed to a surgical knife is something that can cause panic and anxiety. Moreover, surgical methods are typically very expensive and so many people with financial limitations prefer to avoid them. Fortunately, it has been proven time and again that compression, simple exercises, application of heat and cold, as well as other similar methods can have remarkable results.

In order to prescribe the most appropriate non-surgical treatment your doctor will need to consider your case on an individual basis. They will need to perform a range of diagnostic techniques, including a physical examination and medical imaging, as well as possibly blood tests. This can help your doctor to recommend the best non-surgical methods of treatment and explain how to understand your particular condition.

Get in touch to book an appointment with one of our consultants or to find out more about our non-surgical treatment options:

Tel. – 0207 458 4538

Email. – contact@londonmskcentre.co.uk

The Benefits of a Gait Analysis

Have you been experiencing problems with your walking, posture or your lower limbs in general? Then your doctor might recommend a gait analysis to understand the exact nature of your problem. Gait analysis involves the examination and accurate medical evaluation of the way you move. You will be asked to walk at a normal pace and specialised equipment will be used to study your gait. The way you walk or place your feet is going to have a major impact on your foot health. In many cases, problems with your joints, ligaments and bones are caused by the way you walk. So a correct study of your gait can help determine the best course of treatment.

When you are walking the weight of your body rests on your legs and they impact the different pressure points within the limbs. The health of your joints and muscles are influenced in a major way by your gait. While it is true that most people fail to recognize the ways in which walking can impact foot health, medical experts are now working with cutting edge technology to improve the prognosis for all kinds of foot conditions.

A properly conducted gait analysis can help in determining whether you are using your feet in the wrong way or not. If you are inadvertently hurting your feet and causing some major irrevocable damage, then this can be easily detected via a gait analysis. Plenty of people do not realize that the root of their foot problems lie in an issue with their gait. By making small changes in your walking techniques, you can improve your foot health. It can also help you to prevent more long term degeneration of foot conditions that require more drastic treatment, such as surgery.

Not all types of gait analysis are the same. Some resemble a simple visual examination, some make use of video and slow motion technology, whilst others utilise a complex system of cameras and pressure pads to gather detailed information about the way you move. Some types of gait analysis are quite functional and performed by technicians, whereas others may be carried out by podiatric experts. It is important to diligently investigate your options to find a clinic or specialist who is well placed to assist you with your condition.

If you would like further information or to book a gait analysis with our podiatrists, please do get in touch:

Tel. – 0207 458 4538

Email. – contact@londonmskcentre.co.uk

All You Needed to Know About Patella Disorders

A patella disorder or a patella tracking disorder is said to have taken place when the patella or kneecap accidentally shifts from its original position when bending or straightening of the leg. Usually, the patella shifts in the outer direction of the leg. However, there can also be cases where the patella shifts inwards. The knee joint works as a hinge joining the two bones of your lower limb with your thighbone. The patella is located within a groove on the edge of thighbone. The kneecap is kept in its position by the ligaments and tendons. There is also a fine cartilage layer, which covers the underside of patella and helps a person to move the thighbone easily. When the patella of this joint gets affected in some way, it gives rise to a patella disorder.

Causes of patella disorder

An instance of patella disorder may be caused by different types of problems. Some of them are listed below.

• Weak and sore thigh muscles
• Certain activities that may put undue stress on the knees rather frequently, particularly twisting motions of the legs
• Ligaments, tendons and muscles within the leg that are too loose or too tight
• Structural problems with the knee bones and/or their alignment
• Traumatic injuries to knees like major blows, which can push the patella outwards

Additionally, you may also be affected by a patella disorder if you are overweight or participate in contact sports or health activities that involve squatting, running, jumping or bending of the knee.

Symptoms of a patella disorder

These are the common symptoms and signs of patella tracking disorder:

• Painful sensations around the front section of knee; the pain can be aggravated by jumping, squatting, kneeling and/or using the stairs
• A sensation of the knee tending to buckle away, as if not being able to hold the weight of the leg anymore
• Slipping, popping or grinding sensations in the patella while straightening or bending the leg

If your patella becomes dislocated completely, there will be intense swelling and pain. You may not even be able to move your knee. It is important that you consult your doctor immediately so that he or she may take necessary steps to put the knee back in its place.

Treatment of patella disorder

The pains from this disorder may continue for a considerable period of time and the goal of your doctor will be to increase the strength of your muscles and decrease the pains. The doctor will also focus on methods to help your patella stay in its proper place. Your doctor may also recommend certain medications to minimize the pain and a number of home remedies, which can manage your condition effectively. These treatments can help you return to normal activity.

Many Causes of Shoulder Pain

Have you ever experienced a major pain and discomfort in your shoulder? There are many causes of shoulder pain, some easy to identify and others less so, it is important that you get in touch with a shoulder specialist who can assist in identifying the cause and treating it accordingly.

An Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeon is often best placed to assist with shoulder pain. An orthopedic surgeon makes use of both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for musculoskeletal injury, trauma (such as sports injuries) and other diseases.

Diagnosing the cause of shoulder pain would normally involve:

1. A detailed history of the condition and other relevant medical issues
2. A thorough physical examination and assessment
3. Medical imaging to give detailed insight into the current internal state of the shoulder

Common shoulder issues that can be treated by an Orthopedic Surgeon include:

• Tendinitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder arthritis
• Separated shoulder
• Dislocated shoulder
• Impingement syndrome
• Sternoclavicular separation
• Rotator cuff problems like bursitis and rotator cuff tear
• Wearing of AC joint that is caused frequently by arthritis and/or other stresses
• SLAP tear which takes place when the shoulder cartilage somehow delaminated from glenoid thus leading to shoulder instability

One of the greatest mistakes a patient can make is to assume that shoulder pain will diminish by itself and over time. Delays to treating a serious condition can be quite harmful in the long run and it is better to seek an opinion as soon as possible. In many cases, early conservative treatment reduces the need for surgery and tends to prove more effective. Shoulder pains are more common than you might think. Plenty of sportsmen and women experience shoulder problems when they move briskly while playing a game or during practice. The medical science and technology that is used for treating such cases have greatly improved in the recent times and this means that you can have a positive prognosis for your shoulder treatment.

What is Regenerative Medicine?

In the quest for better medicines, and in an effort to develop treatments that are non-surgical and delay the need for an invasive procedure, attention is increasingly turning to cell-based therapies.

The most commonly used cell based treatments are Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), monocytes and fat derived mesenchymal pluripotent cells.

Mesenchymal pluripotent cells have the advantage of being able to differentiate to all types of human cells, thus adapting to the local regenerative needs depending on the type of injury. They have the ability to enhance the healing response of local tissues and at the same time actively promote healing and regeneration by differentiating to the types of cells required.

Mesenchymal pluripotent cells have been used to treat a large number of degenerative conditions and recently to enhance healing following myoskeletal injury and trauma.

The biggest breakthrough in the use of mesenchymal pluripotent cells for myoskeletal regenerative medicine is the ability to extract active and viable autologous adipose (fat) derived mesenchymal pluripotent cells, in other words cells derived from one’s own fat deposit, using thorough mixing of the tissue (mechanical emulsification). The fat is harvested by lipoaspiration using local anaesthesia and minimally invasive technique.

Conditions treated with Regenerative Medicine
Mesenchymal pluripotent cells can be used for orthopaedic degenerative conditions and for the treatment of myoskeletal trauma. These include:
● Osteoarthritis
● Tendon injuries
● Muscle injuries

Due to its high cost, mesenchymal pluripotent cell treatment is usually offered when other techniques have failed to provide improvement in symptoms. It is always combined with physiotherapy and rehabilitation for optimal results.

The results of mesenchymal pluripotent cell treatment are supported by few studies but there are anecdotal results of up to 68% improvement in symptoms after 3 treatment sessions.

Benefits of fat-derived Mesenchymal Pluripotent Cells
– Can be used as an alternative to surgery for patients with early degenerative conditions or as first treatment after traumatic injuries
– Can be used in combination with surgery to enhance surgical results should conservative treatment fail
– It is a minimally invasive procedure causing very little discomfort
– Human fat has been proven to maintain it’s regenerative properties and doesn’t lose it’s healing abilities with age
– Because of its thickness, fat tends to stay in the area that is injected differentiating to all required types of cells for the regenerative process to complete and promote local cells to heal by producing healing factors

Risks of Mesenchymal Pluripotent Cell Treatment
Treatment with autologous cells, in other words cells derived from one’s own fat deposits, has minimal complications. The risks of all injections are still present and these include stiffness, infection, local soft-tissue adverse reactions and swelling; but the possibility of any of those happening is very low. There is a slightly higher risk of developing scar or fat malposition at the harvesting area but the biggest risk is that the procedure requires up to 3 sessions with a success rate of approximately 70%.

How does this differ from PRP?
– Both fat derived mesenchymal pluripotent cells and PRP can be used for the treatment of myoskeletal degenerative conditions and trauma.
– Both are cell treatments, using autologous tissue.
– Both require up to 3 sessions in order to have the full effect.
– There is a significant difference in the cost, PRP is less expensive.
– Time to produce is again significantly less for the PRP treatment.
– PRP has practically no donor site morbidity; lipoaspiration to produce mesenchymal pluripotent cells is more invasive than blood aspiration.
– PRP is less complicated as a procedure and can be performed during the clinical consultation.
– Mesenchymal pluripotent cells are active and continue to proliferate in the area they are injected, they differentiate to all types of tissue required for the treatment and produce regenerative and healing factors. In contrast PRP therapy is passive; only releases healing factors from the platelets that were obtained. Platelets do not continue to proliferate after the injection and their function stops when all the healing factors are released.
– Fat is thicker and tends to remain in the area where it is injected. In contrast PRP is fluid and disperses more in the area where it has been injected.

PRP is a first line cell treatment that can be offered even during the initial consultation in the clinic. Mesenchymal pluripotent cell treatment is more complex, more expensive and requires a minor surgical procedure, therefore is usually offered in cases where other treatments have failed.

By Mr. Georgios Arealis, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Sports Doctors in The World of Athletics

As a sportsman, you may well be familiar with major injuries and how these can affect your activities and training. Sports injuries can have an extremely damaging impact on your body and can also make it difficult to keep up your game. There have been cases in the past where careers have ended due to major injury. It is therefore important to maintain your health and treat any injury as quickly and tentatively as possible. A professional sports doctor can help make sure that you are able to give 100% both during the games and during practice.

Professional athletes are always vulnerable to major injury. They are required to perform heavy exercises and physical activities, which put considerable pressure on their bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. While it is true that such activities can keep athletes healthy, they can also have a detrimental impact. A sudden movement, a jump or a physical impact can cause tears in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. In such cases, the best thing to do is to consult a sports doctor who can help promote a fast recovery from injury. Sports medicine is a major field in healthcare, which helps treat different kinds of injury such as dislocations, fractures, strains, sprains, overtraining syndrome, tendonitis, as well as certain types of degenerative diseases.

A leading sports doctor can attend to your injuries and make sure that you get back to optimum health as soon as possible. Sports doctors are trained and licensed medical experts who are capable of diagnosing and treating a range of sports injuries. They can also advise you on the best ways to prevent injuries during athletic activity. They might utilise a wide range of methods to treat your sports-related injuries, such as physical therapy, massages, home treatment methods, exercises and others. They will also ensure safety at every step of the way so that you can manage your pain in an effective manner.

There are plenty of great medical experts in London that can offer top-notch treatment facilities for their clients. Whether you are looking to recuperate from a major injury or want to stay fit and healthy while avoiding a possible injury, these experts can help you at every step of the way. They can also provide you with effective ways of enhancing your performance while you are playing a major tournament or practicing your moves.

Do get in touch if you would like to arrange an appointment with one of our consultants or further information:

Telephone: 0207 458 4538

Email Us: contact@londonmskcentre.co.uk