Bee’s Knees

October 10, 2023

An x-ray of a person 's knee with a hole in it.

An x-ray of a knee with a prosthetic knee joint.

Owen Wall, Consultant Knee Surgeon at Leeds Knee Clinic, explains how getting treatment for niggly knee pain could change your life.

Arthritis of the knee currently affects approximately 8.5 million people in the UK, with one in five adults over 45 years old having symptoms that affect their daily life. These symptoms can range from intermittent discomfort and an occasional knee swelling at lower intensities, to constant pain with marked joint deformity, stiffness, instability, and resultant falls at higher intensities. So how does one know if the early symptoms of possible knee arthritis need treatment? Is there anything that can be done to prevent or slow down progression of knee arthritis? What are the latest treatment developments?

Many people will experience knee pain at some time of their lives, and whilst most will see things resolve without the need for a diagnosis, a significant number will develop longer term “niggles” that may become bothersome enough to stop activities such as walking, tennis, golf, skiing, and hiking. If you are one of these unfortunate souls who have been putting off seeing a specialist, either because of worry about what’s going on, or concern that your “niggle” just isn’t severe enough, or even if you’ve just not had the time to make the appointment, now is the time to get some answers and your knee diagnosis completed.

An expert assessment of your knee combined with some simple X-rays and scans can reveal in great detail the overall health of your knee joint and will also allow a personalised discussion about what treatments are suitable for your needs. Not all people with knee niggles require interventional or surgical treatment, but if they do, then a number of options can be discussed, from “keyhole” surgery for minor issues up to knee replacement for established arthritis. For individuals who only have arthritis affecting one of the three knee compartments, then most would be suitable for a partial knee replacement. Hospital stays are typically very short (usually one night) or even day case. The outcomes of partial knee replacement are excellent, patients often experience a quicker return to normal function and can also participate in most sports and activities when rehabilitation is complete.

If you wish to know more, or have your knee niggles diagnosed, please contact me via the link below or alternatively, email me via owenrwall@leedskneeclinic.com

Contact Me Today!

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A woman holds her knee in pain on a rugby field

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Dealing With Jumper's Knee While Skiing

March 11, 2025

Skiing is an exhilarating sport that demands agility, strength, and endurance. However, for those suffering from Jumper's Knee, also known as patellar tendinopathy, skiing can present unique challenges. This condition, characterised by pain and inflammation in the patellar tendon, often affects athletes who engage in repetitive jumping and high-impact activities. If not managed properly, Jumper's Knee can hinder performance and lead to long-term issues. Here’s how skiers can effectively deal with Jumper’s Knee while hitting the slopes. Understanding Jumper’s Knee Jumper’s Knee occurs due to overuse and repetitive stress on the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. This stress can cause micro tears, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Skiing, with its constant knee flexion, sudden jumps, and landings, can exacerbate this condition, making it crucial to take preventive and management measures. Prevention Strategies Strength Training – Building strong quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes can help reduce the strain on the patellar tendon. Exercises like squats, leg presses, and step-ups can provide support to the knee. Proper Warm-up and Stretching – Before hitting the slopes, engage in dynamic stretching and warm-up exercises such as leg swings, lunges, and knee bends to increase blood flow and flexibility. Using Proper Ski Gear – Investing in well-fitted ski boots and knee braces can provide additional support and reduce strain on the knees. Maintaining Good Technique – Avoid excessive strain on the knees by keeping a proper skiing posture, with knees slightly bent and body weight evenly distributed. Gradual Progression – If you are recovering from Jumper’s Knee, gradually increase your skiing intensity rather than jumping into aggressive slopes immediately. If the pain persists despite taking preventive measures and modifying your skiing routine, seek support from a professional and stop skiing. Persistent or severe pain might indicate a more serious injury requiring advanced treatments such as physical therapy, injections, or, in rare cases, surgery. Skiing with Jumper’s Knee is possible with proper management and precautions. By strengthening the surrounding muscles, using the right equipment, and listening to your body, you can continue to enjoy the slopes while minimising discomfort and preventing further injury. While skiing with jumper's knee is possible under the right conditions, it's still not generally recommended and seeking support for knee pain is always the preferred route. If symptoms persist, professional medical advice is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable skiing experience. We are available for knee consultations if you feel you need to address your knee pain or concerns. It may be that a simple lifestyle change will make all the difference but you can't know if you keep it hidden. The longer the pain goes unchecked, the more serious it can become.