COVID Gardening Heroes

April 15, 2021

As our gardens have bloomed over lockdown, leading Yorkshire consultant knee surgeon Mr Owen Wall explores how to protect our joints when tending our patch, and encourages those suffering painful conditions to seek medical solutions to enjoy our new-found freedoms to the full.

As I’m sure you would all agree, the past 12 months have been some of the most unusual we’ve experienced since the cessation of the Second World War. Who would have predicted that back in March 2020, we would all be subjected to restrictions at variable levels, on our personal freedoms because of the global health pandemic caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus, commonly known as COVID-19? We are still not yet out of the woods by any means but there is now significant hope that ‘normality’ may slowly return as we progress through 2021 because of a very well planned and executed vaccine rollout.

‘What did you do during the great pandemic Grandad?’ This may be a typical question that is asked by our grandchildren in the years to come, and what will our answers be? Well, for many, especially those of us lucky enough to have gardens or allotments, we certainly did a lot of gardening. Throughout those first few months during the first lockdown, as the weather improved and the sun shone, lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and strimmers could be heard with regularity. Borders were turned, shrubs and flowers planted and lawns manicured. Allotments were busy with keen gardeners readying their plots with vegetables and fruit for the summer and autumn harvest. As a nation, we were probably busier with our gardens over the last 12 months than at any time before.

However, the increase in time spent in the garden can unfortunately lead to detrimental problems for your back and your joints, especially your knees. If you have pre-existing wear and tear problems, or you already have arthritis of your knees, the crouching, twisting and loading that comes with keeping your borders weed free can exacerbate symptoms of pain and stiffness so much that you may need a considerable period of rest before things settle down, and of course, they may not. How can you protect your knees whilst gardening? Knee pads or thick foam pads can certainly help relieve the pressure on the kneecaps (patellae) while kneeling, and taking care not to crouch and twist with full bodyweight loading can also help to prevent torn cartilage pads within the joint. If you have taken care but still have caused problems how do you recognise when to seek professional help?

If you have torn a cartilage or have exacerbated a pre-existing knee condition, then you may experience a general or localised pain in or around the knee. You may notice a swelling or a feeling of tightness and restriction when bending your knee. You may notice that you can’t fully straighten your knee or it gets stuck (locked). Some people may feel a clunking or clicking within the joint when moving the knee in a certain way. If these symptoms are recurring or seem to be getting worse over time rather than improving, then it would be advisable to seek expert help. A prompt diagnosis and tailored solution may help you significantly and get your knees ready for your summer gardening sooner than you think.

You may already have arthritis of your knee and have been previously advised that you may benefit from total or partial knee replacement but have been putting this off because of the pressures put on the health service secondary to the pandemic. Now that the winter pressures are all but over, this spring or summer would be the ideal time to get rid of those nagging arthritic pains and stiffness by having your knee treated. Do so while you are still able to enjoy the new-found freedom that a pain-free joint replacement can give you. Many patients have been forced to delay treatment for their arthritic joints over this past year and demand is ever growing, but the opportunity to seek a solution is available to you.

If either of the above scenarios are relevant to you, please make contact with my secretary, or directly with myself via my website, and book your consultation with me at Leeds Spire Hospital or Leeds Nuffield Hospital today.

Call Mr Wall’s secretary Elaine Ingham on 0113 3882009, email elaine.ingham@nuffieldhealth.com or visit Leedskneeclinic.com.

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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.