Knee

Knees are one of the most common joints injured on and off the sporting field. There are often a few clues as to whether or not your injury is serious and you need urgent attention.

  • How did the injury occur?

    Was the injury high speed, or involved a lot of violence – twisting while running can do just as much damage as falling off a motorbike. If there was speed involved seek attention early.

  • Was there a noise?

    Bones breaking or ligaments snapping are often associated with an audible crack or pop? If there was a noise, we need to see you soon.

  • Is there swelling?

    Swelling of the knee after an injury can signify bleeding into the joint. If your knee swelled up immediately, this may signify an anterior cruciate ligament injury – swelling that is delayed is often associated with a cartilage tear.

    A large amount of swelling suggests you need an urgent appointment.

  • Is it painful?

    Most people are pretty tough. If your pain is not controlled by mild painkillers , rest and ice then you may have a significant injury and need to be seen quickly.

  • I cannot walk or weight bear on my leg

    This is a sign of serious joint injury and needs early review.

  • What to do next?

    If any of the above situations describe your knee injury then a review by Dr Hewitt is warranted. It is worth noting that an appointment with Dr Benjamin does not always end up with surgery. A lot of our patients can avoid surgery with a timely review and a personalised treatment plan. Click on the link below and his staff will be happy to help you schedule an appointment.

Shoulder

Shoulder injuries are often very painful and and can often occur from minor injuries. Below are a few clues as to whether or not your injury requires urgent attention.

  • My shoulder was dislocated

    Often, you’ve already had the shoulder reduced at one of the emergency departments. All shoulder dislocations require follow up and often an X-ray or MRI scan.

  • I cannot move my arm or it is weak?

    This suggests the tendon has been torn or damaged – you will need a MRI or ultrasound scan and review.

  • Is it painful?

    Often shoulders can be more painful at night. If you cannot control the pain with simple analgesia, such as Panadol, then you may have torn the tendon and should be seen.

  • What to do next?

    If any of the above situations are describing your shoulder injury then a review by Dr Hewitt is warranted. It is worth noting that an appointment with Dr Benjamin does not always end up with surgery. A lot of our patients can avoid surgery with a timely review and a personalised treatment plan. Click on the link below and his staff will be happy to schedule an appointment.

Collar Bone / Clavicle

Fractured collar bones (also called the clavicle) are a painful and debilitating injury. They usually occur after landing on the shoulder or arm.

  • Is it deformed?

    When clavicles break, they shift in position. If there is a big lump or the shoulder is misshapen then you need to be seen urgently.

  • Is it painful?

    If the pain is severe and not controlled by Panadol the bone may be broken.

  • I was seen in the emergency department and they said it would heal by itself

    Unfortunately the Emergency departments of Perth are overwhelmed. It is always worth getting a second opinion – some of the new techniques allow quicker recovery and get you back to work or sport sooner.

  • I injured it on my mountain bike, road bike, skateboard or motorbike

    These are high energy injuries and often need fixing, when in doubt make an appointment for an urgent review.

Wrist

Wrist injuries normally occur by falling on an outstretched hand.

  • Is it painful?

    A sprained wrist will settle quickly. If the pain is not controlled by simple painkillers, ice and rest then it may be broken. The distal radius and scaphoid bones are 2 of the common broken bones in the wrist. An urgent appointment is needed.

  • Is it swollen?

    Swelling of the wrist suggests a broken bone or torn ligament, an appointment is needed.

  • Is it deformed or misshapen?

    This definitely means something is broken, you need an X-ray and urgent review.

  • My radius or scaphoid is broken and I was told it will heal

    Most bones do heal, but will it heal in the correct position in the shortest time possible? It is always worth getting a second opinion – some of the new techniques allow quicker recovery and get you back to work or sport sooner.

Ankle

Common ankle injuries include sprains, fractured bones and ruptured Achilles tendons. All are very common and serious injuries.

  • Is it swollen?

    If there is a lot of swelling and bruising then the ankle bones may be broken. An X-ray and review is needed ASAP.

  • I cannot walk on it?

    Inability to bear weight or walk on the foot suggests a broken bone, or severe ligament damage. An X-ray and review is needed ASAP.

  • Is it deformed or misshapen?

    This signifies a severe ankle injury. ?You need an urgent appointment, ideally same day – book now.

  • Was there a noise?

    When bones break you may feel or hear a crack, this means you require an X-ray and urgent review.

  • I think I have injured my achilles

    There is normally a history of pushing off to run, and a feeling that you have been kicked in the back of the leg. Your foot is floppy with no power and it is hard to walk.

    This needs urgent review, as surgery is often required in this instance.

  • I have partially torn my achilles

    Torn Achilles are often under-reported on ultrasound scans and it is often found that they areĀ  torn the entire way through.

    It is always worth seeking review from a professional to ensure they are not completely torn, then a personalised treatment can be formulated and put in place.

     

     

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