Physiotherapists in Belfast treat many different conditions including the issues profiled below.

Knee Cartilage Injuries

The knee cartilages are properly known as menisci and are almost circular cartilaginous structures which look like banked tracks, sitting between the flat upper surfaces of the tibia and the large rounded condyles of the lower end of the femur. Their function is not entirely understood but may be to guide the femoral condyles as they slide and glide, to distribute synovial fluid evenly around the knee or to give sensory feedback about the complex positions adopted by the knee at any moment. The menisci are vulnerable at times as the large femoral condyles can roll over them and being attached to the tibial upper surface they cannot always move out of the way.

This can result in the meniscus suffering compressive forces applied by the condyle and becoming injured in the process. Tears of the menisci are common injuries and occur in various patterns, common examples being a parrot beak tear and a bucket handle tear. The parrot beak is a small tear at the edge which then appears like a bird.s beak. If the tear is along the substance of the meniscus it can cause a loop with attachments at both ends, like a bucket handle.

Physiotherapy and Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a troublesome pain problem which occur in the sole of the foot in the heel region and can be very disabling. Underneath the heel on the calcaneal bone is a bony spur which is one end of the plantar ligament, a ligament which stretches along the foot towards the front. A sudden onset of severe pain on weight bearing on the heel is typical, with the person suddenly feeling they have to walk on tiptoe to avoid the pain. This conditions can occur in anyone but is more common in certain types of arthritic condition where the ligament and bone junctions are affected by the disease.

Physiotherapy assessment begins with a history of the condition and any other medical conditions the patient may be suffering. The foot is examined and the tender area palpated for the typical pain on pressure. The foot posture is checked to see if the patient has a flat foot or a heel deviation in standing,, and the tightness of the calf muscles is also assessed. Treatment involves stretches to the calf muscles, ultrasound to the area and silicone heel pads to reduce the force through the painful area. If not successful then injection of the area can be performed.