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

Knee Arthritis

The knee is a large synovial joint formed between the large expanded end of the femur (thigh bone) and the top of the tibia or shin bone. The ends of the bones are covered with articular cartilage, a slippery and firm material which allows the almost friction free movement which our joints can provide even if there is a body weight load on them. On an x-ray this shows up as a dark space between the bony surfaces, known as the joint space. In time or after injury this cartilage can change as part of the process of osteoarthritis, although there is a significant genetic component which influences whether we get osteoarthritis or not.

Changes occur both in the cartilage and the bone of the joint during the osteoarthritic process and the process may begin with a softening of the cartilage from its firm, hard surfaces. Next, fissures can develop until the thickness of the cartilage wears down and in severe cases the underlying bone may be exposed, causing a bone on bone crunching and pain. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, loss of joint movement, joint deformity such as knock knee or bow leg and difficulties with gait.

Back Pain - Red Flags for Serious Conditions

Most people with back pain have just that, back pain secondary to injury, time and the mechanical stresses of holding a posture or performing an activity. However, a small proportion of people present with back pain when the underlying reason is a serious pathology of some sort. The signs that indicate that mechanical back pain may not be the reason for the patient's pain are called red flags. Physiotherapists routinely ask the red flag questions to try to exclude the likelihood of a patient having a serious underlying condition which might also be worsened by physio treatment. Examples of red flags for back pain are: age over 55 or under 20 when back pain first presents and significant trauma involved (like a fall).

Other red flags include: significant weight loss; significant night pain; use of steroids; a history of cancer; bladder or bowel disturbance and loss of sensation in the saddle area around the genitals and anus. A degree of judgement is required as the outcome of the questions is rarely clear cut and most red flag situations turn out not to be serious conditions but physios routinely evaluate these to ensure safe treatment and refer questionable cases on for medical evaluation.