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Knee Pain
After back pain, knee pain is one of the commonest complaints that medical practitioners see and can have many causes.
The knee is comprised of two joints, a hinge joint where the tibia meets the femur (referred to as the tibiofemoral joint) and a sesamoid joint where the knee cap (patella) glides over the femur, (referred to as the patellofemoral joint). The knee cap may be a weird looking piece of bone but it has a very important role in the function of the knee.
In a lifetime, the knee joint has to tolerate considerable stress as it carries our weight, as well as directional forces it encounters during sports and at work.
The knee joint is held together by four ligaments and the muscles of the leg. It is very often these structures which become injured during sporting activity.
Ligaments of the knee
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) - controls rotational movement and prevents forward movement of the tibia in relation to the femur. It is found deep at the centre of the knee joint.
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) – prevents the femur sliding forward of the tibia. Located deep at the centre of the knee joint, crossing the ACL
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) – prevents the tibia moving sideways to the centre.
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) – prevents tibia moving sideways to the outside.
The Menisci (meniscal cartilage) are attached to the top of the tibia providing stability and shock absorption.
Ligaments and cartilage can be subject to tears and ruptures if enough force is applied to the joint. Many footballers, rugby players and skiiers injure these structures when the knee is twisted or forced beyond it’s normal range of movement.
Knee Pain
Pain in the knee usually falls into two categories:
Acute – Pain comes on rapidly, usually as a result of an injury.
Chronic – Pain that has been present for a number of weeks and often comes on slowly, sometimes worsening over many months.
Pain can be felt in any part of the knee but the most usual is at the front, referred to as anterior knee pain and whilst some types of pain are easy to locate to a particular area of the knee, some conditions will cause a more generalised, diffuse pain around the joint.
Knee pain can be accompanied by swelling, bruising and tenderness.
Arthritis of the Knee
Many people are told that their knee pain is due to “wear and tear” and are informed that they have Arthritis. However there are over 100 different types of arthritis, some of which are very rare.
We use the term referred pain when the pain in the knee is actually coming from somewhere else in the body, such as the nerves of the back or conditions like Iliotibial band syndrome.
This type of pain may also be an indicator of faulty biomechanics or gait.
Preventing knee pain
- The Quadricep muscles (thigh), play an important role in the stability and strength of the knee. Keeping these muscles strong is important.
- Always use protective knee pads if your work involves a lot of kneeling.
- Keep active – The “use it or lose it” scenario is true of all joints and muscles in our body. Regular exercise helps strengthen bone and muscle.
- Sports specific strengthening exercises help prepare the knee for winter sports and those such as rugby and football.
- Avoid being overweight – In a lifetime, your knees will have to carry many tons of weight, adding to this will increase the risk of Osteoarthritis.
- Runners should always change their running shoes about every six months, as their shock absorbing capacity declines, placing undue stress on the knee joint.
Anatomy of the knee – Take a closer look at the knee joint.
Knee pain- Take a more in depth look at the different causes of knee pain.
Exercises for the knee – A selection of basic, intermediate and advanced exercises to strengthen the knee.
Arthritic conditions of the knee – Find out more about Osteoarthritis of the knee
Knee Resurfacing & replacement – Different techniques to replace worn or damaged knee structures.
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Taping Accessories
Everything you need for your athletic taping applications.
Tape adhesive to give extra adhesion of tape to skin, Underwrap to protect areas vulnerable to rubbing and chafing.
Tape removal liquid and sprays for effective adhesive removal whilst ensuring minimal skin damage.
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Cohesive Tape
Cohesive tape is very similar to elastic adhesive bandage but is generally much lighter in structure and has the unique ability o stick to itself but not to the skin.
Used to provide extra support to zinc oxide taping techniques, it can also provide support without restriction to injured muscles.
Generally available in widths from 2cm to 7cm, tis versatile tape can provide a number of functions.
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Zinc Oxide Tape
Zinc oxide tape is a rigid cotton tape with an adhesive backing, generally white or flesh coloured. It comes in a variety of widths from 1cm to 5cm.
Rigid tape of this type is usually used to provide support and limit range of motion. Often used when ligament damage has caused a weakened structure.
Best results are obtained from applying tape directly to the skin using special techniques.
The application of zinc oxide tape is also used for “proprioceptive taping” to help retrain tendons and muscles following injury.
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Elastic Adhesive Bandage
Elastic Adhesive Bandage is a stretchy woven bandage with a adhesive backing used in many athletic taping applications. It will adhere securely to skin or can be used on top of pre tape underwrap.
Usually available in three sizes; 2.5cm, 5cm and 7cm in rolls about 4m long.
Its high strength means it is ideal to secure Zinc Oxide tape applications in order to provide maximum physical support and increase proprioceptive awareness (by giving sensory feedback to the brain that helps prevent the patient ‘going over’ on the injured part).
Rugby Union players use this tape around the thigh to support a player during line out.
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Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback
The Chattanooga Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback unit is a very useful device that provides a visual indication of whether you are working the correct postural muscles, in the right manner, when performing specific exercises. Research has shown that this can relieve and prevent back pain and neck pain.
Comes complete with easy to follow exercise descriptions that can be used to prevent and relieve back pain and neck pain.
For the prevention and treatment of back pain and neck pain, and to improve core stability.
Common back problems
Facet Syndrome
Slipped Disc
Low back pain
Sciatica
Spondylolysis
Spondylolysthesis
Size
19.5 x 10 x 10cm
Posture and Core Stability
The blue air bag is inflated using the hand pump. This is then placed against a specific part of the body, such as the lower back, trunk or neck, depending on the specific exercise.
The user then contracts the specific muscles which provide postural support. Research has shown that by being able to contract these postural muscles back pain and neck pain can be prevented and resolved. The Stabiliser helps by giving visual feedback that lets the user know whether they are using the correct technique.
With the correct technique the pressure reading on the dial changes, depending on the exercise the person is doing. The dial provides visual feedback and significantly improves the quality of the contraction of specific muscles during back exercises and neck exercises.
By improving these postural or ‘core stability’ muscles, spinal stability is greatly improved. Research has proved that this is very effective in the treatment of back pain in conditions such as Slipped Disc or Sciatica.
The Stabilizer can also be used for the prevention and treatment of neck pain.
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Cycling Insoles
New 2009 Northwave Biomap Bike Performance Arch Supports (footbeds) offer ultimate comfort and improved performance which allow the cyclist to keep the right position when pedalling.
Top Features of the Northwave Cycling Shoe Footbeds (Insoles)
* Blue Mid Footbed – Regular feet
* Green High Footbed – High arch feet
* Red Low Footbed – Flat feet
Biomechanical foot research on professional and amateur athletes has proven that every foot plant is different (regular, high and flat). Often the shoe’s fit and size won’t match the plant perfectly, resulting in numbness or pain, affecting overall performance.
Foot pain in cyclists is often a result of nerve and artery compression caused by the foot flattening while pedalling.
The Northwave Biomap Bike Performance Footbeds reduce pressure on the nerves and arteries by supporting the longitudinal, and metatarsal arch of the foot. Equally distributing pressure across the entire sole and correctly positioning the foot makes it easier for blood to return to the lungs and heart.
Helping oxygen flow through the blood stream reduces fatigue and keeps lactic acid from being produced. Superior arch support combined with improved comfort, results in better blood circulation, optimizing athletic performance. It also ensures power is transferred onto the pedal without loss of energy.
In order to choose the most suitable Northwave Biomap Bike Performance Arch Support, Northwave has created the biomap Memory Foam test. The test is available in sport good stores and bike shops or you could consult a gait analysis expert who can carry out this simple test for you. It maps the sole of the foot to determine which model (Blue, Green and Red), is the best suited.
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Superfeet Insoles
Superfeet’s firm, contoured shape provides the comfort that soft insoles cannot achieve.
Insoles are like mattresses. A good mattress is made of firm, supportive materials. A bad mattress is soft and unsupportive. Same thing with insoles.
When you stand on a Superfeet Premium Insole, you can feel the firmly supportive shape and materials. It’s not soft and mushy like other brands…because although soft non-supportive insoles feel good when you first put them in your shoes, in the long run your foot problems don’t disappear.
Support the foot, align the Body.
Wearing soft insoles is like running in the soft, dry sand at the beach. Initially it feels good, but you quickly grow tired, waste energy, and begin to feel the stress on your knees and back.
Wearing Superfeet Premium insoles is like running on firmer, wet sand. It’s still comfortable, but your feet feel more balanced and stable, and it’s certainly more productive and enjoyable from a performance point of view.
Every Shoe, everyday.
Everybody’s feet are different, and they wear different types of shoes. That means it is unreasonable to think one model of insole will meet everyone’s needs.
That’s why Superfeet makes different products to fit different foot shapes in different types of footwear. No matter what type of activity or sport you engage in, Superfeet has a product for you – at a price you can afford.
Superfeet insoles can easily be cut to fit, full or 3/4 length, depending on the type of footwear you are using, making them one of the most versatile insoles on the market.
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Sorbothane insoles
Whether you are a walker, runner or just a general all-round sporty type, Sorbothane insoles absorb up to 94.7% of foot impact shock.
With the exception of your shoes, Sorbothane insoles are probably the most essential piece of gear you can buy to reduce your injury risk, ensure maximum comfort and get the best from your performance.
Part liquid. Part Solid. 100% Unique
Sorbothane insoles
Are made from a unique visco-elastic material that exhibits the properties of both liquids and solids. So you get the best of both worlds: superior shock absorption and long lasting performance.
Rest assured, your Sorbothane insoles will still be delivering the goods long after other insoles have given up the ghost.
Podiatrists, Chiropodists and Physio’s regularly prescribe Sorbothane for:
* Sore and tired feet and legs
Try Sorbothane Double Strike Insoles, which have integral arch support, protecting the heel and forefoot area of the foot
* Sore knees
Try Sorbothane Double or Full Strike Insoles which help to reduce the impact sport has on the knees.
* Shin splints
Sorbothane Double Strike Insoles are ideal as they provide essential support and reduce impact.
* Achilles tendonitis
Try Sorbothane Heel Pads which reduce strain on the Achilles tendon and help to provide lift.
* Heel spurs
Sorbothane Heel Pads give support to the heel and provide optimum impact protection.
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Back support cushions
Supporting the lumbar spine whilst driving or sitting, helps reduce pressure on the lower spine.
Supports such as the Harley Temperature Sensitive Memory Foam Back Support Cushion are manufactured to an anatomical shape which ensures the lumbar spine is kept in alignment whilst gentle lateral support helps to reduce strain.
Some supports come with useful buckles straps to allow them to be easily attached to office chairs and car seats.
