complete fracture, which takes twice as long to heal.JointsThe joints between bones are limited in their direction and range of movement by the shape of the adjoining surfaces. These are covered by cartilage, the smooth finish of which is lubricated

UAN:211 Article type:--SymptomsHallux rigidus refers to osteoarthritis of the first MTP joint. You’ll feel pain in the joint, worsened by pushing or pulling the toe up and down.SignsAlthough the joint may be swollen, there is often little to see

UAN:208 Article type:--SymptomsYou’ll feel tenderness over the inner side of the joint between your first metatarsal (MT) and big toe, or hallux, and notice that the end of the toe starts to point outwards, forming an angle of up to 90 degrees

UAN: 219 Article type:--Half-moon snap-in cartilages form a buffer in the centre of the knee joint and allow some rotation. These are known as menisci and are placed either medially or laterally.Injury can occur to normal and ageing menisci

or osteoarthritis in the knee and other joints, ascertain how far down into the calf the bursa extends, and possibly be able to detect fluid in the knee joint with which the cyst is connected.Medical investigationsThe best way to confirm the diagnosis is to inject

or physio may find swelling in front of your Achilles tendon or an indication that there’s fluid within your ankle joint. However, there may also be other tender areas where soft tissues have been over-stretched or pulled. A specialist will look for signs

UAN:218 Article type:--For completeness’ sake, one should include this cyst, which can form on the lateral side of the knee joint.SymptomsYou will notice the formation of a painful, solid swelling on the outer side of the knee joint. You may have

UAN: 201 Article type:--The majority of people possess both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, which form an X-shaped structure through the middle of the joint, their function being to prevent fore and aft movement of the tibia on the femur

UAN:202 Article type:--Although the quadriceps and hamstring muscles mainly move the knee joint, the hamstring group arise above the hip, too, and play a small part in the movement of that joint. Other tissues also incorporate the pelvis as well

may require MRI scanning or arthroscopy to eliminate damage to the peroneal tendon and nerve which run around the outside of the joint.Self-treatmentIf you do not apply RICE immediately, you deserve long-term pain! Tubigrip folded over on itself