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Hemant Thakral, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Benenden Hospital
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Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the inner elbow. It causes pain when bending your arm and performing gripping or twisting movements. It can also be caused by other repetitive activities and by overloading the tendons, such as by lifting a heavy object with a straight arm. Regular stretching and exercises can help support
and heal the tendons, and you may need ultrasound therapy. If the problem persists after three months, you can be referred to a consultant for steroid or other therapeutic injections or, as a last resort, surgery. The surgical procedure involves releasing the tendon, repairing any tears and removing scar tissue.
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The warmer weather means many of us are getting active outdoors, and with that comes the risk of sports injuries. Benenden Hospital experts outline the most frequent problems as well as options for self-pay treatments
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BY CAROLINE ROBERTS
FOOT AND ANKLE Liam Stapleton, Sports Medicine Podiatrist at Benenden Hospital Taking up running and increasing your mileage too quickly is a common cause of injuries to the foot and ankle. Achilles tendinopathy is pain and swelling of the large tendon at the back of the ankle. There are two very effective treatments that we use at Benenden Hospital, each with an 80% success rate. Shockwave therapy works by sending pulses of energy through the skin, stimulating tissue to repair itself. High volume injection (HVI) involves injecting a saline solution mixed with local 6 Be Healthy Summer 2023
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anaesthetic into the area around the Achilles under ultrasound guidance. This loosens scar tissue and adhesions so the tendon can move freely. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the band of tissue along the sole of your foot. It causes pain under the heel, especially when you first get out of bed. Overuse is the main cause, but flat feet or high arches can mean you’re more prone to it. Treatments include steroid injections, shockwave therapy and custom-made insoles to correct foot posture.
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How to treat sports injuries
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