A baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a swelling at the back of the knee joint. Baker’s cysts are fairly common and are associated with chronic swelling within the knee joint. They occur, most frequently, secondary to degenerative disease within the knee joint such as osteoarthritis or meniscal degeneration. The main sign that a baker’s cyst is present will be a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind the knee.

This may be tender to touch with pain and stiffness often worsening as the knee is straightened after activity or when squatting or kneeling.

Just as a door hinge requires oil to reduce friction and allow smooth movement, similarly, the cartilage and tendons in the knee joint rely on a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid circulates around the knee joint and in and out of various fluid sacs called bursae that communicate with the knee joint. Sometimes when a structure within the knee joint is damaged or inflamed too much fluid is produced. If this fluid gets trapped in the popliteal bursae it is called a baker’s cyst.

If a baker’s cyst is suspected the whole knee joint should be assessed thoroughly as treatment involves treatment of the underlying cause. Once the cause has been addressed the swelling generally settles down. Sometimes the bursae might be drained or surgically removed but if the underlying cause of the swelling is not corrected the swelling will just return.

Strengthening exercises for the lower limb can help to improve joint biomechanics and to decrease the load on the knee.

“For the fitness of you,”

Linda Reilly

Doctor’s Choice Podiatry is pleased to announce that they are now providing podiatry services in the Forbes Medical Centre.

This is in addition to the existing podiatry service provided in Flannery’s Pharmacy and Parkes Pharmacy.

Adam Debenham, originally from Forbes, and Bill Devanney are very excited about this new chapter in providing quality podiatry care to the Forbes and Parkes region.

Adam and Bill offer thorough foot assessments, both vascular and neurological, as well as general foot and nail care, paediatrics, orthotics, footwear advice, diabetic foot care, assistance with foot pain and all other areas of podiatry care.

Initially, appointments within Forbes Medical Centre will be every four weeks on a Monday. It is however anticipated that this will build rapidly to a more frequent service.

There are still a few appointments available for Monday, 16th July. The same service is available at Flannery’s Pharmacy every fourth Tuesday and Wednesday as well as in Parkes Pharmacy Monday -Friday every four weeks.

Bookings are essential, fees apply. Call 0475 074 104 for further details.

Studies have shown that one in four women over the age of 50 suffer from pain on the outside of the hip, and this is particularly true for active women. Gluteal tendinopathy or more specifically, gluteus medius tendinopathy is a common cause of lateral hip pain.

Your gluteal tendons are the tough fibres that attach your gluteal muscles to the hip bone. It is thought that gluteal tendinopathy is more common in women over 50, due to the shape of the female pelvis and hip bones, along with the hormones that influence the female body during menopause.

Tendinopathies develop when load to the tendon is increased too quickly such as an increase in exercise particularly in sports like running or hiking.

When tendons become stressed small micro tears form, which encourage inflammatory chemicals and swelling. These will quickly heal if managed appropriately.

However, if the loading continues (working through the pain), the formation of these micro tears can exceed the rate of repair. The result is a tendinopathy, causing pain and dysfunction.

Unfortunately, many gluteal tendinopathies are misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated as a bursitis with corticosteroid injections. Whilst this may provide some temporary pain relief, it is only useful if the pain free time is used to exercise and strengthen the tendon appropriately. If injections are not combined with strengthening exercises for the gluteal muscles the tendinosis is likely to continue with return to activity.

A gradual loading programme aimed at strengthening the gluteal muscles and improving the biomechanics of the female hip is the most effective treatment for long term relief of lateral hip pain.

For the fitness of you.

Linda Reilly

The head cold, also known as the common cold, is usually a mild illness but it can impact your daily life. In addition to sneezes, sniffles, coughs and a sore throat, a head cold can leave you feeling tired, rundown, and generally unwell for several days.

Sarah Hazell, Pharmacist at Flannery’s Pharmacy shared some self help tips to relieve the symptoms of the common cold.

“It’s important to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, keep warm and eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and veggies,” said Sarah.

“It’s also vital to avoid cigarette smoke as this will exacerbate the symptoms,” said Sarah.

Many people benefit from boosting their immunity to prevent the common cold.

“Taking immune booster products can help with general immunity and can also help reduce the severity and length of colds,” said Sarah.

Colds and flu can make other conditions worse, such as asthma or diabetes. You should see your doctor if you:

• Have symptoms lasting longer than 10 days;

• Can’t or won’t drink fluids;

• Vomit frequently;

• Experience intense headache;

• Experience chest pain;

• Have breathing difficulties and

• Have a rash with a fever

There is a large range of over the counter medications which can help relieve the symptoms of the common cold including throat lozenges, gargles and sprays for sore throats, cough mixtures/tablets to alleviate dry or chesty coughs and medications to help with blocked or runny noses and headaches. “It’s best to visit the Pharmacy to discuss your symptoms and seek professional information and advice,” said Sarah.

Injuries to the lower back are one of the most common golf related problems. The incidence of lower back pain in the male golfer is between 25% to 36% and between 22% to 27 % in females. It has been reported to account for up to 52% of all injuries in recreational golfers and 24% of injuries in professional golfers. The injury mechanism of nearly half of all lower back injuries in golf is due to the swing.

The modern golf swing has been shown to produce large forces on the lower back, which change directions rapidly during the swing. Because golf is played in a slightly forward flexed position, along with the asymmetrical, rotational nature of the swing, the forces the joints in the lower back are subject to are quite high. The compression force on the spine during the swing has been shown to be up to eight times body weight.

How to prevent getting back pain. Maintenance of good mobility in the hips and thoracic and lumbar spine is important. This may require a regular exercise programme at home along with a good warm up before you play, whilst using proper technique when lifting your bag and bending through the knees when retrieving the ball.

If you already have lower back pain consider slowing your back swing down. Make sure your weight properly shifts to your back foot and your hips rotate during the back swing. Also, avoid placing your feet too far apart during the address phase as this limits hip rotation later in the swing and increases stresses on the lower back.

For the fitness of you

Linda Reilly