Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
08 May 2017 08:16
Noisy knees could signal a greater problem
Researchers in the US are recommending that anyone experiencing the symptoms of so-called 'noisy knees' should have them checked out, as they may be an early sign of osteoarthritis.
Those suffering with grating, cracking or popping sounds in and around the knee joints could well be receiving a signal that they more likely to develop the condition, the Texas-based scientists claim.
Researchers conducted a multi-centre observational study that included almost 3,500 participants at high risk of knee osteoarthritis.
The chances of them developing pain symptoms over a period of up to four years increased with greater frequency of knee noise.
It doubled when the noises were heard "often" and trebled for patients who said they "always" experienced them.
The findings, published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating osteoarthritis earlier, said the researchers.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear damaging the surfaces of joints and tends to affect older people.
A third of people aged 45 and over in the UK have sought treatment for osteoarthritis, a total of 8.75 million. It is advised that sufferers protect themselves with seniors travel insurance when travelling abroad.
The condition is not the same as rheumatoid arthritis, which is an auto-immune disease.
What the experts say
US lead author Dr Grace Lo, from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, said: "Many people who have signs of osteoarthritis on X-rays do not necessarily complain of pain, and there are no known strategies for preventing the development of pain in this group of people.
"This study suggests that if these people have noisy knees, they are at higher risk for developing pain within the next year compared with the people who do not have noisy knees.
"Future studies that target people who have X-ray signs of osteoarthritis, and who do not complain of pain but do report noisy knees, hold the promise of identifying interventions that can prevent knee pain."
15 January 2019
NHS commissioners could be slapped with a £2,500 fine for every patient left waiting more than a year for vital care, new proposals suggest.
[more...]
12 January 2019
All UK airports should buy anti-drone technology and not rely on the Royal Air Force to help out, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has said.
10 January 2019
The military was brought in on Tuesday night after police officers saw a drone operating at Heathrow Airport, forcing departures to be suspended for an hour.
11 January 2019
A so-called "drug sponge" that mops up leftover drugs from cancer treatment could improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy, new research has claimed.
09 January 2019
A hormone released during exercise could help protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.
08 January 2019
Ryanair has been labelled the worst airline operating in the UK for the sixth year running in a leading consumer group survey.
05 January 2019
Anti-drone technology will be deployed at the UK's two busiest airports in response to the disruption caused before Christmas.
04 January 2019
A new cancer-detecting breathalyser test is being trialled in the UK - in a move that could revolutionise the way the disease is diagnosed.
03 January 2019
The average 10-year-old child will have already eaten more sugar in their life than the maximum amount recommended for 18-year-olds, a new study reveals.
01 January 2019
The number of travellers satisfied with flying has fallen over the last two years over frustration with how airlines handle complaints, new research reveals.
25 December 2018
People are being encouraged to connect with friends, neighbours and others in their community this Christmas to help tackle loneliness.
29 December 2018
Nearly 300 travellers have been arrested over the past two years for being drunk at an airport or on a plane.