Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | 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."
04 November 2019
Head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun, sea and spectacles of the wild kind.
[more...]
As the nights draw in, we're turning our thoughts to the warmer climes of the Southern Hemisphere and treks in Patagonia that will put a spring in your step...
Escape the UK's shorter autumn days and head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun and sporting fun.
21 October 2019
Struggling for holiday inspiration? Let us inspire you with our list of book-themed breaks.
Check out our top recommendations to make the most of your time in Frankfurt, on the River Maine.
30 October 2019
What quirky customs await you on your travels this Halloween?
Look past the petrifying and discover a side to the Romanian region you never knew...
14 October 2019
Bucharest is the jewel of the Balkans crown - explore the city to find a host of hidden gems.
At the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe lies a country with a story to tell. Check out these must-see sites in Croatia to learn more.
07 October 2019
With Halloween on the horizon we look for destinations across the globe with a decidedly mysterious appeal...
What should you eat in Croatia? Good question. Unrumble that tummy with our rundown of our favourite Croat cuisine.
Where's the best beach in Croatia? We answer that question and more as we look at the Adriatic beaches you won't want to miss out on...