New website helps to kick knee pain into touch

GPs and healthcare professionals can now refer patients with knee pain to a Joint Health Matters website for advice on how to self-manage their condition.

www.jointhealthmatters.org offers useful information for those experiencing knee problems caused by injury, osteoarthritis or other conditions.

People can access the website to discover the most likely cause of their knee pain and tips on early action they can take to prevent more serious problems developing.

Funding the website is part of the Innovation Agency’s role in supporting innovation in musculoskeletal conditions in our region. It was developed in collaboration with the NHS West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group and the Joint Health Integrated Musculoskeletal Service at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust.

The information was provided by musculoskeletal and pain specialists - based on national and international guidelines for best practice on the management of knee conditions and chronic pain.

It features diagrams to illustrate how the knee joint works and video exercises to improve pain, strength and mobility, advising users when to seek medical advice and giving them goals to speed up their recovery.

Sarah Ralph, advanced practice physiotherapist at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust explained: “The website is also ideal for patients are waiting for a referral to see a specialist. In the meantime, they can have a look at the website and try some of the advice and exercises at home to start improving their symptoms.