The tissue that forms the lining of the ankle joint (articular cartilage) can be damaged by impact from falls or by twisting injuries to the foot. This damaged lining can float around in the joint as a ‘loose body’, or it can be a flap still attached to the rest of the cartilage. In more severe cases there may be a piece of bone also damaged beneath the surface (called an ‘osteochondral defect’ or OCD). These conditions (amongst others) can be treated by keyhole surgery (arthroscopy) to the joint using a small (3.5mm) tube with a miniature video camera as well as small operating instruments in the joint.

Ankle ligaments are commonly sprained by twisting injuries, causing pain and swelling. Commonly, ligament injuries respond to a brief period of rest and support from external strapping or bracing, followed by a progressive strengthening and balance retraining regime from a physiotherapist. Sometimes however, the ligaments can heal slack, leading to recurrent ankle sprains and an unstable ankle joint. If this instability continues, there is a chance of damaging the articular surface lining the ankle joint, leading to premature arthritis.

This article describes the anatomy of the knee and explains how common ligament injuries occur. It then goes on to outline the different treatment options that are available.

Leg pain is a common feature in people who undertake regular sports, and can be an unnecessary cause of worry. Often relatively straightforward interventions can get people back to high level sporting activities. Pain in the lower leg can arise from a number of causes including 'Exercise Induced Leg Pain', 'Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome' and 'Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome', commonly referred to as shin splints.