Ouch, My Knee!
Health Today Malaysia|November 2018

In this first article in our new series on sports injuries, we look at a common affliction: pain in the knee. A sports medicine physician (who is also a sportswoman) takes us through the details of iliotibial band syndrome, a form of knee pain caused mainly by overuse.

Dr Au Yong Pui San
Ouch, My Knee!

Knee pain. The inevitable bane of all runners, cyclists, hikers and… well, just about everyone. All adults (and unfortunately some adolescents as well) will experience some degree of knee pain or discomfort at least once in their life. Even more unfortunately, many out there live with knee pain on a daily basis.

Knee pain – the symptom – can be due to many causes. Some are easier to “fix” than others. Some will haunt you to a certain degree for a long time. And some knee pains will force you to give up a sport that you are passionate about. Fortunately, all knee pains can be managed and, if adequate care is given early enough, be kept at bay for many years to come.

In this Sports Injury series, we will look into a few common types of knee pain. This time, we shall begin with Iliotibial Band Syndrome (more casually known as ITB syndrome or ITBS), its typical presentation and causes, common remedial therapies that can be done on your own and when you need to stop kidding yourself and get your knee pain checked by a medical professional.

WHAT IS THE ILIOTIBIAL BAND (ITB)?

ITB is a connective tissue (a mixture of both muscle and fascia) that starts at the side of the pelvis, runs along the lateral aspect of the thigh crossing both the hip joint and the knee joint, connects to other muscles and fascia then attaches to the bony edge of the side of the leg (tibia).

The ITB functions by stabilizing the knee and preventing it from caving in. Because of the proximity to the bony edges at the knee, it may start rubbing against the bony parts due to the repeated knee flexion (bending) and extension (straightening), thus becoming inflamed and painful.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF ITBS?

Denne historien er fra November 2018-utgaven av Health Today Malaysia.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 2018-utgaven av Health Today Malaysia.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA HEALTH TODAY MALAYSIASe alt
When Depression Strikes Teenagers
Health Today Malaysia

When Depression Strikes Teenagers

It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2018
5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics
Health Today Malaysia

5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics

If you haven’t heard of probiotics or have been wondering what they are, here are some basics on the topic to get you started.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2019
Internet Safety For Children
Health Today Malaysia

Internet Safety For Children

There’s nothing more comforting than to have your chicks safely back in the roost as they unwind on their gadgets in the solace of their rooms. But are they truly alone in their rooms and are they truly safe? Online gadgets are windows to another world, and no one is looking out for your child there. So how do we shield them from the unwarranted possibilities that lie in that realm?

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2019
A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?
Health Today Malaysia

A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?

Coffee, one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, is derived from the beans of Coffea canephora (best known as robusta) and C. arabica. Coffee is unique in terms of its perceived and actual effects on the body and is also loved for its distinct aroma and taste. Our general perception about coffee is that it can keep us awake. However, its benefits go beyond the “wake-me-up” action and it can be categorized as a health drink.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2019
Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities
Health Today Malaysia

Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities

Her on-screen character, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones was meant to be a blend of Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Lawrence of Arabia—courageous heroes of the past. But when illness struck actress Emilia Clarke, she had to channel some of that strength and bravery into her real-life situation.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2019
The Fertility Revolution
Health Today Malaysia

The Fertility Revolution

A pioneer in Malaysia's fertility treatment offers his insight on two revolutionaryadvances that made a big difference in bringing hope to many couples who are unable to conceive naturally.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2017
6 Skin Myths Debunked
Health Today Malaysia

6 Skin Myths Debunked

A pimple has erupted on your nose (oh, horrors). Family members and friends are quick to give you well-meaning advice, while the internet abounds with ‘effective’ tips and solutions. But how do you know if any of that information is true?

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2017
Addiction: What You Don't Know
Health Today Malaysia

Addiction: What You Don't Know

Addictive behaviours have been described as one of the greatest scourages of humankind. In order to treat it, we have to first understand what courses it.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2017
Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!
Health Today Malaysia

Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!

With the third Thor movie, Thor: Ragnarok set to open in just a few weeks, we turn our attention to the big, blond, easy-on-the eyes star – Chris Hemsworth.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2017
Battling Two Cancers
Health Today Malaysia

Battling Two Cancers

Being diagnosed with liver cancer was bad enough, but as he was fighting for recovery, Mohd Salleh Yusof was struck by lung cancer as well. Determined to enjoy life to the fullest, Salleh shares his experience with HealthToday.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2017