Joint treatment with Dr Beate Helgers

Tailored help for joint pain – personalised, fast and effective

In our private orthopaedic practices, led by Dr Beate Helgers, you as the patient are our priority. Joint pain, inflammation or signs of wear and tear can severely limit your mobility and enjoyment of life – whether they have occurred suddenly or have become chronic over the years. That is why we tailor our modern and proven treatment methods precisely to your symptoms and circumstances.

Our aim: We want to provide targeted relief from your pain – without any unnecessary detours and, where possible, without the need for surgery. Through thorough diagnosis and personalised treatments, we help you regain a better quality of life and greater freedom of movement.

 

Extensive experience and
expertise in joint treatment –
for pain-free movement

Our joint treatment focuses on the precise diagnosis and personalised management of pain and inflammation in all joints, large and small. Whilst the knee, hip and shoulder joints are our main focus, other, smaller joints are also taken into account in our treatment plans.

When is joint treatment advisable?

  • For pain and inflammation in the joints
  • For osteoarthritis and joint wear and tear, both acute and recurrent symptoms
  • If there is swelling or irritation of the joints
  • If surgery is to be postponed or avoided
  • For diagnostic purposes, to determine whether there is acute irritation or structural damage

How do we go about it?

Treatment procedure for joint pain at our practice during your first appointment


1. Comprehensive assessment

  • We identify the location of the pain, whether it radiates, its duration and any additional symptoms.
  • We will ask about any previous medical conditions and possible rheumatic disorders.
  • During our consultation, we will discuss any risk factors or aggravating factors.

2. Thorough physical examination

  • Examination of the entire musculoskeletal system to identify functional deficits.
  • Specific examination of the painful areas through visual inspection, palpation and movement tests.
  • Assessment of sensation, strength, coordination, reflexes, balance and movement patterns.

Together, we will determine whether your symptoms are caused by short-term inflammation or more profound joint damage. We can often use targeted injections to establish whether surgery is truly necessary, or whether your symptoms can be alleviated without surgical intervention. We’d be happy to discuss any questions you may have with you in a face-to-face consultation or over the phone.  

Questions and answers about joint treatment

FAQs

What are the warning signs that my joint pain needs to be treated?

If your joint pain lasts for more than a few days, gets worse with movement or exertion, or even persists at rest, or if the joint feels unstable, this is a clear indication that professional treatment is advisable and that you should come and see us. The sooner the symptoms are treated, the sooner we can prevent further damage.

What non-surgical options are available if my joint is already severely worn?

Depending on your individual condition, we will draw up a personalised treatment plan to slow down joint wear and tear and significantly improve your quality of life. Among other things, we offer various injection therapies, which we will discuss with you following a detailed diagnosis. Please feel free to visit our Injection Therapies page for an overview.

Could you give me some advice on how to prevent joint problems, particularly given a family history of the condition or as an athlete?

As part of our holistic approach to treatment, prevention is also a key focus for us. There are a number of steps you can take to prevent joint problems. We’d be happy to set aside time for a detailed consultation at our practice.

Are there any specific treatments that can halt or at least slow down joint wear and tear?

Yes, there are various treatments that can slow down the wear and tear. At our practice, we use a combination of tried-and-tested and modern methods:

  • Hyaluronic acid injections to replace the synovial fluid, thereby reducing friction in the joint and protecting the cartilage. This helps to slow down wear and tear.
  • PRP therapy promotes tissue regeneration and can support the cartilage.
  • Physiotherapy and targeted exercises strengthen the surrounding muscles, relieve pressure on the joint and improve mobility.
  • Nutritional advice and weight management are also important factors, as losing weight can significantly reduce the strain on the joints.
  • Manual therapies and mobilisation techniques can help to improve joint mobility and reduce incorrect loading.
  • Guidance and training to correct posture. Postural correction and changes to the load placed on a joint can be achieved through targeted guidance and training. We provide expert support in this area.

Through these holistic approaches, we aim to slow down the progression of joint wear and tear and maintain your mobility for as long as possible.

What role does the weather really play in joint pain, and can you prepare for it?

The weather – particularly cold, damp conditions and fluctuating temperatures – can indeed have an impact on joint pain, especially in cases of osteoarthritis. The exact link is not yet fully understood, but it is thought that cold and changes in air pressure may affect the synovial fluid or make the tissue around the joints more sensitive. One thing is certain: we can help you prepare for the cold and wet season and prevent pain.