Was the injury high speed, or involved a lot of violence – twisting while running can do just as much damage as falling off a motorbike. If there was speed involved seek attention early.

Bones breaking or ligaments snapping are often associated with an audible crack or pop? If there was a noise, we need to see you soon.

Swelling of the knee after an injury can signify bleeding into the joint. If your knee swelled up immediately, this may signify an anterior cruciate ligament injury – swelling that is delayed is often associated with a cartilage tear.

A large amount of swelling suggests you need an urgent appointment.

Most people are pretty tough. If your pain is not controlled by mild painkillers , rest and ice then you may have a significant injury and need to be seen quickly.

This is a sign of serious joint injury and needs early review.

If any of the above situations describe your knee injury then a review by Dr Hewitt is warranted. It is worth noting that an appointment with Dr Benjamin does not always end up with surgery. A lot of our patients can avoid surgery with a timely review and a personalised treatment plan. Click on the link below and his staff will be happy to help you schedule an appointment.

Often, you’ve already had the shoulder reduced at one of the emergency departments. All shoulder dislocations require follow up and often an X-ray or MRI scan.

This suggests the tendon has been torn or damaged – you will need a MRI or ultrasound scan and review.

Often shoulders can be more painful at night. If you cannot control the pain with simple analgesia, such as Panadol, then you may have torn the tendon and should be seen.

If any of the above situations are describing your shoulder injury then a review by Dr Hewitt is warranted. It is worth noting that an appointment with Dr Benjamin does not always end up with surgery. A lot of our patients can avoid surgery with a timely review and a personalised treatment plan. Click on the link below and his staff will be happy to schedule an appointment.

When clavicles break, they shift in position. If there is a big lump or the shoulder is misshapen then you need to be seen urgently.

If the pain is severe and not controlled by Panadol the bone may be broken.

Unfortunately the Emergency departments of Perth are overwhelmed. It is always worth getting a second opinion – some of the new techniques allow quicker recovery and get you back to work or sport sooner.

These are high energy injuries and often need fixing, when in doubt make an appointment for an urgent review.

A sprained wrist will settle quickly. If the pain is not controlled by simple painkillers, ice and rest then it may be broken. The distal radius and scaphoid bones are 2 of the common broken bones in the wrist. An urgent appointment is needed.

Swelling of the wrist suggests a broken bone or torn ligament, an appointment is needed.

This definitely means something is broken, you need an X-ray and urgent review.

Most bones do heal, but will it heal in the correct position in the shortest time possible? It is always worth getting a second opinion – some of the new techniques allow quicker recovery and get you back to work or sport sooner.

If there is a lot of swelling and bruising then the ankle bones may be broken. An X-ray and review is needed ASAP.

Inability to bear weight or walk on the foot suggests a broken bone, or severe ligament damage. An X-ray and review is needed ASAP.

This signifies a severe ankle injury. ?You need an urgent appointment, ideally same day – book now.

When bones break you may feel or hear a crack, this means you require an X-ray and urgent review.

There is normally a history of pushing off to run, and a feeling that you have been kicked in the back of the leg. Your foot is floppy with no power and it is hard to walk.

This needs urgent review, as surgery is often required in this instance.

Torn Achilles are often under-reported on ultrasound scans and it is often found that they are  torn the entire way through.

It is always worth seeking review from a professional to ensure they are not completely torn, then a personalised treatment can be formulated and put in place.