Mr Ashwin Unnithan 2018-01-06 Person 5 5 0

I am a 39 year old very active PE teacher and I developed pain and swelling in my left knee. There was no identifiable moment when this happened, probably just wear and tear and overuse. I thought I would wait a couple of weeks and see if got better and carried on at work which was a mistake and it got worse. I was referred to Mr Unitthan at the circle hospital in Reading and he identified immediately that I had a meniscus tear and needed an arthroscopy. I had an MRI scan which confirmed that I had a medical meniscus tear. I also had the same operation about 16 years ago which was a cricket bowing injury. The operation was a success but there was a huge amount of swelling which could not be explained. Tests were done for osteo arthritis which turned out negative thankfully. The rehab was slower than I expected and I had a few challenges on the way with striking the balance between rehab, physio and work which took time. This was also hampered by having tight hamstrings and IT band as well as weak hamstrings. I also had a flicking sensation of a tendon over my lateral epichondial which was frustrating again probably linked to flexibility. I tried foam rolling and massage which helped. My knee still aches from time to time and my gym program is focussed around closed chain leg strengthening exercises and cycling on the Watt Bike to measure the power of both legs. However, mechanically I am fine and much more comfortable now almost back to full fitness 6 months down the line. The care I received both initially and post op was excellent and quick which was amazing for the NHS. Many thanks Ash! Ben.