Frequently asked questions about the services of Traumatology and Orthopaedics Mallorca

Appointments can be made by phone, WhatsApp or via our online booking system.

Depending on the practice, you will find the relevant telephone numbers on our contact page.

You can find our practice in Palma here:

Camí dels Reis 308, 3°, Palma de Mallorca

On the contact page you will also find a map with route planner.

You can find our practice in Llucmajor here:

Ronda Migjorn 2, 07620 Llucmajor

On the contact page you will also find a map with route planner.

You can find our practice in Santa Ponsa here:

Av. Rei Jaume I, Nº100, 07180 Santa Ponsa

On the contact page you will also find a map with route planner.

You can find all information about our practice team here.

• If pain persists despite conservative therapies such as physiotherapy, painkillers or injections.
  
• When mobility and everyday life increasingly deteriorate.
  
• When quality of life and sleep are severely impaired.

• Infiltrations (e.g. with cortisone, hyaluronic acid or PRP)
  
• Biological therapies such as stem cells or monocytes
  
• Exercise and physiotherapy
  
• Orthopaedic aids

If all non-surgical measures have been exhausted and the symptoms are significantly advanced, a joint replacement can provide a new quality of life. It is important to note that the decision is always made individually together with the doctor.

A new joint is not the first step, but usually the last – but often a very effective one.

Lateral hip pain does not usually occur in the joint, but in the tendons and bursae. Muscle training is the most important component of therapy.

Lateral hip pain is usually caused by overstrained tendons in the gluteal muscles or an irritated bursa. The causes are a lack of pelvic stability, muscular weakness or overloading. Strengthening the hip abductors, stretching and adapting the load are crucial. Infiltrations can also help.

Hip pain when sitting is usually caused by prolonged bending and one-sided strain. Short breaks in movement, stretching exercises and targeted training can make a big difference here.

Prolonged sitting leads to a permanent flexed position in the hip; hip flexors shorten, gluteal muscles become inactive and certain joint surfaces are loaded on one side. If the hip is already damaged, for example due to the onset of osteoarthritis or FAI, the pressure in the anterior joint area can increase, resulting in groin pain.
Tendon insertions, for example in the hip flexor or gluteal muscles, can also be irritated by constant compression. Studies on hip and lumbar spine complaints show that a lack of movement and prolonged sitting are important risk factors.
An active daily routine with regular breaks to stand up, hip extension and stretching exercises as well as targeted strengthening of the gluteal and trunk muscles helps to distribute the load better. In addition, an ergonomic adaptation of the workplace can be useful.

Groin pain during exercise often comes from the hip joint, especially with FAI or the onset of osteoarthritis. Early diagnosis makes it possible to counteract this with training and, if necessary, joint-preserving measures.

Groin pain, which is felt deep inside when straining such as walking, climbing stairs or putting on shoes, often comes from the hip joint. Typical causes are the onset of hip arthrosis or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).
In FAI, the femoral head and acetabulum do not fit together perfectly anatomically and collide during certain movements. In the long term, this can damage the cartilage and promote osteoarthritis.
In the early stages, exercise, targeted muscle building, mobilization and adaptation of sports (e.g. avoidance of extreme bending and rotation movements) can help. In the case of pronounced deformity and persistent symptoms, joint-preserving surgery can improve the mechanics and slow down the development of osteoarthritis.

Hip osteoarthritis can often be stabilized well conservatively through exercise, weight reduction and joint-friendly movement. Injections can supplement this, but the most important factor is your own active cooperation.

Non-surgical measures are the top priority for hip osteoarthritis. These include targeted strengthening of the hip and core muscles, endurance sports that are easy on the joints such as cycling or aqua fitness, weight reduction if you are overweight, as well as manual therapy and mobilization.
These measures improve joint stability, reduce pressure peaks and improve cartilage nutrition. Injections with cortisone or hyaluronic acid can temporarily relieve pain and improve mobility in certain stages.
Guidelines and studies show that a structured exercise program and weight management can significantly reduce symptoms and often delay a prosthesis for years. Consistent implementation over a longer period of time is crucial.

A snapping hip is usually harmless without pain and is more of a mechanical phenomenon. If the symptoms become more severe or painful, stretching, strengthening and a targeted orthopaedic examination usually help.

The so-called snapping hip syndrome can occur externally or internally. In external snapping hip syndrome, a tendon plate (iliotibial tract) slides over the large rolling hill of the thigh bone; in internal snapping hip syndrome, the tendon of the hip flexor (iliopsoas) jumps over bony structures in the pelvis.
As long as the snapping is not painful, there is usually no pathological value and imaging examinations are often not necessary. However, if pain or restricted movement occurs, a closer look should be taken.
Therapeutically, stretching, targeted strengthening exercises and postural work help to reduce friction and tensile forces. Surgical smoothing or lengthening of structures is only rarely necessary.

Osteitis pubis is a persistent overload reaction in the bone and takes time to heal. Consistent reduction of strain and targeted development of trunk and pelvic stability are crucial.

Osteitis pubis is an overload reaction in the area of the pubic symphysis, often in sports with many changes of direction, kicks or asymmetrical loads such as soccer, field hockey or running and jumping sports. The tendons of the adductor and abdominal muscles attach there; imbalance results in permanent tensile forces on the bone.
Bone tissue regenerates slowly, so the healing process often takes several months. The therapy consists of consistently reducing the load – in particular a break from stopping and kicking movements – and building up core and pelvic stability.
Targeted adductor strengthening and mobility work help to distribute the forces symmetrically and in a controlled manner again. Patience and a structured rehab program are crucial here.

Small differences in leg length are normal and usually not painful. Only larger or functionally significant differences should be compensated for with insoles or targeted training.

Small differences in leg length of up to around 0.5-1 cm are very common and are usually easily compensated for by the position of the pelvis and spine. Only larger differences can lead to one-sided overloading of the hips, knees or lumbar spine.
The decisive factor is not only the measured difference, but whether it is functionally relevant: Is there a clearly visible pelvic misalignment, asymmetrical gait patterns or recurring complaints always on the same side? If so, a correction may be advisable.
Therapy options range from insoles or heel adjustments for structural length differences to mobilization and strengthening for functional differences caused by muscle shortening or pelvic misalignment, for example.

Hamstring shortening transfers tension to the lower back. Regular stretching and technique training can help.

Shortened hamstrings prevent the pelvis from tilting forward freely. This increases the strain on the lumbar spine ligaments and fascia when bending over. Stretching, mobilization and strengthening normalize the movement pattern and relieve the back.

Osteoporosis goes unnoticed for a long time until bones break. The risk can be significantly reduced through training and therapy.

Osteoporosis reduces bone density and structure without causing pain at an early stage. As a result, it is often only recognized after fractures. Treatment includes nutrition, vitamin D, strength training and medication if the risk is high. The goal is fracture prevention and long-term bone health.

Both platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid are treatments for osteoarthritis, but their effectiveness and areas of application can vary. PRP contains the body’s own. Hyaluronic acids have been around for a long time and are less expensive and can achieve short-term results. It is also possible to combine hyaluronic acid and PRP.

Comparison and decision

Effectiveness: Both treatments can relieve pain and improve joint function, but effectiveness can vary from individual to individual. PRP can lead to significant improvements in some patients, especially when used early. Hyaluronic acid has been shown to be effective, particularly in mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

Long-term results: Long-term results may vary. PRP could potentially have more long-term healing effects as it supports the body’s natural healing process. Hyaluronic acid usually provides shorter but often quicker relief of symptoms.

Cost and availability: Hyaluronic acid injections are widely available and often covered by health insurance, while PRP treatments are generally more expensive and not always reimbursed.

Ultimately, the choice between PRP and hyaluronic acid depends on the patient’s specific situation, the severity of the osteoarthritis, individual reactions to previous treatments and the recommendations of the treating physician. It makes sense to discuss the options and their advantages and disadvantages with a specialist doctor in order to find the best treatment strategy for your own situation.

PRP is obtained from the patient’s own blood. It contains a concentrated amount of thrombocytes (blood platelets) and their growth factors, which promote healing.

Advantages:

• Can relieve pain and improve functionality.
• No allergies or hypersensitivity reactions are known, as this is the body’s own material.

Disadvantages:

• The results are variable and not for everyone in the long term.
• It may take several sessions to achieve optimal results.
• The costs are often higher than for hyaluronic acid and are not always covered by health insurance.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of synovial fluid that acts as a lubricant and shock absorber. A synthetic form is injected into the joint.

How it works:

• The injection is designed to replenish joint fluid, improve lubrication and relieve pain. It can also help to increase joint mobility.

Advantages:

• Can often improve joint mobility and pain for several months to a year.
• The treatment is relatively uncomplicated and generally well tolerated.

Disadvantages:

• The effectiveness may be limited in advanced osteoarthritis.
• The treatment may need to be repeated regularly.

Cracking in the knee is often a normal accompanying noise and is not in itself an indication of osteoarthritis. Only when pain, swelling or blockages occur should a more detailed examination be carried out.

Noises in the knee joint are not initially a reliable sign of illness. They are often caused by gas bubbles in the synovial fluid that burst during movement or by tendons that slide over bony protrusions.
“Crunching” can also occur with incipient cartilage changes, but this alone says little about the severity or further development. Many people with noisy joints are completely symptom-free and have no relevant osteoarthritis.
Additional symptoms are decisive: pain, swelling, blockages or buckling. Only then is a more precise orthopaedic examination advisable; without these warning signs, reassurance, regular exercise, weight management and muscle building are usually sufficient.

In the case of meniscus tears caused by wear and tear, arthroscopy often has no clear advantage over good physiotherapy. Surgery is particularly useful for traumatic tears with blockages or pronounced instability.

In younger patients with a clear accident mechanism (e.g. twisting trauma during sport) and blockages in the joint, an arthroscopy is often useful to remove or suture an unstable meniscus fragment. This relieves the joint mechanically.
Degenerative meniscus tears in middle and old age, on the other hand, are usually caused by wear and tear, which is part of osteoarthritis. Large studies have shown that arthroscopic partial removal of the meniscus in such degenerative tears often has no better effect than good physiotherapeutic treatment.
A targeted training programme improves muscle control, stabilizes the joint, reduces pain sensitivity and avoids additional meniscus resection, which could otherwise accelerate osteoarthritis. Surgery is performed if blockages or severe symptoms persist despite consistent conservative treatment.

Weight reduction, exercise and strength training are the most important and best-studied therapeutic components for knee osteoarthritis. Medication and injections can provide support, but cannot replace these basic measures.

Three components show the strongest effects: weight reduction in the case of obesity, regular joint-friendly exercise and targeted strength training of the thigh, hip and trunk muscles. International guidelines classify these measures as core therapy with a high level of scientific evidence.
Just 5-10% weight loss can significantly improve pain and function because the load on the joint is reduced and inflammation-promoting messenger substances decrease. Strength training acts like a shock absorber, stabilizes the joint and reduces micro-instabilities. Joint-friendly sports include cycling, swimming, aqua jogging and Nordic walking.
Medication, insoles, physical measures and injections (e.g. cortisone, hyaluron) can be used as a supplement. However, they do not replace the basis of exercise and weight management.

Knee pain when running is often caused by an unfavorable leg axis and increased pressure peaks behind the kneecap. Strengthening the hip and thigh muscles and adapting running training are the most effective levers.

This is often a patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as “runner’s knee”. The kneecap slides in a groove in the thigh bone; if the leg axis is unfavorable (e.g. weak hip muscles, bow leg tendency, foot misalignment), the pressure on certain areas of cartilage behind the kneecap increases.
Stairs, walking downhill and squatting positions are particularly stressful. Targeted training of the hip abductors, external rotators and thigh muscles improves the biomechanics of the leg axis and distributes the forces more evenly again.
Training adjustments (surface, footwear, walking style, girth) and, if necessary, insoles can also help. The aim is to avoid permanently overloading the cartilage tissue and to give the joint time to regenerate.

With increasing age, tendons become more sensitive because their structure and blood circulation deteriorate and frequent episodes of overuse occur. Targeted strength training can make tendons more resilient again and reduce discomfort.

Tendons change with increasing age: Water content and elasticity decrease, collagen fibers become more brittle and blood circulation deteriorates. At the same time, many people take less varied exercise, sit more and overload tendons in short, intensive phases (“weekend sports”).
This combination makes tendons more susceptible to micro-injuries, which the body repairs more slowly. The result is chronic tendinopathies with strain and start-up pain.
The therapy is aimed at controlled, progressive loading: Eccentric or slow, heavy strength exercises stimulate orderly collagen remodeling and increase the tendon’s resilience. Shock waves, manual therapy and, if necessary, infiltrations can also be useful.

Bursitis of the knee is usually caused by repeated pressure or overloading. Relief in everyday life, anti-inflammatory measures and correction of the strain are sufficient in the vast majority of cases.

There are several bursae on the knee, which act as a buffer between the bones, skin and tendons. Repeated pressure, for example from kneeling a lot, hard surfaces or certain occupational activities, can cause them to become inflamed and swell up painfully.
The main treatment is to reduce the pressure that causes the problem – e.g. by using knee cushions, padding, changing position or adapting the workplace. Cooling, anti-inflammatory medication and, if necessary, targeted infiltrations help to calm the inflammation.
Accompanying incorrect loading and axis problems should also be treated. Surgical removal of the bursa is only rarely necessary, for example in cases of chronic, therapy-resistant or infected bursitis.

A high degree of arthrosis in the MRI does not necessarily mean severe pain. What is important is the interplay between the image findings, inflammatory activity, musculature, nervous system and, above all, your actual ability to function in everyday life.

Imaging describes structures, not pain. Osteoarthritis grade IV means extensive cartilage loss in a joint area, but says nothing about the actual intensity of pain.
studies show that the imaging grade of osteoarthritis correlates only moderately with the subjective intensity of pain: Some people with severe findings have little discomfort, others with moderate findings have severe pain. Pain is influenced by many factors – inflammatory activity, musculature, nerve sensitivity, psychological factors, sleep and stress.
Therefore, the MRI findings are only one component in the assessment. The decisive factor is how severely you are restricted in your everyday life, which movements trigger pain and what your overall functional situation looks like.

Pain on the outside of the knee in runners often indicates ITB syndrome. Targeted hip muscle training and adapting the running style can reduce the strain on the ligament and improve the problem in the long term.

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is typical, especially in runners. The iliotibial band is a strong tendon plate on the outside of the thigh that runs over a bony protrusion on the knee; increased friction causes the tissue to become inflamed, resulting in a sharp pain on the outside of the knee.
This is usually triggered by a rapid increase in training, poor posture (e.g. knock-knees), weak hip muscles or an unfavourable running style. Targeted training of the hip abductors and external rotators, optimizing the running style (stride length, frequency, surface) and temporarily reducing the amount of running are key therapeutic components.
Stretching and fascia treatment can be supplemented to reduce the tension in the tissue. The aim is to control the load in such a way that the tissue can heal without having to give up movement completely.

Jumpers knee is a chronic overload of the patellar tendon. A structured strength program provides the best long-term stability.

In patellar tendinopathy, the patellar tendon is damaged by repeated tensile stress. The tendon develops degenerative changes that cannot be remedied by rest alone. Eccentric exercises and later slow, heavy strength exercises, accompanied by load control, are crucial. Shock waves can also help.

The operation is only the basis – only rehabilitation makes the knee resilient again. A structured program provides long-term protection against re-injury.

Cruciate ligament surgery only restores the mechanical structure. Coordination, proprioception and muscle strength must be rebuilt. Without intensive rehabilitation, the risk of re-injury remains high. The goals are mobility, strength, stability and sport-specific training.

A muscle bundle tear needs time and controlled rehabilitation. A structured rehab program prevents relapses.

A muscle bundle tear injures entire fiber bundles and leads to bleeding and scarring. Premature overloading tears the scar again. Therapy: structured rehab, progressive increase in load, later sport-specific training.

Osteoarthritis is not just wear and tear, but an active remodeling process in the joint in which many factors play a role. You can positively influence this process and significantly reduce pain through weight, exercise and lifestyle.

Osteoarthritis is much more complex than mere “wear and tear”. It is an active joint disease in which cartilage, bone, joint capsule, mucous membrane and muscles are involved.
Inflammatory processes, genetic factors, metabolic disorders (e.g. obesity, diabetes), old injuries and misalignments play a major role. The cartilage cells and the bone are actively involved in the remodeling process, it is not simply “rubbed off”.
Therapy is therefore not only aimed at mechanical relief, but also at the inflammatory environment: Weight reduction, regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep can have a positive influence on these processes and alleviate symptoms.

An artificial joint makes sense if pain and restrictions remain high despite intensive conservative therapy and significantly limit everyday life. Imaging, symptoms and personal activity goals must always be considered together.

A prosthesis is not just an X-ray decision, but a quality of life decision. The decisive factor is whether, despite consistent conservative therapy (exercise, weight reduction, pain therapy, injections, physiotherapy), severe pain persists and everyday activities (walking, stairs, sleeping) are significantly restricted.
If the answer to these questions is “yes” and imaging shows advanced osteoarthritis, studies show that over 90% of patients report a significant improvement in pain and function after hip or knee replacement – provided the indication is correct and the follow-up treatment is good.
At the same time, every prosthesis is a major operation with risks and a limited lifespan. The decision must therefore be made on an individual basis and should be made in a detailed discussion with the treating orthopaedic surgeon.

Sharp heel pain in the morning often indicates plantar fasciitis due to overloading of the plantar fascia. Consistent stretching exercises, adapted shoes and, if necessary, shock waves can usually significantly improve the symptoms.

A stabbing pain in the heel in the morning or after periods of rest is very typical of plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue under the foot that stabilizes the arch of the foot; overloading (standing a lot, walking on hard ground, unsuitable footwear, overweight) causes micro-injuries to the heel bone.
The body reacts with painful irritation and thickening of the tissue. The therapy aims to reduce the tensile forces on the fascia and initiate healing: consistent stretching exercises of the calf muscles and plantar fascia, positioning exercises, insoles and adjustment of footwear.
In chronic, treatment-resistant cases, shock wave therapy (ESWT) can help by stimulating blood circulation and healing processes. As a rule, the symptoms improve significantly over weeks to months.

Achilles tendon complaints are usually caused by structural changes and not acute inflammation. Eccentric training helps the tendon to reorganize itself and become more resilient – provided it is carried out consistently and for a sufficiently long time.

In Achilles tendinopathy, the tendon is structurally altered: Collagen fibers are irregularly arranged, there are small vessels and nerves in the tendon tissue that are associated with pain. This is less a classic inflammation and more a degenerative change.
Eccentric training (controlled lowering of the heel against resistance) is precisely where this comes in. Studies show that a program carried out consistently over months reduces pain and improves function; many patients can return to their sport.
The eccentric load stimulates orderly collagen remodelling, reduces pathological vascularization and increases the load-bearing capacity of the tendon. It is important to have a structured program that initially allows for tolerable training pain and is adapted to individual factors (e.g. location of the pain).

Tennis elbow is usually caused by repeated overuse in everyday life and not just by playing tennis. The aim of the therapy is to slowly increase the targeted strain on the tendon so that it becomes more stable and less sensitive to pain in the long term.

In most cases, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is an overload of the tendon insertions of the hand and finger extensor muscles on the outer elbow. It is triggered by repetitive gripping and twisting movements – at work (mouse, tools), at home or during sport.
Tissue examinations show degenerative rather than inflammatory changes. Therapies that improve the structure and resilience of the tendon are therefore effective: eccentric and isometric strengthening, stretching, adjusting the load and, if necessary, shock wave therapy.
Bandages and special epicondylitis braces can change the distribution of force and take mechanical pressure off the tendon insertion. Immobilization alone provides short-term relief, but often leads to renewed overloading in the long term as soon as the load increases again.

Restricted mobility of the thoracic spine can feel like a breathing problem without the lungs being diseased. This feeling of tightness can often be significantly reduced through mobilization, breathing exercises and posture work.

Functional disorders in the thoracic spine and rib joints can affect the sensation of breathing. Small joints, muscles and fasciae run between the ribs and spine, which can become tense and “blocked” due to prolonged sitting, poor posture or stress.
This can make chest movement feel restricted, with some patients reporting that they “cannot breathe through”, even though the lungs themselves are healthy. Manual therapy, mobilization, breathing exercises and posture correction improve the mobility of the chest.
When the mechanical mobility improves, the feeling of breathing often normalizes as well. It is important to treat accompanying factors such as stress, lack of exercise and weak core muscles.

Back pain when standing is often caused by a combination of weak core muscles, poor posture and fascial overload. Strength training and frequent changes of position can significantly reduce the strain on the lumbar spine.

When standing, the back and abdominal muscles work isometrically to stabilize the spine. Weak core muscles or an unfavorable posture – such as a hollow back or a one-sided shift in weight – overload the fasciae and small vertebral joints.
This leads to a burning, tired pain in the lower back. Fasciae are richly innervated and can become very sensitive to pain if pulled continuously. If the position is not changed for a long time, blood circulation decreases and the muscles tire more quickly.
Targeted trunk training, posture work and frequent changes of position (alternating between sitting, standing and walking) reduce this constant strain. Even small strategies such as slight “rocking” or weight shifts can reduce the pressure.

A frozen shoulder stiffens the shoulder for months, but usually resolves itself. Gradual therapy can have a positive effect on the progression.

Frozen shoulder typically progresses in three phases: Pain phase, stiffening phase and thawing phase. The cause is inflammation and shrinkage of the joint capsule, often promoted by metabolic disorders such as diabetes or prolonged immobilization. Pain therapy, controlled mobilization and later a targeted exercise programme can shorten the duration of the disease and improve mobility.

The calcification develops locally in the tendon and often disappears on its own. Surgery is rarely necessary.

In calcific shoulder, calcium is deposited in the supraspinatus tendon. Many patients have no symptoms for a long time until an inflammatory phase sets in. The calcium is often broken down spontaneously by the body over months to years. Treatment includes pain reduction, shock waves and physiotherapy. Surgery is only necessary if symptoms remain severe despite therapy.

Twisting an ankle is often a ligament injury, even without a fracture. Training stability and coordination prevents chronic instability.

Outer ligaments can tear partially or completely even without a rupture. If you return to full weight-bearing too quickly, there is a risk that the ligaments will heal in an extended position – resulting in chronic instability. Early functional treatment, splinting/tape and later coordination and strength training prevent consequential damage such as osteoarthritis.

Adult scoliosis can often be treated conservatively. Surgery is only necessary in rare, severe cases.

Many adult scolioses are stable and cause few symptoms. The decisive factors are the Cobb angle, progression and symptoms. Therapy includes posture training, trunk strengthening and pain treatment. Surgery is only necessary for large, progressive curvatures.