The most satisfying part of working as a Sports and Exercise Medicine Registrar is that I can help people find a pathway to becoming more physically active. Often times, an injury or a medical condition is getting in the way. Other times, a sedentary person may need some assistance in becoming more active in order to prevent diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. After all, only 15% of us meet the World Health Organisation recommended guidelines for weekly exercise and muscle strengthening.

I recently saw a lady with lateral ankle pain who was struggling to continue with her walking, swimming and gym work on account of her pain. I noted that she had had 2 nasty ankle sprains many years earlier, however was otherwise medically well.

On closer examination, my patient had a tender, fluid-filled lump on her ankle in the region of her peroneal tendons (see photo of peroneal brevis/longus). This finding, in the setting of previous ankle sprains, made me suspicious of a ganglion cyst secondary to a ruptured peroneal tendon. No wonder she was fighting the pain!

An MRI confirmed the diagnosis and I must say, my patient was very relieved to know what was the cause of her pain.

In the end, based on my recommendation, my patient opted for surgical intervention with my Orthopaedic Colleague at Ballarat OSM. Post-operatively, she improved steadily under the watchful eye of our Sports Physiotherapist.

As Sports and Exercise Physicians, we are doctors with specialist training in the management of musculoskeletal injury and illness to maximise function and minimise time away from sport, work, or school. In the case of my patient, I am looking forward to seeing her stroll around the Lake on a bright, sunny Ballarat day!

Dr. Anthony Hipsley
Sports and Exercise Medicine Registrar
Ballarat OSM