Knee Conditions

With overuse and repetitive motions, the ligaments and tendons holding the knee together are susceptible to overstretching or tearing, resulting in a sprain or strain. Direct trauma from a bad fall and collision sports can also cause sprains and strains.

Depending on the severity, a sprain or strain causes symptoms such as pain and tenderness, redness and swelling, and weakness or instability. There may also be difficulty in bending the knee.

If these symptoms persist or worsen, consult a knee specialist to determine the best course of treatment for your recovery.

This refers to the tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which connects the thigh to the shin. It is a common injury among basketball and soccer athletes, though one may also develop this condition during a bad fall or landing, and suddenly stopping or switching directions.

An ACL injury is often characterised by a popping sound or sensation in the knee when the injury occurred. Other symptoms include swelling and the inability of the knee to bear weight.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, consult a knee specialist early to assess the extent of the injury and explore treatment options.

The meniscus is a cartilage that serves as a cushion between the femur and tibia; and direct trauma to the knee or the sudden twisting or rotation of the joint can lead to a torn meniscus.

A torn meniscus can be treated at home by resting and icing the swollen area, or by surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.

If your knee pain persists or you experience locking or difficulty moving the joint, consult a knee specialist to evaluate your condition.

Also known as jumper’s knee, patellar tendonitis is characterised by the swelling of the patellar tendon as a result of overuse. Patellar tendonitis is a common injury in physical activities and sports that require frequent jumping.

Left untreated, patellar tendonitis can lead to tearing of the tendon, which will require surgery and physiotherapy to treat.

If you notice pain below your kneecap or swelling that interferes with your ability to move, consult a knee specialist to prevent further damage.

Also known as runner’s knee, patellofemoral pain syndrome is characterised by pain that can be felt in front of or under the patella (kneecap). It is usually caused by repeated and impacted stress across the knee.

Conservative treatments like rest and physiotherapy are usually enough to address the condition, but in more serious cases where pain is severe, surgery may be recommended.

If you’re experiencing persistent pain around your kneecap, consulting a knee specialist can help determine the best course of action for your recovery.

Also known as “wear-and-tear arthritis”, osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which the knee’s cartilage becomes worn out over time. A worn-out cartilage causes direct friction between the bones of the knee while one is moving, resulting in pain and stiffness.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but medical treatments, coupled with healthy lifestyle choices, can help slow the progression of the condition or replace the diseased joint with a new one (if deemed necessary).

If you notice stiffness or discomfort in your knee that affects your daily activities, consulting a knee specialist can provide valuable guidance on managing osteoarthritis.

This is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, including the knees. RA is characterised by pain, swelling and stiffness in and around the knee joint.

If left untreated, RA can lead to joint deformities and other complications; which usually require surgery to treat and restore proper joint function.

If you experience these symptoms, consulting a knee specialist early on can help in preventing long-term damage.

This occurs when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that acts as a shock absorber between the bones, muscles and tendons of the knee, becomes inflamed. It is a common condition resulting from an overused joint.

Symptoms of bursitis include redness and swelling, stiffness and tenderness of the joint. In more serious cases, debilitating pain and inability to move the knees may be present.

If you’re facing any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a knee specialist to explore treatment options and avoid further complications.

A sudden and hard blow to the knee, vehicular accidents, and high-impact sports, can cause the joint to become displaced and its surrounding tissues to be overstretched or torn. In the knees, dislocation commonly occurs in the kneecap.

Apart from a visible dislocation, symptoms include intense pain, a popping sound when the injury occurred, inability to stand or walk, and swelling.

If you suspect a dislocation, consult a knee specialist for proper treatment and to prevent long-term damage.

Similarly, a hard blow or sudden force to the knee can cause a fracture or break in the bone, which is also known as a patellar fracture. Fractures are serious and require immediate medical treatment.

Fractures can be classified into different types (e.g. stable, displaced, comminuted, or open), which will help your doctor determine the type of treatment required – whether non-surgical or surgical.

If you’ve suffered a knee injury and suspect a fracture, consulting a knee specialist promptly will ensure the right diagnosis and treatment plan is in place.