| Tel. | : +65 6970 5905 |
| Fax | : +65 6970 5906 |
| Mobile | : +65 9898 7781 |
| : hello@bjc.sg, drkevinkoo@bjc.sg |
| Tel. | : +65 6970 5905 |
| Fax | : +65 6970 5906 |
| Mobile | : +65 9898 7781 |
| : hello@bjc.sg, drkevinkoo@bjc.sg |
| Monday to Friday | : 8:30am to 5:30pm |
| Saturday & Sunday | : Closed |
| Public Holiday | : Closed |
Treatment for Knee Pain & Injury in Singapore
Knee pain and knee injuries can make everyday activities such as walking, exercising and climbing stairs difficult. Whether caused by a sports injury, overuse, arthritis or age-related joint changes, persistent symptoms can affect mobility and quality of life.
At The Bone and Joint Centre in Singapore, we provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for a wide range of knee conditions. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve physiotherapy, injections or surgery to help relieve symptoms and restore function.
What is Knee Pain?
Knee pain refers to discomfort in or around the knee joint. It can result from injury, inflammation, overuse, arthritis or damage to structures such as the cartilage, ligaments, tendons or surrounding bones. Symptoms may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time.
What are the Symptoms of Knee Pain and Knee Injuries?
Depending on the type and severity of the condition, signs and symptoms may include:
- Knee pain during walking, standing, climbing stairs or exercise
- Swelling
- Warmth and redness
- Joint stiffness or locking
- Muscle spasms
- Popping sound in the joint
- Difficulty extending the knee
- Instability or a feeling that the knee may give way
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Reduced range of motion
What are Some Causes of Common Knee Conditions?
Knee pain and knee injuries may be caused by trauma, overuse, sports activity, ageing-related joint changes, inflammatory conditions or repetitive strain. Common causes include:
- ACL injury – A tear in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) commonly occurs in athletes who participate in high-intensity, contact sports like basketball and football.
- Fracture – This involves a partial or complete crack in the patella (kneecap) due to falls and vehicular collisions.
- Bursitis – This occurs when the fluid-filled cushion in front of the kneecap called bursae becomes inflamed and irritated.
- Patellar tendinitis – This refers to the inflammation of the patellar tendon, which may arise from constant jumping.
- Torn meniscus – A meniscus tear occurs when the knee is subjected to excessive pressure or twisting while the foot is planted on the ground.
- Cartilage injury – The articular cartilage acts as a shock absorber and allows bones to glide smoothly against one another. It can be damaged by wear and tear or trauma.
- Strains or sprains – These refer to injury to the ligaments, tendons or muscles in the form of overstretching or tearing.
Knee problems may also result from arthritis, which commonly include:
- Osteoarthritis – This is a degenerative disease in which the cartilage of a joint wears away, causing bones to rub against each other and form bone spurs.
- Rheumatoid arthritis – This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the joint, causing swelling and knee pain.
What Are Common Knee Conditions Treated at the Clinic?
While some knee conditions may improve with conservative treatment, others may require more specialised intervention. Common knee conditions we assess and treat include:
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Meniscal injury
- Ligament injury (ACL, PCL)
- Cartilage injury
- Fractures
- Tendinitis and tendon injuries
- Knee cap dislocation/instability
- Knee deformities
Related procedures and services may include:
- Knee replacement surgery
- Ligament reconstruction
- “Keyhole” meniscal repair
- Cartilage repair
How Are Knee Pain and Knee Injuries Diagnosed?
Diagnosing knee conditions begins with a comprehensive assessment to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.
The assessment may include:
- Review of symptoms and medical history
- Physical examination of the knee
- Assessment of joint stability and range of motion
- Evaluation of walking mechanics and function
- X-rays to assess bones and joint alignment
- MRI scans to evaluate ligaments, cartilage, tendons and other soft tissues
The findings help guide an appropriate treatment plan based on your condition and activity goals.
What Are the Treatment Options for Knee Pain and Knee Injuries?
Non-surgical Treatment Options
- RICE method - This stands for Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate; and involves resting the affected area, applying ice every 20 minutes to decrease pain and swelling, compressing the area with a bandage to reduce swelling and elevating the leg slightly.
- Activity modification - Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms may help reduce strain on the knee while it recovers.
- Medication - Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication may be recommended where suitable.
- Corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections - These are given to relieve knee pain
- Knee braces - These offer support and prevent weight and pressure from being placed on the affected knee.
- Physiotherapy - These are exercises done to strengthen the knee or restore flexibility and movement to the joint.
- Knee replacement surgery - In cases where the knee joint is severely injured or diseased, a surgeon may replace the joint with an artificial one.
Surgical Treatment Options
- Meniscus repair or meniscus surgery - Used to treat symptomatic meniscal tears and restore knee function.
- Ligament reconstruction - Rebuilds damaged ligaments, such as the ACL, to improve stability.
- Cartilage repair - Addresses cartilage defects that may contribute to pain and joint dysfunction.
- Keyhole knee procedures - Arthroscopic techniques use small incisions to diagnose and treat certain knee conditions.
- Fracture surgery - Stabilises broken bones to promote healing and restore alignment.
- Knee replacement surgery - May be considered for severe arthritis or advanced joint damage affecting mobility and quality of life.
Regardless of the cause, knee symptoms should be assessed if they persist or begin affecting your daily activities. Dr Kevin Koo is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore, skilled in treating all conditions of the knee.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Knee Problem
While not all knee injuries can be prevented, certain measures may help reduce the risk of developing knee problems.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Practice proper techniques and warm-ups when exercising
- Engage in balance and stability training to strengthen the muscles
- Wear comfortable shoes
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Pain and Injuries
Can knee pain go away on its own?
Some minor knee injuries and overuse-related conditions may improve with rest and activity modification. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed to determine the underlying cause.
How long does a knee injury take to heal?
Recovery varies depending on the type and severity of the injury. Minor injuries may improve within a few weeks, while more significant ligament, cartilage or bone injuries can take several months.
What happens during a knee injection?
The medication is injected directly into the knee joint to help reduce pain and inflammation. The procedure is typically performed in a clinic setting and usually takes only a few minutes.
How do I know if my knee pain is serious?
Medical assessment is recommended if you experience significant swelling, instability, difficulty bearing weight, joint locking or symptoms that persist despite rest.
When should I see a knee pain doctor in Singapore?
You should seek medical attention if knee pain affects your daily activities, limits mobility or does not improve with self-care measures. Early assessment can help identify the cause and guide treatment.
Meet Our Knee Pain and Injury Specialist in Singapore
Meet Our Doctor
Dr Kevin Koo Oon Thien
FRCSEd (Orth), FAMS
Dr Kevin Koo is a knee pain and injury specialist in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in orthopaedic surgery. He has extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating various knee injuries, including ligament tears, meniscus injuries, and cartilage damage. Dr Koo is highly skilled in performing minimally invasive and complex knee procedures, such as arthroscopic surgeries and knee joint replacements, helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
His dedication to orthopaedics is also reflected in his academic roles as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Duke-NUS Medical School, where he actively contributes to the training of junior surgeons.
| Tel. | : +65 6970 5905 |
| Fax | : +65 6970 5906 |
| Mobile | : +65 9898 7781 |
| : hello@bjc.sg , drkevinkoo@bjc.sg |
| Mon - FriMonday to Friday | :8:30am to 5:30pm |
| Sat, Sun and PHSaturday, Sunday & PH | :Closed |
Well-being: Our Focus at
The Bone & Joint Centre.
get in touch as soon as possible.
| Tel. | : +65 6970 5905 |
| Fax | : +65 6970 5906 |
| Mobile | : +65 9898 7781 |
| : hello@bjc.sg , drkevinkoo@bjc.sg |
| Mon - FriMonday to Friday | :8:30am to 5:30pm |
| Sat, Sun and PHSaturday, Sunday & PH | :Closed |