Knee Treatments
Treating knee injuries can range from conservative care to surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the injury. While minor injuries might respond well to physical therapy and resting at home, more serious injuries like ligament tears often require surgical intervention.
For less critical cases, conservative measures help to reduce the pain and improve function. Some common treatments include:
- Rest and rehabilitation – Most mild knee injuries respond well to the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) together with physical therapy to restore strength and mobility in the joint.
- Medications – Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications help to reduce pain and swelling, as well as manage inflammation.
- Bracing and support – Knee braces or supports help stabilise the joint and limit movement to prevent further injury.
- Injections - Injected directly into the knee joint, these are aimed at reducing pain and inflammation especially in arthritic joints. They include steroid, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
- Lifestyle modifications - This includes losing excess weight, avoiding high-impact activities (e.g. running) and switching to low-impact workouts (e.g. swimming) to lessen the stress on the knee joint until it recovers.
Knee surgery addresses a variety of severe injuries and conditions affecting the knee joint. Whether due to sudden trauma, degenerative disease, or chronic wear and tear, knee issues can negatively affect a person’s mobility and daily life. The goal of knee surgery is to relieve pain, restore function and improve overall joint movement. Some common types of knee surgeries are:
An arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and treat knee issues like torn cartilage, loose bone fragments, or damaged tissue. During the procedure, small incisions are made around the knee to insert a camera (arthroscope) and surgical instruments to allow the surgeon to view the joint and perform repairs. Arthroscopies generally have a quicker recovery process compared to other knee surgery types that are extensive and involve larger incisions.
An ACL tear occurs when there is a sudden twisting motion or direct impact to the knee. This procedure involves replacing the torn ACL with a graft, using a tissue from the patient’s own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). ACL reconstruction requires extensive rehabilitation which can take up to 6-12 months.
This procedure is performed when the meniscus (cartilage that cushions the knee joint) is torn, from forcefully twisting or rotating the knee. The goal of surgery is to lessen the pain and prevent further joint damage.
There are two types of meniscus surgery the surgeon may perform on the torn meniscus (depending on its severity):
- Meniscus repair – Stitching the tear back together
- Meniscectomy – The entire or part of the damaged meniscus is removed
Partial knee replacement surgery is suitable for patients who have arthritis or damage to only one part of the knee joint. The procedure involves replacing only the damaged (affected) part, whilst leaving the healthy parts intact. Compared to a total knee replacement it is less invasive, the recovery is quicker and there is less postoperative pain.
During a total knee replacement surgery, the damaged cartilage and bone are removed and artificial components (implants) are inserted. These components are typically made of plastic or metal, and they serve to replicate the functions of the natural knee joint. Recovery from this procedure can take several months but it provides considerable pain relief for patients with extensive knee damage.
An osteotomy is recommended for younger patients with early-stage arthritis on one side of the knee, or patients with knee deformities. The surgeon will cut the bone near the knee and reshape it to correct the knee’s alignment; this shifts weight away from the damaged side of the knee.
Let our knee specialist guide you through the options for a smooth recovery.
- Preoperative assessment – Physical exam, X-rays, MRI scans will be conducted to determine the best surgical approach. The patient will also meet with the surgeon and anaesthesiologist.
- Lifestyle adjustments – To improve the outcome of the surgery, the patient might be recommended to adapt some lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and eating healthy.
- Planning for recovery – Post surgery, patients might need mobility aids like crutches or a walker when recovering at home. It might also be good to have someone to assist during the first few days.
As with surgical procedure, there are some risks and complications that accompany knee surgery, even though they are rare.
Some potential risks that could come with undergoing knee surgery include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Implant failure (during knee replacement surgery)
- Persistent pain or stiffness
- Nerve or blood vessel damage
Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.
Camden Medical
1 Orchard Boulevard, #09-06, Singapore 248649
Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson Road, Medical Centre D #05-60, Singapore 574623
Contact Information
Tel : 8028 4572
Mobile : 8028 4572
Whatsapp : 8028 4572
Email : hello@quantumortho.com.sg
Operating Hours
Monday-Friday : 8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday : 8:30am - 12:30pm
Sunday & Public Holiday : Closed