The knee is a complex joint that connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia), enabling essential movements such as walking, bending, and running. Knee problems may result from injuries, degenerative changes, or overuse, and can affect mobility and quality of life. Early evaluation by an orthopaedic specialist allows timely treatment and can help prevent long-term joint damage.
Knee problems can present with various symptoms that may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time.
Knee problems may develop due to injury, wear and tear, or structural issues. Common risk factors include:
Activities involving pivoting, jumping, or sudden direction changes can cause ligament tears, meniscus damage, or other acute injuries.
Natural ageing causes cartilage to thin and become less flexible, leading to arthritis and joint stiffness.
Repetitive activities such as running, cycling, or occupational tasks can strain the knee joint and surrounding tissues. This typically leads to gradually worsening pain and stiffness.
Past knee injuries can weaken the joint structure and increase the likelihood of future problems.
Carrying extra weight places additional stress on the knee joints during daily activities.
Insufficient strength in the muscles surrounding the knee can lead to poor joint support and altered movement patterns.
Common types of knee conditions include:
Damage to the strong bands of tissue that connect bones and provide stability to the knee joint. Common types include anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears.
Injury to the C-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee joint and helps distribute weight. These can result from sudden twisting movements or gradual wear over time.
Inflammation and degeneration of the joint surfaces, with osteoarthritis being the most common type affecting the knee. This condition involves the wearing away of cartilage that normally protects the bone ends.
Problems affecting the kneecap and its movement within the groove of the thighbone. These conditions often cause pain around or behind the kneecap.
Inflammation or tears in the tendons that connect muscles to bones around the knee. The patellar tendon and quadriceps tendon are the most commonly affected areas.
Diagnosing knee problems involves a combination of clinical assessment and imaging studies:
A thorough assessment of knee movement, stability, and pain patterns helps identify the affected structures.
Standard imaging that shows bone structure, alignment, and signs of arthritis or fractures.
Real-time imaging that can assess soft tissue structures and guide certain procedures. It is particularly helpful for examining tendons and detecting fluid collections.
Detailed imaging that provides clear pictures of soft tissues including ligaments, menisci, and cartilage.
Most knee conditions can be managed initially with non-surgical methods, including:
Physiotherapy: Structured exercise programmes to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns.
Medication management: Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers to reduce swelling and discomfort during the healing process.
Injection therapy: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections directly into the knee joint to reduce inflammation and improve comfort.
Bracing and supports: Specialised knee braces or supports to provide stability and reduce stress on injured structures.
Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatment is insufficient:
Arthroscopic surgery: Minimally invasive procedures using small incisions and a camera to repair or remove damaged tissue. This technique is commonly used for meniscus repairs and ligament reconstructions.
Ligament reconstruction: Surgical repair or replacement of torn ligaments using grafts from other parts of the body. This procedure is commonly performed for ACL injuries in active individuals.
Meniscus repair or removal: Surgical treatment to either repair torn meniscus tissue or remove damaged portions that cannot heal.
Knee replacement: Replacement of damaged joint surfaces with artificial components to restore function and reduce pain. This procedure is typically used for severe arthritis that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
Realignment procedures: Surgical correction of bone alignment to redistribute weight and reduce pressure on damaged areas. These operations can help delay the need for joint replacement in younger patients.
Preventing knee problems starts with regular low-impact exercise to strengthen surrounding muscles, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings. Proper warm-ups, supportive footwear, and weight management help reduce joint strain. For individuals with existing knee conditions, orthopaedic specialists can guide rehabilitation, monitor recovery, and recommend lifestyle adjustments to prevent symptom progression.
Consider consulting a knee specialist in Singapore if you experience:
Consult our Dual Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.
Dr Chong Xue Ling is a Swiss fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle, as well as shoulder and elbow surgery.
She is a member of the European Group for the Study and Research of Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle. For shoulder and elbow surgery, she completed her fellowship at La Tour Hospital, an accredited Swiss Olympic Medical Centre and learnt innovative techniques in arthroplasty for earlier return to activity as well as the stabilising techniques, developed to have greater strength without extensive fixation.
Through active involvement in research, she aims to constantly improve existing treatment in the pursuit of quality care for her patients.
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Many people return to their previous level of activity and comfort, though this depends on the severity of the injury and how well you follow your treatment plan. Some individuals may notice minor changes in their knee function, but these often don’t interfere with daily activities.
Light exercise is often beneficial for knee health, but you should avoid activities that worsen your pain or cause swelling. Swimming, gentle cycling, and walking are usually well-tolerated whilst high-impact activities may need to be modified.
Seek medical attention if your pain persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by significant swelling, or if you experience instability or difficulty bearing weight. Any knee that locks, gives way repeatedly, or appears deformed requires prompt evaluation.
Rest, ice application for 15-20 minutes several times daily, gentle elevation, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage symptoms. However, persistent pain or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Not all ligament injuries require surgery, as the need depends on factors such as your activity level, age, and which ligament is affected. Many people with partial tears or certain types of ligament injuries can manage well with physiotherapy and activity modification.
