What is knee pain?

Knee pain is a frequent ailment amongst individuals of all ages. Causes of knee pain include knee injuries such as a burst ligament or ripped cartilage or medical conditions such as arthritis, gout, and infections. Many types of mild knee pain can be treated with first-aid techniques.

However, there are times when medications and other treatments fail to reduce pain. In this scenario, a clinical diagnosis is recommended because knee discomfort can be an indication of underlying orthopaedic conditions that may necessitate knee replacement surgery.

The location and severity of knee pain can vary depending on the cause of the problem. The following are some of the signs and symptoms that might occur for mild knee pain:

• Pain and swelling
• Stiffness to the touch
• Redness and bruising
• Instability or weakness
• popping or cracking
• Inability to completely extend the knee

  If the symptoms worsen even after treatment, you will need to consult your doctor. Some of the symptoms of serious knee pain are:

• You can’t bear weight on your knee, and it feels unstable or gives out.
• Significant knee inflammation
• You can’t fully extend or flex your knee.
• Visible abnormality or deformity in your leg or knee
• You have a fever, as well as redness, soreness, and swelling in your knee.
• Have significant knee pain as a result of an accident

  Any of the ligaments or tendons that surround your knee joint, as well as the bones, the cartilage that constitutes the joint itself, can be damaged during a knee injury. The following are some of the most prevalent knee injuries:

ACL

An ACL injury is a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament, which is one of four ligaments that link the shinbone to the thigh bone. It is more common in athletes who play basketball, volleyball, football or other sports that involve quick changes in direction. Symptoms to look out for include a loud “pop” in the knee, severe pain and rapid swelling. Minor tears may heal with non-surgical treatment methods but ACL surgery is usually recommended in Singapore to treat a full tear as this will help to restore mobility, range of motion and function of the knee joint to help you regain quality of life.

Fractures

During falls or accidents, the bones of the knee, especially the kneecap (patella), can be fractured. Furthermore, those whose bones have been compromised by osteoporosis might occasionally experience a knee fracture from falling.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is characterised by chronic inflammation of one or more tendons, which are the thick, fibrous fibres that connect muscles to bones. This inflammation can occur when the patellar tendon, which goes from the kneecap (patella) to the tibia and allows you to kick, run, and leap, is injured.

Depending on the severity of the injury and pain, there are several options to treat the pain, both non-surgical and surgical. Non-surgical treatments include:

• Physical therapy – This usually consists of cardio, weight training, and stretching exercises that strengthen the muscles that support your knee and increase flexibility. Your orthopaedic doctor will design a programme based on your current knee condition and will monitor your progress to ensure all is going well.
• The RICE approach – Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is good for knee pain caused by a minor injury or an arthritis flare. Give your knee some rest, apply ice to reduce swelling, wear a compressive bandage, and keep your knee elevated.
• A crutch or cane that will take the stress off of your knee.
• Knee splints and braces to keep your knee stable.
• Cushioned insoles to reduce pressure on your knees. This treatment is typically recommended for patients suffering from osteoarthritis.

If your knee pain becomes unbearable, your doctor may assess your condition and determine whether surgical treatments are needed, as they may be more appropriate for your condition. One such option is total knee replacement surgery in Singapore, one of the most common surgical procedures to treat knee pain from degenerative arthritis.

Continue reading to find out more about total knee replacement surgery.

Total knee replacement surgery, commonly known as knee arthroplasty or complete knee replacement, is a surgical procedure in Singapore used to resurface an arthritis-damaged knee. Metal and plastic components, as well as the kneecap, are utilised to cap the ends of the bones that make up the knee joint and the surgery usually takes about an hour to complete. Someone with severe arthritis , not responding to non-surgical treatment options, may benefit from this procedure. The purpose of total knee replacement surgery is to restore mobility and reduce any knee discomfort so that patients can enjoy a pain free lifestyle.