Knee Pain Treatment Singapore
4 Minutes ReadKnee Pain Treatments in a Nutshell
What is Knee Pain?
Knee pain is a prevalent issue, especially as we age, impacting individuals from different walks of life. This discomfort is not just an elderly’s ailment but can also affect adults of various ages. Knee pain can include symptoms such as:
- Discomfort: A general feeling of unease or pain in the knee area, ranging from mild to severe.
- Swelling: Inflammation or puffiness around the knee, indicating distress or injury to the joint.
- Sensitivity: Increased tenderness in the knee, especially when touched or moved.
- Impaired Mobility / Stiffness: Difficulty in moving the knee normally, affecting walking, bending, and other motions.
How Does the Knee Work?
The knee serves as the connection between the upper leg bone femur and the lower leg
bones tibia and fibula. This complex joint is composed of ligaments that provide
stability, tendons and muscles that facilitate movement, a pair of cartilage discs
known as menisci that cushion impacts, and numerous bursae, or small fluid-filled
sacs, ensuring smooth motion.
As with most mechanisms, increased activity or stress can cause your knee to
wear out faster. Regular usage contributes to wear and tear, and
additional strain is often caused by factors such as excess body weight or
participation in strenuous activities. As age advances, the knee is increasingly
prone to various types of inflammation and crystal accumulation diseases, further
affecting its function and health.
Causes of Knee Pain
Given the multitude of causes for knee pain, such as arthritis, joint damage, and
overexertion, it's crucial to consult your doctor, or even a sports doctor promptly if you experience any
discomfort or suspect an injury. Neglecting knee issues can exacerbate them over
time, leading to more severe complications in the future. Therefore, seeking
treatment for knee pain or discomfort early is key to maintaining long-term
knee health and functionality.
These are some (but not a complete list) of reasons why knee pain happens:
Medical Conditions
- Gout: Caused by uric acid crystal accumulation in the joint.
- Knee Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa around the knee.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder causing inflammation and pain.
- Septic Arthritis: Infection within the knee joint.
- Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear arthritis affecting knee joint cartilage.
- Patellar Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap.
Acute Knee Injuries
- Fractures: Breaks or cracks in the bones comprising the knee joint.
- Ligament Injuries: Sprains or tears of ligaments like the ACL or MCL.
- Meniscus Injuries: Torn meniscus typically caused by twisting or forced rotation of the knee.
- Dislocation: Bones of the knee are out of place.
What Should I Do to Get Knee Pain Relief?
We recommend a prompt consultation with a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. If there are symptoms such as fever or severe pain, please seek immediate medical attention.
Do I Need to Do an X-Ray or MRI?
Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs might be necessary for diagnosing the exact cause of knee pain, especially when initial treatments don't yield results or when specific injuries are suspected.
What Treatments Are Available for Knee Pain in Singapore?
When addressing knee pain, a doctor will first diagnose the issue before recommending a tailored treatment plan. The treatments for knee pain vary widely and can be grouped into non-surgical treatments, surgical treatments, and home remedies.
Non-surgical Treatment for Knee Pain
Non-surgical options are often the first line of treatment and may include:
- Physical Therapy: A series of exercises and treatments designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and decrease pain.
- Knee Supports and Braces: These devices are used to stabilise the knee, distribute weight more evenly, and relieve pain by taking pressure off certain areas.
- Knee Injections: Injections such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation.
Surgical Treatments for Knee Pain
Surgery might be considered when non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief or in cases of severe knee damage. It's critical to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of surgical options, which include:
- Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive surgery used to diagnose and sometimes treat knee problems using a small camera and instruments.
- Partial Knee Replacement Surgery: Replaces only the most damaged portion of the knee with parts made from metal and plastic.
- Total Knee Replacement: Involves replacing the entire knee structure with an artificial joint made from metal and plastic.
Moving Forward With Knee Pain Management
Knee pain can significantly impact your quality of life,
but understanding its causes, how the knee works, and the variety of
treatment options available in Singapore can empower you to take the first
step towards relief. Whether through non-surgical methods like physical
therapy and knee supports or more invasive surgical procedures for severe
cases, there is hope for those suffering from knee discomfort.
Remember, early diagnosis and treatment are key to maintaining knee health
and ensuring that you can lead an active, fulfilling life. Consult with a
doctor to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Don't let knee pain hold you back — help is available, and recovery
is possible.