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Are Your Symptoms Affecting Your Quality Of Life?
Consult our MOH-accredited knee specialist for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan.
Knee Specialist In Singapore With 15+ Years of Experience
Dr Dennis Ng is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic knee specialist in Singapore who is experienced in diagnosing and treating knee pain and sports knee injuries.
He specialises in minimally invasive keyhole and knotless repair techniques for knee conditions. Consult Dr Dennis Ng today for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan.
Dr Dennis Ng Zhaowen
Symptoms of Knee Pain
Knee pain can appear in various ways, depending on the cause. Here are some common symptoms:
- Sudden Pain
Pain can range from a mild ache to intense, sharp pain. The pain might be localised to a specific area of the knee or spread throughout the entire joint. It can worsen with activity or even be present at rest. - Swelling
Swelling happens when there is fluid buildup in or around the knee joint. This can make the knee look more prominent than usual and feel tender or sore at the touch. Swelling might occur immediately after an injury or develop slowly over time. - Redness and Warmth
Redness and warmth around the knee are signs of inflammation. The skin over the knee might appear red and feel warmer than the surrounding areas. This can happen due to injury or infection. - Weak Knees
Weakness in the knee can make it feel like it could give way or buckle under your weight. This can make walking or standing uncertain and increase the risk of falling. - Grinding or Popping Sounds
You might hear or feel popping or grinding noises when you move your knee. These sounds can be caused by damage to the cartilage or other structures within the knee joint. - Inability to Fully Straighten the Knee
If you cannot extend your knee fully, it may indicate a serious injury, such as a torn ligament or damaged cartilage. This can severely impair your capacity to carry out daily tasks. - Locking Knees
Locking occurs when the knee gets stuck in one position, and you cannot move it. This can be caused by loose fragments of bone or cartilage within the joint, preventing smooth movement.
Common Knee Conditions We Treat
Here are some of the most common issues we address:
- Meniscus Tear - A meniscus tear is a common knee injury involving the knee's cushioning cartilage. It often occurs during activities that cause the knee to twist forcefully.
- Cartilage Damage - Cartilage damage can result from injury or wear and tear. It can cause pain, swelling, and reduced movement in the knee.
- ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injury - An ACL injury is a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the major ligaments in the knee. It is commonly seen in athletes who play sports involving sudden stops and changes in direction.
- Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee - Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the knee. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the knee joint wears down over time.
- Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee) - Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper's knee, is an injury to the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone. It is common in athletes who frequently jump.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee) - Runner’s knee refers to pain at the front of the knee and around the patella. It is often caused by overuse or misalignment of the knee joint.
- Knee Bursitis - Knee bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, the tiny fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. It can cause pain and swelling.
- Knee Fractures - A knee fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in the knee joint. This can result from high-impact injuries or falls.
- Knee Dislocations - Knee dislocations occur when the knee bones are forced out of their normal position. This often results from a high-energy trauma such as a car accident or sports injury.
- Knee Tendonitis - Knee tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons around the knee joint. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive movements.
- Baker’s Cyst - A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that develops behind the knee. It is usually a result of arthritis or a knee injury.
- Chondromalacia Patella - Chondromalacia patella occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap softens and deteriorates. This can cause pain and swelling.
- Complex Knee Trauma - Complex knee trauma involves multiple injuries to the knee, such as fractures, ligament tears, and soft tissue damage. It often requires a comprehensive treatment approach.
Diagnostic Approaches
Determining the cause of knee pain is important for selecting the appropriate treatment. We use various methods to diagnose knee problems.
Physical Examination
During the physical examination, the knee specialist will check your knee by looking for swelling, tenderness, and how well you can move it. The knee specialist will also ask about your medical history and any activities that might have caused the pain.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests allow the knee specialist to view inside your knee to determine the cause of your pain.
- X-rays: X-rays are used to look at the bones in your knee. This method can help if there are any fractures or breaks in the bone. X-rays also allow the knee specialist to check the alignment of the bones in your knee.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make detailed pictures of the inside of your knee. It shows soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, helping to identify tears or damage.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: A CT scan takes many X-ray images from different angles and combines them to create a detailed picture of your knee. CT scans can reveal complex bone fractures and other bone issues not easily seen on standard X-rays.
Laboratory Tests
Sometimes, blood tests or testing the fluid from your knee joint are needed to diagnose infections or inflammation. If arthritis or infection is suspected, a sample of knee fluid may be taken using a needle to check for symptoms.
Treatment Options
We offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific condition. These treatments can be broadly categorised into surgical and non-surgical options.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatments for knee pain are the first line of defence. This includes pain management, reducing inflammation, and improving knee function. These less-invasive methods work well for many knee issues.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves exercises and treatments designed to improve knee strength, flexibility, and function. A knee specialist will create a personalised exercise program to help you recover from injury or surgery and prevent future knee problems.
Medication Management
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage knee pain and reduce inflammation. If required, your knee specialist could prescribe stronger medications or recommend over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen.
Knee Injections
Pain and inflammation may be reduced by knee injections. Common injections include corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation, and hyaluronic acid, which lubricates joints and may alleviate arthritis pain. These injections may provide months of relief.
Joint Lubricant Injection for OA Knee
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is treated by hyaluronic acid injections, often called joint lubricant injections. These injections lessen discomfort and increase the range of motion by lubricating and cushioning the knee joint. They especially benefit those who have not reacted well to previous therapies.
Heat and Ice Therapy
Heat or ice therapy can relieve knee discomfort and swelling. Ice packs reduce inflammation and dull acute pain, while heat relaxes muscles and increases blood flow. This at-home knee pain therapy works well if done in 15-20 minutes several times daily.
Surgical Treatments
When non-surgical approaches fail or the knee damage is severe, surgery is recommended.
ACL Reconstruction
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This surgery involves replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon graft, usually taken from another part of your leg. It is particularly important for athletes or those who are physically active.
Meniscus Surgery
Each knee has two menisci. They are rubbery, C-shaped cushions that serve as shock absorbers in the knee joint. Meniscus repair is a common operation to repair a torn meniscus. In cases of severe degenerate tears that are not reparable, the torn damaged portion will be removed. The surgery requires a few small incisions and takes about an hour. The procedure can reduce pain, improve mobility and stability, and get you back to life’s activities.
Cartilage Resurfacing / Repair
Articular cartilage can be damaged by a traumatic injury, progressive wear or systemic disease. Loss or erosion of articular cartilage causes pain, weakness and dysfunction. If left untreated, cartilage damage can progress and lead to symptomatic arthritis.
Cartilage repair (regeneration) surgery results in the formation of robust cartilage-like tissue around the joint where the cartilage has worn away or been damaged. Cartilage regeneration typically requires some sort of surgical intervention. Synthetic adjuncts are often needed to successfully regenerate articular cartilage.
Computer-Assisted Robotic Knee Surgery
Computer-assisted robotic knee surgery is a surgical technique that uses computer technology and robotic systems to assist in knee replacement procedures. This approach enhances precision and accuracy, leading to better alignment and placement of the artificial implants.
Joint Revision Surgery (Complex Joint Replacement)
Joint revision surgery replaces or repairs a failed or worn-out knee replacement. This treatment becomes necessary when the initial knee replacement ceases to operate correctly.
Knee Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery where a small camera (arthroscope) and surgical tools are inserted through small cuts in the knee. This surgery assesses and treats various knee conditions, including ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and meniscus tears.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee joint replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged parts of the knee with artificial implants. This surgery is typically recommended for severe arthritis or joint damage and aims to relieve pain and restore function. There are two types of knee replacement surgeries:
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR): This procedure replaces the entire knee joint with artificial components.
- Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): This procedure replaces only the damaged portion of the knee, preserving the healthy parts.
When to See a Knee Specialist
If your knee discomfort persists after rest and over-the-counter drugs, consult a knee specialist. Severe swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee, difficulty bearing weight, or instability that causes buckling or giving way requires a consultation. Be sure to obtain medical help if you hear a popping sound, cannot completely straighten or bend the knee, or experience locking. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce harm and speed recovery.
WHY CHOOSE DR DENNIS NG
Effective & Evidence-Based Orthopaedic Care
Dr. Dennis Ng is dedicated to understanding your unique needs, focusing on restoring
your active lifestyle and overall well-being.
Specialised Experience In Complex Procedures
PATIENT-CENTRED & PERSONALISED APPROACH
Dedicated Aftercare For Optimal Recovery
AFFORDABLE & TRANSPARENT PRICING
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Visit Us Today
Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road #08-41
Singapore 329563
Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Other Clinic Location
Gleneagles Medical Center
6 Napier Road #07-15
Singapore 258499
Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any risks associated with knee injections?
Knee injections are generally safe but can carry some risks, such as infection, allergic reactions, and temporary pain or swelling at the injection site. Your knee specialist will discuss these risks with you beforehand.
How can I prepare for my appointment with a knee specialist?
Before your appointment, note down any symptoms you are experiencing, including when they started and how they have progressed. List any medications you are taking and any previous treatments or surgeries. Be prepared to discuss your medical history and any activities contributing to your pain.
Is it normal to have knee pain as I age?
While knee pain is more common with age due to joint wear and tear, it is not inevitable. Many treatment options are available to manage pain and improve function regardless of age.