Knee Pain

ACL injury: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four primary ligaments in the knee. It stabilises the joint and prevents the shin bone from sliding in front of the thigh bone. Athletes participating in high-demand sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing are more prone to ACL injuries. These injuries often result from sudden stops, changes in direction, or direct collisions.

Fractures: The knee joint comprises the lower end of the thigh bone, the upper end of the shin bone, and the kneecap. Any of these bones can break during motor vehicle collisions, falls, or direct blows. Individuals with weakened bones due to osteoporosis might sustain a knee fracture even from minor injuries.

Knee Bursitis: The bursae contains small fluid-filled sacs situated near your knee joint, reducing friction and allowing tendons & ligaments to glide over the joint smoothly. Knee injuries can cause inflammation in the bursae, leading to pain and discomfort. The knee becomes progressively more painful if a patient walks or stands more. Pain related to Knee Bursitis is usually on the inner or middle part of the knee.

Torn meniscus: The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and shin bone. Twisting the knee while bearing weight on it can tear the meniscus. Age-related wear and tear can also increase the risk of a torn meniscus.

Dislocated kneecap: A kneecap dislocates when the triangular bone (patella) that covers the front of your knee slips out of place, frequently to the outside of your knee. 

Loose body: Sometimes, a piece of bone or cartilage breaks off due to an injury and floats in the joint space. This can interfere with joint movement and cause pain and locking of the knee.

Hip or foot pain: Pain from the hip or foot can alter the way one walks to spare these painful joints. However, this altered gait can place more stress on the knee joint, leading to knee pain.

Osteoarthritis: Often referred to as the “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting the knee. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced joint mobility.

Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its tissues, including the joints. The knee is commonly affected. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and joint deformity.

Gout: Gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis, causes sudden and intense pain in the joint. Most people experience it in the big toe and at night, but it can also occur in the knee. Excessive uric acid build-up in the body accumulates in the knee joint, causing a severe inflammatory reaction.

Pseudogout: Pseudogout is caused by a build-up of microscopic calcium-containing crystals that develop in the joint, leading to sudden severe knee pain, swelling, warmth, and redness.

Infections: Bacteria can enter the knee joint and cause inflammation, swelling, and pain. This condition, known as septic arthritis, requires prompt medical attention.

Tumours: Although rare, benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumours can develop in or around the knee, leading to pain and swelling.

Varies from sharp, stabbing pain during sudden movements to a dull, constant ache.

Fluid accumulation in the knee, often accompanied by difficulty in movement.

Indicative of inflammation in the knee.

Sounds heard during knee movement, suggesting potential damage.

Restriction in the knee’s range of motion.

This involves the use of medications such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and other specialised medications designed for pain management. The type and dosage are tailored to the individual’s condition and medical history.

Minimally invasive treatments aim to effectively relieve common pain conditions by targeting pain sources.

• Coreflex Injections: Typically contain a corticosteroid and are used for inflamed joints or tissues.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections: Utilise own platelets to promote healing in damaged tissues.
• Intra-Articular Injections: Most commonly used to treat osteoarthritis in the hip or knee, but they can also be given in other joints, including shoulders, wrists, ankles, hands, and fingers.

For chronic pain conditions originating from spinal issues, Neurospan can be performed by our team of pain specialists from Singapore Paincare Center.