The knee is one of the most complex and heavily used joints in the body. It plays a vital role in walking, running, climbing stairs, and maintaining balance. Because of this, the knee is particularly vulnerable to injury, degeneration, and overuse conditions.
Knee problems can affect people of all ages — from young athletes to older adults. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent long-term joint damage.
Common Knee Conditions
Below are some of the most common knee conditions we evaluate and treat. Each condition has its own causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Detailed articles for each condition are available on this website.
🔹 Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by gradual wear of the joint cartilage. It commonly presents with knee pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility, especially during walking, stair climbing, and prolonged standing.
🔹 Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury affecting the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. It may result from twisting injuries, sports trauma, or age-related degeneration and often causes pain, swelling, locking, or difficulty bending the knee.
🔹 ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injury
ACL injuries commonly occur during sports that involve sudden twisting, pivoting, or stopping. Patients often experience knee swelling, instability, and difficulty returning to physical activity.
🔹 PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) Injury
PCL injuries are less common and usually occur due to direct trauma to the front of the knee, such as during road traffic accidents or falls. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and knee instability.
🔹 MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) Injury
MCL injuries typically result from a direct blow to the outer side of the knee. They may cause pain along the inner knee, swelling, and difficulty with side-to-side movements.
🔹 LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) Injury
LCL injuries are caused by forces applied to the inner side of the knee and can result in pain on the outer aspect of the knee, instability, and difficulty with athletic activities.
🔹 Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
This condition causes pain around or behind the kneecap, particularly during running, squatting, stair climbing, or prolonged sitting. It is often related to muscle imbalance, overuse, or poor knee alignment.
🔹 Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Patellar tendinitis is an overuse injury affecting the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shin bone. It commonly occurs in athletes involved in jumping sports and presents with pain at the front of the knee.
🔹 Knee Bursitis
Knee bursitis occurs due to inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs around the knee. It often causes localized swelling, tenderness, and pain, particularly with kneeling or pressure on the knee.
🔹 Chondral (Cartilage) Injuries of the Knee
Cartilage injuries involve damage to the smooth joint surface of the knee. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, catching, and may predispose to early osteoarthritis if not properly managed.
🔹 Osteochondritis Dissecans
This condition occurs when a small segment of bone and cartilage loses its blood supply, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes loose fragments within the knee joint. It commonly affects adolescents and young adults.
Symptoms That May Indicate a Knee Problem
Seek medical evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening knee pain
- Swelling or stiffness
- Locking, catching, or clicking sensations
- Knee instability or giving way
- Difficulty walking, squatting, or climbing stairs
- Reduced range of motion
Early assessment allows timely treatment and better long-term outcomes.
Diagnosis of Knee Conditions
Evaluation of knee problems may include:
- Detailed clinical examination
- X-rays to assess bones and joint alignment
- MRI scans to evaluate ligaments, menisci, and cartilage
- Individualized assessment based on symptoms and activity level
Treatment Approach
Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and severity and may include:
- Activity modification and physiotherapy
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication
- Injection therapy
- Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery
- Joint preservation or replacement surgery in advanced cases
The primary goals are to relieve pain, restore function, and protect long-term knee health.
When to See an Orthopaedic Specialist
You should consult an orthopaedic specialist if knee pain:
- Persists despite rest and medication
- Interferes with work, sport, or daily activities
- Is associated with swelling, locking, or instability
- Occurs after an injury or accident
Early specialist care leads to better outcomes.
Book an Appointment
If you are experiencing knee pain or have concerns about your knee health, professional evaluation is the first step toward recovery.