Non-Surgical Options

While there is no direct cure for arthritis, there are medications that can help manage the pain and discomfort it brings.

As with all conditions, Dr. Ong will first recommend a non-surgical treatment plan for you.

Lifestyle Modifications

Changes in lifestyle can help to reduce the impact on your knee joints and slow the progression of arthritis. Lifestyle changes can include:

• Minimizing high-impact activities or sports that places high levels of stress on the knee
• Reducing activities that aggravate arthritis (e.g. climbing stairs)
• Losing weight sensibly

Physical therapy

Physiotherapy is the treatment of injury and disease using non-invasive techniques. It focuses on improving your ability to move and function without pain, boosting your quality of life.

Exercises performed during a physiotherapy session aids in the strengthening of your knee muscles to help you improve the mobility of your knee. The goal is to improve strength, increase endurance and to improve range of motion. It also helps to reduce the likelihood of future injuries.

Medications

Medications and pain relievers help to reduce inflammation and ease the knee discomfort in mild to moderate cases of knee arthritis. However, it may not be a satisfactory solution for severe knee arthritis.

Total Knee Replacement Surgery

When non-surgical treatment options are no longer effective, and your daily activities are limited due to knee arthritis, knee replacement surgery may be an option to consider.

Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure where the affected knee joint is replaced with artificial materials. Usually, the ends of the femur and tibia bone at the knee joint is removed and substituted with a metallic material. This technique replaces the damaged surfaces of the knee, which relieves the sharp pain that comes with putting weight on the knee when walking or standing.. It will allow you the opportunity to regain strength and mobility in your knee and resume normal activities without pain. .

Total knee replacement surgery is not a small surgery and certainly not a light decision to make. There are many factors to consider before making your decision. Make sure you book an appointment to discuss all your options and concerns with your surgeon before coming to a final decision.

What Is The Cause Of My Knee Pain?

There are many reasons why a knee may hurt. It can be from an acute injury sustained during a fall or from an awkward landing or twist during a sporting activity. This may have resulted in structural damage to the bone or soft tissues such as ligaments, menisci and cartilage.

If the knee pain is of more gradual onset over a longer period of time (usually weeks to months), it may be a result of degenerative conditions (such as osteoarthritis). Rarely, more sinister conditions such as deep knee infection, bone or soft tissue tumour may be the reason.

If your knee pain is not resolving early or is severe enough to affect daily activities, visiting an Orthopaedic specialist is the best way forward to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Is My Knee Pain Serious Enough For A Visit To A Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon?

When your knee pain becomes more persistent, the treatment options may be beyond your GP’s expertise. You should seek specialist medical advice from an orthopaedic surgeon if you experience any of the following:

• Acute pain or swelling that lasts more than 48 hours
• Pain after running, exercise, or on stairs
• Instability or weakness when pressure is placed on the knee
• Locking or stiffness of the knee joint
• Inability to put full weight on your knee
• A fever, in addition to redness, pain and swelling in your knee

If your knee pain is affecting your quality of life and you cannot perform everyday activities (such as standing or walking) it is highly advisable to see an orthopaedic surgeon for a detailed diagnosis and advice.

What Can I Expect At My First Visit With An Orthopaedic Surgeon?

At your first appointment with Dr. Ong, he will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing.

Depending on the symptoms you have, he will likely perform some form of diagnostic imaging (e.g. X-Rays or MRI scans) to assess your condition accurately. X-rays and CT scans are useful to rule out bony problems, whilst an MRI scan is excellent at looking at soft tissue (e.g. tendons, ligaments, cartilage) problems.

After assessing your condition, Dr. Ong will recommend a personalised treatment plan, according to your specific needs. This may include surgical or non-surgical treatment options.

Will I Need Surgery To Treat My Knee Pain?

After diagnosis, Dr. Ong will advise an individualised treatment plan that is customized to your specific needs. The treatment plan varies from patient to patient, and the condition you have.

For less severe problems, Dr. Ong may recommend a non-surgical management plan (such as painkillers and physiotherapy) to treat your condition initially. If your symptoms do not improve or even worsen over the course of this treatment, Dr. Ong will review the treatment protocol and may advise surgery.

Dr. Ong will only recommend surgical options when all other conventional non-surgical interventions have failed, or if non-surgical options will not work for your condition. For example, if you have a broken bone which is extremely painful and debilitating, you may benefit from immediate surgery.

What Modes Of Payments Do You Accept?

Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation, and start from SGD 150 (within 30 minutes).

We accept the following modes of payment:

• Cash
• NETS
• PayNow and Paylah!
• All major Credit Cards

If you are insured and would like to use E-Filing or A Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us, our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.