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Knee Pain & Treatments

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Knee Pains & the Types of Knee Pain Treatments Conducted by Our Doctors

Knee pain is very common and affects people of all ages. However, ageing, injuries as well as repeated stress on the knees are the usual causes of knee pain. It is also one of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis, but knee pain can be caused by other problems related to the knee joint itself. Additionally, conditions affecting the soft tissues of the ligaments, tendons or bursae that surround the knee are also common causes of knee pain. Apart from that, the knee can also be affected by ligament and cartilage problems.

Depending on the severity, some knee problems might require orthopaedic knee surgery to be treated, while some do not. It can often be treated at home, firstly by making sure to put as little weight as possible on your knee and practising RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). You may also take painkillers to reduce the pain. However, if the pain persists even after a few days, it is advisable to consult a specialist for advice.

You must seek out an Orthopaedic Specialist if you are experiencing a lot of pain to the point of being unable to move your knee or put any weight on it, and if your knee is severely swollen. The Orthopaedic Doctor may prescribe medication or physiotherapy and you will likely require to do a scan to accurately diagnose the cause of your knee pain.

Here at OSC, we offer a wide range of orthopaedic knee surgeries and treatments conducted by highly-experienced knee replacement surgeons and orthopaedic specialists in Malaysia.

MCL / ACL PROBLEMS

Of the four major ligaments that support the knee joint and help control knee motion, two are most easily ruptured or torn; the medial collateral ligament (MCL), which connects the thighbone to the shin bone on the inside, and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which connects the thighbone to the shin bone in the centre of the knee.

Injury to the MCL causes knee pain and tenderness on the inside of the knee, swelling, wobbling or the knee giving way, and in more severe injuries, a sensation of the knee “opening up” with each step.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main stabilising ligaments of the knee. Therefore when it is injured, the knee may feel as if it will buckle and give out. Tears or ruptures of the ACL occur frequently and are pretty common in sports.

Treatment for MCL / ACL Problems That Can Be Done by Our Surgeons

For MCL damage, your knee will be stabilised in a light brace. Ice and elevation will help to reduce the swelling. It is advised to limit physical activity until the pain and swelling goes away. Orthopaedic knee surgery is rarely needed unless the ACL is also injured. Physical therapy can gradually improve your range of motion. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may take as little as one week or more than two months for you to recover and return to your normal activities. For ACL injury cases, surgery may be recommended to restore knee function, but it is not always necessary.

Should knee surgery be necessary, ACL reconstruction may be carried out. It is a surgical tissue graft replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee to restore its function after an injury. The torn ligament can either be removed from the knee or preserved before reconstruction with arthroscopic knee surgery.

TORN MENISCUS

The meniscus is a wedge-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your thighbone and shinbone. Sports injuries often cause sudden meniscus tears from direct contact or as a result of twisting or turning the knee. Older people are more likely to have degenerative meniscus tears. As the cartilage weakens over time, twisting while squatting or getting up from being seated can cause a tear. Symptoms include feeling a “pop” in your knee, stiffness and swelling, catching or locking of your knee and limited range of motion.

Treatment for Torn Meniscus Carried Out By Our Specialists

Apart from the type of meniscus tear you have, your age, activity level, and any other related injuries will factor into your treatment plan. Non-surgical treatment includes rest, ice and elevating the joint, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

Surgical treatment usually involves arthroscopic knee surgery. An orthopaedic surgeon will insert a small camera and instruments in two or three tiny incisions around your knee, repair the meniscus, and/or trim away damaged tissues.

Meniscus repair surgery involves the surgeon sewing torn pieces of cartilage back together so that they can heal on their own. However, because of tear type and blood supply, less than 10% of tears are repairable. A partial meniscectomy may also be carried out, whereby the orthopaedic surgeon trims and removes the damaged cartilage, leaving only the healthy meniscus tissue in place.

KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Pain is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis in the knee, which you can feel when you move it or even when you sit still. Other symptoms include stiffness in the knee, particularly when you first get up or when you have been sitting for a long time.

Besides that, swelling, a cracking or grinding sound when you move your knee, a wobbly knee as if it could “give out”, as well as feeling like your knee might lock up or feel stuck are also common symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee.

Those who are more likely to suffer from knee osteoarthritis are women over 40 years old. However, the condition can also be developed from injuries or genetics, even at a younger age, regardless of one’s gender.

Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis That Our Orthopaedic Provide in Kuala Lumpur (KL)

In less severe cases, knee osteoarthritis can be treated with the help of physiotherapy and relieved with an injection for knee pain management. Other forms of treatment or orthopaedic surgery available are arthroscopic knee surgery as well as partial and total knee replacement.

Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic knee surgery can be done to check for problems that are causing your knee pain. The procedure involves making small incisions to insert a tiny camera and small surgical tools into your knee.

Knee Replacement Surgery

Suppose you are considering knee replacement surgery in Malaysia. In that case, OSC offers surgeries for partial knee or total knee replacement surgery carried out by the best knee replacement surgeons in Kuala Lumpur.

If you are suffering from medial or lateral knee osteoarthritis, you can consider going for a partial knee replacement surgery. ‘Medial’ refers to the inside compartment of the joint, which is nearest the opposite knee, whereas ‘lateral’ refers to the outside compartment that is farthest from the opposite knee. Medial knee joint degeneration or medial compartment osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis.

However, when arthritis in the knee has severely damaged the surfaces of the joint, causing knee pain and stiffness that makes it difficult for you to carry out daily activities, then a total knee replacement surgery may be considered. This is especially if the swelling of the knee and inflammation do not go away even with proper rest and medication. Other conditions such as a deformed knee that is swollen or abnormally shaped can also be treated with a total knee replacement surgery.

What is the cost of knee replacement and arthroscopic knee surgery in Malaysia?

To learn more about the cost of knee replacement surgery, arthroscopic knee surgery or other orthopaedic knee surgeries available at OSC, please feel free to contact us via WhatsApp at +6016 938 7830.

Whether you need knee surgery depends on the severity of your knee condition. If you experience persistent and severe knee pain, limited mobility, or if conservative treatments like physiotherapy and medications haven’t helped, it is advisable to consult our experienced knee specialist doctor. They will assess your condition, perform diagnostic tests, and discuss surgery as an option if necessary.

The length of stay after a knee replacement surgery can vary depending on several factors, including your overall health, the type of surgery, and your orthopaedics’ recommendations. Typically, patients stay in the hospital for 2 to 5 days following a knee replacement surgery. You can consult our knee specialist to get a more accurate estimate based on your specific case.

The full recovery period after knee surgery can vary from person to person and depends on the type of surgery performed. In general, it may take several weeks to a few months to regain normal function. Full recovery, including returning to strenuous activities, may take up to a year. Our orthopaedic surgeon can provide you with a personalised recovery plan and timeline for this.

After undergoing knee surgery, it is essential to adhere to a set of do’s and don’ts to ensure a successful recovery. Here’s a brief overview of what to do and what to avoid:

Do’s:

  • Follow your orthopaedic surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully.
  • Attend all recommended physiotherapy sessions.
  • Keep the surgical area clean and dry.

Don’ts:

  • Put excessive weight on your operated leg.
  • Skip prescribed medications or physiotherapy.
  • Do high-impact activities until cleared by your orthopaedic surgeon.

Common knee ailments include sprained or strained ligaments, cartilage tears, tendonitis and osteoarthritis. It is important to note that if left untreated, these knee ailments can lead to worsening pain, reduced joint function, and long-term complications. Seeking timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment is crucial to prevent further damage and promote optimal knee health.

Treatment options for severe knee conditions vary depending on the specific ailment and its severity. Common treatments include:

  • Non-surgical approaches like physiotherapy, medications and modified activity.
  • Injections for knee pain management.
  • Arthroscopic knee surgery.
  • Partial knee replacement.
  • Total knee replacement.

Book your appointment with us today and our orthopaedic specialists will assess your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment based on your diagnosis and needs.

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