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Introduction to Knee Pain
The knee joint is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. The knee joint is a hinge joint that allows for movement between the femur and tibia. The joint also allows for a small amount of rotation movement. The knee joint is held together by a number of ligaments that provide stability to the joint. There are two pairs of ligaments; cruciate ligaments located inside the knee joint and collateral ligaments located either side of the joint. The knee cap also known as the patella is a small bone that sits in front of the knee. The patella is embedded within the patellar tendon, which comes from the quadriceps muscle in the thigh. The main movement of the knee joint is between the femur and tibia but the knee cap also moves over the front of the knee joint. This movement helps to increase the leverage of the quadriceps muscle. At the joint surfaces, between the femur and tibia, there are two areas of cartilage. The main weight bearing part of the knee joint is the medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartments. Between these two compartments is the patellofemoral compartment. Articulation between the bony surfaces is protected by the cartilage and the menisci which are two C-shaped cartilage wedges which sit within each tibiofemoral compartment. The surfaces of the knee joint are enclosed within the joint capsule. This capsule has an inner lining called the synovium which produces lubricating fluid to help reduce friction within the joint.
Knee pain is a common presenting symptom in a doctor’s office. The knee joint is subject to a variety of disease processes and injuries that can cause pain. As a result, the treatment of knee pain varies greatly. For many conditions, the treatment of knee pain can be undertaken using simple measures that can be done at home. More severe causes of knee pain often require a more structured multidisciplinary approach involving a variety of health professionals and perhaps surgical intervention. By going through some simple self-assessment measures and asking a few specific questions, the cause of knee pain can often be clarified. Often the tissue that is damaged is indicated by the location of the pain and the nature of the symptoms experienced. This information will assist in directing treatment. Finding a knee pain doctor Singapore may be daunting, but we are here to help.
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Finding a Knee Pain Doctor in Singapore
Knee doctors in Singapore are usually either orthopaedic surgeons who have gone through additional training in knee surgery or sports physicians. The first step in finding a knee doctor in Singapore is to ask for a referral from your family doctor. Family doctors have contacts with specialists in Singapore and will be able to recommend a specialist who may be right for your specific condition. On your way to finding a knee doctor, you will want to make sure to know your condition and educate yourself on the different types of knee specialists in Singapore. If you have a specific knee problem and are unsure of which specialist to look for, ask the doctor to refer you to a specialist who is experienced with your specific problem. The main specialty that the doctor graduated from has little relevance to their experience and expertise in treating a specific knee problem. After getting the recommendation, make sure to do some research and check the credentials and background of the specialist to make sure he is legitimate. This can be done by visiting the Singapore Medical Council website. A knee pain specialist Singapore may be what you need for your musculoskeletal concern.
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Consulting a Knee Pain Specialist in Singapore
Visco supplementation is a medical procedure during which a gel-like fluid called hyaluronic acid is injected into the knee joint to supplement the viscous properties of synovial fluid. The idea is that the additional substance will allow the joint to move more easily, reducing pain and improving function. In Singapore, orthopaedic specialists often use ultrasound guidance for visco supplementation, making the process more comfortable and minimizing side effects.
If your knee pain persists over a period of time, it is most advisable to seek the advice of a knee pain specialist in Singapore. Knee pain doctors are generally orthopaedic surgeons who have a special interest and training in managing conditions affecting the knee joint. Many have a specific practice focusing on treating knee injuries and perform various knee surgeries as listed below.
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Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery and its Cost
For patients who have arthritis, a common question asked of the orthopedic surgeon is: “How bad does the x-ray show my knee is?” The x-ray can reveal much about the degree of cartilage loss and damage to the joint from arthritis. The real decision for total knee replacement should be based on how bad the symptoms are and the functional limits of the knee. Historical factors, total knee replacements are performed on patients who are both too young and too old. Young patients have higher demands and expectations on the performance of their knee. The lifespan of a knee replacement is 10-15 years to 100% functional use. The need for a revision (another replacement) is an unfortunate reality for young patients. Conversely, there is no lower age limit when a patient is “too old” for a knee replacement. Older patients have shown great improvement in function and pain relief following surgery.
When robots were generally science fiction things, total knee replacement surgery was the duty of the capable surgeon. The future is now, and robots have made the entire operation more precise. Using computer navigation again has taken the guesswork out of aligning and positioning the implants. This is generally seen as an advancement of the operation. It must be known that not all knee replacements are the same. The technology behind the replacement and the components themselves can be different. Often times the trauma a component sustains to a knee is best served by the latest and most expensive components available. Remember, technology is not a cost: it’s the value. Although a total knee replacement can be an expensive operation, in the long run, it is the improved quality of life and functional outcome that are of real value. Knee replacement surgery Singapore cost may be different for each patient, but we are here to help.
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Conclusion
Knee osteoarthritis is a major disabling disease for Singapore’s elderly. It is important to recognize the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and to confirm the diagnosis through X-rays and clinical assessments. Proper diagnosis is key to further treatment and to determine if the patient is suitable for surgery. From there, patients can then move on to manage their conditions through conservative treatments or choose the next best action to alleviate their misery.