Knee Conditions

• Tendon Injuries
• Patellofemoral Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Cartilage Injury/Lesions

The knee is a commonly injured joint with knee injuries representing approximately 40% of all sports injuries worldwide. Sports injuries to the knee can affect the ligaments, tendons or menisci of the knee joint. The most commonly injured knee ligament is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Meniscus tears and patella dislocations are also common injuries among athletes. While many athletes can return to a high level of performance without knee surgery, some knee injuries require surgical treatment. Occasionally advanced reconstruction is required, however minimally invasive procedures are used where possible, with an emphasis on the most up to date techniques in modern orthopaedics and sports medicine.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of degenerative joint disease. OA occurs most frequently in the knees, hips and hands. It is often referred to as ‘wear and tear’ that effects the cartilage in the joints. The cartilage acts as a shock absorber and as an articulating surface between the bones in the joint. With age, our joints will pick up degenerative changes and these changes can be more symptomatic in some more than others. The severity of your symptoms will guide which treatment options are most appropriate for you. Optimal management requires a variety of treatments and depending on the severity of the condition may require surgical intervention. Surgery is reserved for severe clinical disease with structural changes in the joint.

Knee pain is common across all ages and usually it is not a cause for concern. Knee pain can occur as a result of an injury or it can come on gradually without any recognisable trauma. Common causes of knee pain include injury to the muscles, tendons, ligaments or cartilage. Most minor knee complaints improve with conservative treatment such as rest, exercise and physiotherapy. If you are experiencing knee pain which has not resolved with physiotherapy, it is reccomended to visit your GP to discuss further investigation.