The knee is the largest, most complex, and one of the most used joints in the body. The knees receive four times more stress compared to the other joints of the body, making them more prone to injury. Your knees also absorb a great amount of shock daily due to regular activities such as walking, jumping, running, and climbing the stairs. These activities may seem normal; however, they can lead to serious knee injuries over time if you don’t take good care of your knees.
The knees consist of bones, ligaments, meniscus, and tendons. When one part of the knee gets injured, a simple movement such as walking may cause discomfort. Any person can suffer from knee injuries, regardless of their age. However, athletes, people who are overweight, and the elderly are more at risk of having a knee injury. One common knee injury is a meniscus injury. This type of injury requires the help of a specialist to accurately diagnose and treat it. If you require treatment for a meniscus injury, you may consult our doctors in Singapore for more assistance.
What Is Meniscus Injury?
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that cushions and stabilises the joint and protects the bones from wear and tear. Meniscus tears occur when one of these pieces of cartilage in your knee is injured or torn and typically arise from forceful twisting or rotation of the knee.
While athletes are at higher risk of meniscus injury, anyone is at risk of experiencing meniscus tears. Even simple motions like deep squatting, kneeling and lifting a heavyweight can result in such knee injuries. Older persons who are more likely to have degenerative changes in the knee are more prone to tearing the meniscus. Getting a meniscus injury treatment from an experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore can help alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by meniscus tears.
Causes of Meniscus Injury
A meniscus injury can occur due to various reasons such as sudden twisting or turning of the knee, deep squatting, heavy lifting, or repetitive movements. Athletes, particularly those who play contact sports, are at a higher risk of meniscus injury. Ageing is also a contributing factor, as the cartilage weakens with age, making it more prone to tears. In some cases, degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis can lead to a meniscus injury. Furthermore, an injury to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles surrounding the knee can also increase the risk of a meniscus injury.
Who Needs Treatment for Meniscus Injury?
Meniscus injuries can affect anyone, from athletes to older individuals with age-related wear and tear. Patients who experience persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight on the affected knee, even after rest and ice, should seek treatment for a meniscus injury.
Factors that can worsen a meniscus injury include engaging in high-impact activities such as running and jumping, being overweight or obese, having a previous knee injury or surgery, and having a degenerative joint condition such as osteoarthritis. Additionally, patients who delay treatment for a meniscus injury may experience a worsening of symptoms and potentially further damage to the knee joint.
Diagnosis of Meniscus Injury
The diagnosis of a meniscus injury usually begins with a physical examination, where the doctor will look for signs of swelling, tenderness, or limited range of motion in the knee. The doctor may also perform certain tests, such as the McMurray test or Apley's compression test, to assess the extent of the injury. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans are taken to confirm the diagnosis and ascertain the severity of the injury.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the type of treatment recommended will depend on the extent of the injury, the patient's age, overall health, and activity level, as well as any other underlying medical conditions. The goal of treatment for a meniscus injury is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve knee function, and prevent further damage to the knee joint. Therefore, it is important for patients to follow their doctor's recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation, and to make necessary lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of future injury.
Precautions Before Meniscus Injury Treatment
Before starting treatment for a meniscus injury, it is advised to patients to inform the doctor of any allergies or medical conditions they may have and to disclose any medications or supplements they are currently taking. Additionally, it is important to follow all pre-treatment instructions as directed by the doctor.
Meniscus Injury Treatment
Treatment for a meniscus injury will depend on the severity of the tear, as well as the age and activity level of the patient. In mild cases of meniscus tears, conservative treatment may be recommended. This may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help manage pain and swelling. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and improve flexibility.
In more severe cases of meniscus tears, surgery may be necessary. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the knee joint to view the tear and repair it. The surgeon may use sutures or anchors to hold the torn meniscus together, or they may remove the damaged part of the meniscus.
Following surgery, patients will need to rest and limit their activity for several weeks. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help with the healing process and to prevent further injury. Most patients can expect to return to their normal activities within 6-8 weeks following surgery.
Post-Care Steps After Meniscus Injury Treatment
After meniscus injury treatment, post-care steps may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), taking medications as prescribed, physical therapy exercises, avoiding high-impact activities, and gradually increasing activity levels. It is important to follow the advice of your doctor to ensure proper healing and deter future injury.
Possible Side Effects of Meniscus Injury Treatment
Possible side effects of meniscus injury treatment may vary depending on the type of treatment. Conservative treatments such as RICE therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause stomach upset, allergic reactions, or kidney problems in some patients. Surgical treatment may cause side effects such as bleeding, infection, stiffness, pain, or damage to surrounding tissues. Physical therapy exercises may also cause temporary pain, swelling, or stiffness in the knee joint. It is important to discuss any concerns or potential side effects with your orthopaedic surgeon and follow their instructions for post-treatment care to minimise risks and promote proper healing.
Why Choose OrthofootMD for Meniscus Injury Treatment in Singapore?
At OrthofootMD in Singapore, Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is a highly qualified and experienced orthopaedic surgeon with extensive expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of meniscus injuries. He aims to provide patients with the most effective and minimally invasive treatment options available for meniscus injury.
Dr. Gowreeson's vast experience and training make him an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of meniscus injuries. He is dedicated to providing personalised care and treatment plans that cater to each patient's unique needs. With his skills and expertise, patients can trust that they are in good hands at OrthofootMD.
Dr Gowreeson - For Meniscus Injury Treatment
Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is an orthopaedic surgeon at Island Orthopaedic, a one-stop centre for orthopaedic health care, including meniscus injury treatment, under Healthway Medical Group. He specialises in treating lower limb orthopaedic conditions using minimally invasive surgical techniques for foot & ankle, knee and hip/thigh conditions. Dr Gowreeson is also experienced in trauma and fracture surgery for both upper and lower limbs. He completed his medical education at the University of Bristol, England, on a Public Services Department full scholarship. Afterwards, he pursued subspecialty fellowship training in foot & ankle surgery at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, sports surgery at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital London, UK, and complex trauma and deformity correction surgery at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK.
Insurance and Medisave Coverage for Meniscus Injury Treatment
Patients seeking meniscus injury treatment at OrthofootMD in Singapore should inquire with the clinic regarding their eligibility for insurance and Medisave coverage. While multiple treatments may be covered, the extent of coverage for meniscus injury treatment may vary and is subject to verification by the clinic.
Get Your Meniscus Injury Treated by a Specialist in Singapore Today
If you are experiencing persistent knee pain, swelling or any of the symptoms described above for meniscus injury, we recommend seeing an orthopaedic specialist at Orthofoot MD as soon as possible. Dr Gowreeson Thevendran, an orthopaedic in Singapore, will assess your condition with specific tests, such as bending or twisting the knee to check for cartilage damage and knee instability. Further testing with X-rays, CT scans or MRIs may be performed to assess for fractures and soft-tissue damage to the ligaments and cartilage. Depending on your condition, our specialists will recommend treatment such as knee immobilisation or splinting. In more severe cases, cartilage surgery may be required.
Aside from meniscus injury treatments, we also provide patellar tendonitis and knee replacement surgery for Singapore patients who have knee-related injuries and conditions. Book an appointment with us today to find the best treatment for you.
Dr Gowreeson Thevendran
MBChB (Bristol), MRCS.Ed, Dip. Sports Med.Ed, FRCS.Ed ( Trauma & Ortho. ), FAMS (Singapore)
Specialty
- Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery
Languages Spoken
- English, Malay, Tamil
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bristol, England
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh
- Diplomate Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh
- Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
Awards
- SICOT PIONEER Founders Award 2020
- 2015 European Foot & Ankle Society ‘Best Podium Presentation’ Award
- 2013 Singapore Orthopaedic Association Junior Travelling Fellowship
- 2012 NHG Critical Talent Special Recognition Award
- 1998 Enid Lindt Prize in Clinical Surgery
- 1995 Public Services Department Full Medical scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions About Meniscus Injury in Singapore
Symptoms of meniscus injury can include:
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Knee pain, especially when twisting or rotating the knee
- Instability of the knee joint
- Feeling like your knee is locked when you try to move it
- Difficulty in straightening your knee fully
You can receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your meniscus injury from our experts. Visit our clinics in Singapore today.
Yes, you need to seek medical help for a torn meniscus, especially when you’re experiencing intense pain or you’re showing severe meniscus injury symptoms. Seeking medical advice from a doctor is crucial in preventing any complications and other potentially injurious conditions that can be caused by a torn meniscus. A doctor can perform the necessary tests to make a full diagnosis and determine if you need surgery for your torn meniscus. Find a trusted orthopaedic clinic in Singapore such as OrthofootMD to receive a full diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your meniscus tear.
The recovery time for a meniscus injury depends on its severity. With the help of conservative treatments, mild meniscus tears can heal on their own in two to three weeks. If you have undergone a meniscus tear surgery, full recovery is between six weeks to three months.
Post-surgery rehabilitation is important in making a full recovery from a surgery for meniscus injury. Following a strict post-surgery rehabilitation program can make your surgery and recovery a success. With the professional help of your Singapore orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist, you’ll be able to return to your normal daily life.
Clinic Location
OrthofootMD@Novena
- Mount Elizabeth Novena
38 Irrawaddy Road #05-42 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Singapore 329563
OrthofootMD@Mount Alvernia Hospital
- (Mount Alvernia Hospital)
820 Thomson Road #01-01/02 Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A Singapore 574623
Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is currently an orthopaedic surgeon with Island Orthopaedic, a one-stop care centre for orthopaedic health under Healthway Medical Group. He specialises in treating lower limb orthopaedic conditions, as well as trauma and fracture surgery of both the upper and lower limbs. Prior to establishing his private practice, Dr Gowreeson was Chief of Foot & Ankle Surgery at the Department of Orthopaedics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). Today, he continues to serve the Orthopaedic Department at TTSH as a visiting consultant.