Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
A common sports injury that affects stability in the knee.
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear
Usually caused by a direct impact to the knee, such as in car accidents or falls.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) & lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tears
These ligaments on the inner and outer sides of the knee help control side-to-side movement.
Patellar tendonitis ("jumper’s knee")
Inflammation (swelling) of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
Quadriceps tendonitis
Inflammation of the quadriceps tendon, which connects the thigh muscles to the kneecap, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
Patellar tendon rupture
A complete tear of the patellar tendon, making it impossible to straighten the knee. This often requires surgery.
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)
Irritation of the iliotibial band (a thick tissue running down the outside of the thigh), causing pain on the outer side of the knee, especially in runners.
Meniscus tear
A tear in the meniscus (the cartilage that cushions the knee joint), often caused by twisting motions or sudden stops.
Sudden twisting or pivoting movements
Common in sports like football, basketball, and skiing.
Direct impact
A hard hit to the knee, such as in a tackle or fall.
Overuse and/or repetitive stress
Jumping, running, or excessive bending of the knee over time.
Weak or tight muscles
Poor flexibility or muscle imbalance can put extra strain on tendons and ligaments.
Pain
Can be sudden and severe or develop gradually with overuse.
Instability or weakness
A feeling that the knee might "give way" when walking or standing.
Swelling and bruising
The knee may become swollen and tender to touch.
Popping or clicking sound
A loud "pop" at the time of injury (common with ACL tears).
Difficulty moving the knee
Stiffness or trouble bending and straightening the leg.
Physical examination
Checking knee stability, movement, and pain levels.
X-rays
To rule out fractures (broken bones).
MRI or Ultrasound scans
To assess damage to tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.
Rest & activity modification
Reducing high-impact activities to allow healing.
Physiotherapy (rehabilitation exercises)
Strengthening and stretching exercises to improve flexibility, support the knee, and restore movement.
Ice & compression
Applying ice packs and using compression wraps to reduce swelling and pain.
Bracing and support
Knee braces help stabilise the joint and prevent further injury.
Pain relief medication
Paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines (e.g. ibuprofen) to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Corticosteroid or PRP injections
Used for chronic cases of patellar tendonitis, quadriceps tendonitis, and ITBS to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
ACL & PCL reconstruction
Uses a graft (replacement tissue) to rebuild the ligament.
MCL & LCL repair
If the ligament is completely torn, surgical stitching or reconstruction may be needed.
Patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon repair
If the tendon is completely ruptured, surgery is required to reattach it to the kneecap and restore function.
Meniscus repair or meniscectomy
Depending on the severity of a meniscus tear, the torn portion may be repaired or removed to restore knee function.
Iliotibial band release surgery
In rare cases, surgery is performed for ITBS if non-surgical treatments fail.
Arthroscopic debridement
A minimally invasive procedure to remove damaged tissue in cases of chronic tendonitis or cartilage damage.
Mild injuries (e.g. tendonitis, ITBS, minor sprains)
Recovery may take a few weeks with rest and physiotherapy.
Moderate injuries (e.g. partial ligament tears, meniscus tears)
A knee brace and physiotherapy may be needed for several months.
Severe injuries (e.g. complete tendon ruptures, ACL tears, surgical cases)
Full recovery can take 6-12 months, depending on the procedure, with rehabilitation exercises to restore knee strength and function.
