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The knee is a hinge joint responsible for movement, stability, absorbing shock and weight bearing. Knee injuries are common and can be from muscle imbalance, sports injuries, or degenerative disease.
The knee is a hinge joint responsible for weight bearing, stability, movement, and absorbing shock. Knee injuries can result from muscle imbalance, wear and tear, injury, or degenerative diseases. In a healthy knee, all parts will work in harmony. Pain can be the result of inflammation of the joint due to arthritis, muscle injury, problems with cartilage or meniscus tissue, or an injury to the ligaments. A thorough assessment of the knee by a professional and a discussion around your symptoms should be able to identify the issue
Whether you’re in chronic pain, suffering from limited mobility in the joint, or need a diagnosis, our dedicated team of health professionals are ready to get you back to your normal activities – pain-free.
The knee consists of bones, meniscus, ligaments, cartilage and tendons. The hinge joint allows the leg to extend and bend with limited motion in other planes.
Within the main part of the knee joint, you’ll find the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). Between these bones is the meniscus, which acts as a shock absorber. At the front of the knee lies the patella (kneecap).
The knee has four ligaments that help to stabilise the joint. These are:
Your knee contains a capsule filled with synovial fluid that nourishes and lubricates the joint. 14 fluid-filled Bursa sacs help to reduce friction between tissues and prevent inflammation.
The patella tendon is the main tendon in the knee joint. This tendon covers the patella and attaches to the quadriceps muscle.
Common knee injuries include tears in ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, fractures, and dislocations. These injuries can be caused by an accident or by playing sports.
Conditions and diseases cause other knee problems. Osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the knees. Bursitis makes the knee warm and red, and it is painful to bend or kneel. If you have gout or septic arthritis, you may suffer from a hot red knee and sudden pain.
You should have your painful knee assessed by a professional. This could be a GP, Orthopaedic Surgeon or Physiotherapist.
The expert may prescribe exercises or perform manual therapies to help with the condition. However, sometimes surgery is the only way to restore the knee to its full function.
Here are some common knee conditions:
From surgical to non-invasive diagnostics, we offer a range of procedures for the knee.
Your knees are important joints that need to be strong to function optimally.
You can look after your knees by strengthening the surrounding muscles, maintaining healthy body weight, staying active, stretching and taking part in low impact exercises such as cycling and swimming.
Before your knee treatment, you can prepare your body by learning exercises to do before and after surgery, stopping smoking, eating healthy, and managing your weight.
When you have a date for your operation, you should arrange transport to and from the hospital, as you won’t be able to drive. You may also need someone to help with your day-to-day activities and care responsibilities following the operation.
You will need to pack a bag for the hospital. Pack any medications you need, toiletries, nightwear, comfortable clothes, and something to read.
At your pre-assessment appointment, you should ask the consultant any questions and share any relevant symptoms or medical history.
On the day of your surgery, you will not be able to eat eight hours before your admission. Your consultant will let you know when you can have your last meal.
As with any surgery, knee treatments carry risks that can lead to complications. Your surgeon will discuss specific risks with you.
Risks include:
You will start your recovery in the hospital for a few days. Here, you’ll receive pain medication, and the nurses and physiotherapists will help you get out of bed and walk.
When you are ready to go home, you will need someone to drive you and possibly stay with you for 24 hours. If you have children or an adult to look after, you may need to make additional arrangements for their care, as there will be limits to what you can do.
Follow the exercises the physiotherapist sets to help with your long-term recovery and movement.
How soon can I go home after my surgery?
What activities are safe after surgery?
When can I go back to work after surgery?
When can I start driving after surgery?
What activities can I do while I recover?
Will I need a follow-up after knee surgery?
One Health waiting times from consultation to treatment are 3 - 7 weeks on average.
