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Sports Knee Injuries

The knee is one of the most commonly injured joints in sport.

Whether you are a competitive athlete, weekend warrior or recreational exerciser, knee injuries can occur during sudden twisting movements, jumping, pivoting, direct contact or overuse.

Early diagnosis is important because appropriate treatment can help restore knee function, reduce the risk of further injury and support a safe return to sport.

At 360 Orthopaedics, Dr Puah Ken Lee provides comprehensive assessment and treatment of sports-related knee injuries using evidence-based, individualised management.

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Common Sports Knee Injuries

Sports injuries may affect:

• Ligaments
• Menisci
• Cartilage
• Tendons
• Muscles
• Bone

Many injuries involve more than one structure.

Injury	Typical Symptoms	Common Treatment
ACL Tear	Pop, swelling, instability	Rehabilitation or ACL reconstruction
Meniscus Tear	Joint line pain, locking, clicking	Physiotherapy, repair or partial meniscectomy
MCL Injury	Pain on inner side of knee	Usually non-operative
PCL Injury	Pain after dashboard injury or fall	Rehabilitation or surgery (selected cases)
Cartilage Injury	Pain, swelling, catching	Depends on injury pattern
Patellar Dislocation	Kneecap dislocation, instability	Rehabilitation or surgery (selected patients)

ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most frequently injured ligaments in sport.

ACL injuries commonly occur during:

• Football
• Basketball
• Netball
• Rugby
• Skiing
• Tennis
• Badminton

Typical symptoms include:

• A popping sensation
• Rapid swelling
• Knee instability
• Difficulty returning to sport

Treatment may involve rehabilitation alone or ACL reconstruction depending on the individual’s symptoms, activity level and goals.

Related pages:

• ACL Reconstruction Singapore
• ACL Tear Symptoms
• ACL Graft Options

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Meniscus Tears

The meniscus acts as a shock absorber within the knee.

Meniscus tears may occur:

• Together with ACL injuries
• Following twisting injuries
• During squatting
• Through gradual degeneration

Symptoms may include:

• Joint line pain
• Clicking
• Locking
• Swelling

Treatment may include physiotherapy, meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy depending on the tear pattern.

Related pages:

• Meniscus Tear Singapore
• Meniscus Repair Singapore
• ACL vs Meniscus Tear

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Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located on the inner side of the knee.

MCL injuries commonly occur following:

• Direct contact
• Valgus stress during sport
• Twisting injuries

Many MCL injuries heal successfully without surgery through:

• Bracing
• Physiotherapy
• Progressive rehabilitation

More severe injuries may require additional treatment.

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Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is less commonly injured than the ACL.

Typical causes include:

• Dashboard injuries during road traffic accidents
• Falls onto a bent knee
• Contact sports

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and associated ligament damage.

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Cartilage Injuries

Damage to the joint cartilage may occur:

• Following acute injury
• Together with ligament injuries
• Following patellar dislocation

Symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Locking
• Catching

Treatment depends on the size, location and severity of the injury.

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Patellar Dislocation

A kneecap (patella) dislocation usually occurs during twisting injuries or direct trauma.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden deformity
• Pain
• Swelling
• Instability

Treatment depends on:

• Whether this is the first dislocation
• Associated cartilage injury
• Underlying anatomy
• Risk of recurrence

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Tendon Injuries

Sports may also result in injuries affecting:

• Patellar tendon
• Quadriceps tendon
• Hamstring tendons

Treatment ranges from physiotherapy to surgical repair depending on the severity of the injury.

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Stress Fractures

Repetitive loading may occasionally cause stress fractures around the knee.

These injuries are more commonly seen in:

• Long-distance runners
• Military recruits
• Athletes with sudden increases in training

Early diagnosis helps prevent progression to complete fracture.

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How Are Sports Knee Injuries Diagnosed?

Assessment begins with a detailed history and physical examination.

Dr Puah Ken Lee will assess:

• How the injury occurred
• The position of the knee during injury
• Swelling
• Knee stability
• Range of motion
• Tenderness
• Ability to bear weight

Investigations may include:

• X-rays
• MRI
• Ultrasound (for selected tendon injuries)
• CT scan (when appropriate)

The choice of investigation depends on the suspected injury.

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When Should You See an Orthopaedic Surgeon?

Arrange an assessment if you experience:

• A popping sensation during injury
• Rapid swelling
• Knee instability
• Locking
• Inability to bear weight
• Persistent pain
• Failure to improve with rest

Early diagnosis may reduce the risk of long-term damage to the meniscus or cartilage.

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Treatment of Sports Knee Injuries

Treatment depends on:

• The diagnosis
• The severity of the injury
• Your age
• Activity level
• Sporting goals
• Associated injuries

Management may include:

• Activity modification
• Physiotherapy
• Bracing
• Ultrasound-guided injections (selected conditions)
• Arthroscopic surgery
• Ligament reconstruction
• Meniscus repair

Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient.

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Preventing Sports Knee Injuries

Although not all injuries can be prevented, risk may be reduced through:

• Strength training
• Neuromuscular training
• Balance exercises
• Proper warm-up
• Good landing technique
• Progressive return to sport after injury

Athletes recovering from previous knee injuries should complete rehabilitation before returning to competitive sport.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which sports most commonly cause ACL injuries?

ACL injuries commonly occur in football, basketball, netball, rugby, skiing and other sports involving pivoting or sudden changes in direction.

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Do all sports knee injuries require surgery?

No. Many injuries can be successfully managed without surgery through physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

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When should I have an MRI?

MRI may be recommended if there is concern about ligament, meniscus or cartilage injury after clinical assessment.

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Can I continue playing after injuring my knee?

Continuing to play on an unstable knee may increase the risk of further injury. If significant pain, swelling or instability develops, medical assessment is recommended.

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Why Choose Dr Puah Ken Lee?

Dr Puah Ken Lee is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a subspecialty interest in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries.

He has extensive experience treating athletes and active individuals with sports-related knee injuries. Treatment is individualised, combining evidence-based rehabilitation with arthroscopic surgery when appropriate, with the goal of helping patients return safely to work, exercise and sport.

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Related Pages

You may also find these pages helpful:

• ACL Reconstruction Singapore
• Meniscus Tear Singapore
• Meniscus Repair Singapore
• Knee Arthroscopy Singapore
• ACL Rehabilitation Timeline
• Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction

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Arrange a Consultation

If you have sustained a sports-related knee injury or continue to experience pain, swelling, instability or difficulty returning to activity, an early assessment can help establish the diagnosis and guide treatment.

Dr Puah Ken Lee provides comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment of sports knee injuries, helping patients safely return to the activities and sports they enjoy.

Dr Puah is regularly invited to teach arthroscopic knee surgery

Book a consultation or contact the clinic via WhatsApp to get started

Book a consultation at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena

ACL and meniscus tears are common but treatable. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can improve outcomes and prevent long-term problems.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena. Patients with instability, locking or pain in the knee after a sports injury are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.