Why do I have Knee Pain when Bending or Squatting?
Usually, it may indicate that the knee has an injury, or there is degeneration of the structures inside the knee. The possible structures causing such pain are:
- Cartilage, the soft bone inside the knee
- Meniscus, the shock absorption structure inside the knee
- Less commonly, bone itself, if there had been an injury causing swelling inside the bone
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Over-exercise or over-use of the knee may cause such pain, but it would usually also indicate that there has been damage or degeneration inside the knee.
Causes of the Knee Pain
Many people start to develop such knee pain after an injury, such as a fall onto the knee, a sporting injury, or a car accident. In this case, it is likely that the injury has caused damage of the cartilage or meniscus, causing the knee pain. Such damage may be mild, a small tear, or even a complete tear.
Others may start to develop this pain after a period of frequent exercising. This may be due to over-exercise aggravating the degeneration of the knee. In some cases, the pain does not go away even after stopping the exercise, and this indicates a more serious condition.
Older people who have such pain may mean that there is degenerative arthritis in the knee. In such cases, people may also feel stiffness of the knees, or pain when the weather is cold.
Treating Knee Pain When Bending or Squatting
If you had an injury resulting in knee pain when bending or squatting, simple treatment methods include rest, ice, compression and elevation. However, if pain after an injury persists for more than 1 to 2 weeks, you should have your condition checked.
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The risk of self-managing pain for beyond a short period is that the injury progresses over time and worsens by the time you have it checked.
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Various treatment methods are available for different stages of knee pain conditions. These include:
- Oral medications
- Physiotherapy
- Appropriate use of a knee guard
- Lubricant injections
- Biological injections to stimulate healing
- Key-Hole procedures to repair the knee
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Treating any condition in its early stages will likely have a faster and better recovery as compared to treating it in its later stages.
Frequently-asked Questions
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What are the treatment methods for knee pain?
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I have mild pain in the knee. Is it ok to continue with sports?
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I injured my knee two weeks ago and it is still painful now. Should I get it checked?
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Do I need a referral letter from my family doctor?
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Will my insurance cover the treatment?
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What advanced treatments do you have for my knee?
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Surgery is a big thing. I am afraid...
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Specialises in Knee injuries, degeneration, and complex knee issues
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Uses treatments with sound scientific basis
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Approachable and empathetic
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Author of numerous book chapters on knee surgeries
Contact Information
38 Irrawaddy Road, Mt Elizabeth Novena Hospital Specialist Centre #07-40
Singapore 329563
We are a 3-min walk from Novena MRT Station. Take Exit A from the station.
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Tel: 6970 5835
Fax: 6970 5935
Email: contact@coc.sg
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am to 6pm, Sat: 9am to 1pm
Emergency consults, Call/Text/WhatsApp: 9623 7153
