Knee Specialists
in Singapore
Our Team of Knee Orthopaedic Surgeons
At HC Orthopaedic Surgery, our team of specialist knee surgeons bring more than 50 years of combined clinical experience and advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of knee conditions. With a patient-centred approach and modern orthopaedic techniques, we focus on helping patients ease pain, regain mobility and return confidently to their daily activities.
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeons for Knee Pain and Injuries
Advanced Knee Reconstruction and Arthroscopic Surgery
Minimally Invasive Techniques to Support Faster, Safer Recovery
Dr Henry Chan
Medical Director & Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Qualifications:
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Nicholas Yeoh
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Qualifications:
MBChB (Edinburgh), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Toon Dong Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Qualifications:
MBChB (Leeds), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Tang Zhi Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Qualifications:
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Understanding the Condition
What Is Knee Pain?
Knee pain refers to discomfort arising from the knee joint or the surrounding structures that support movement and stability, including the ligaments, cartilage, tendons and muscles. It may develop after a sudden injury such as a ligament tear or fracture, repeated strain from sports or physical activity, or gradual wear-and-tear conditions such as cartilage degeneration or knee arthritis.
People with knee pain may experience aching, sharp pain during movement, swelling around the joint, stiffness or difficulty bending and straightening the knee. Some individuals may also notice instability, reduced strength or discomfort when walking, climbing stairs, squatting or standing for prolonged periods.
Why It Happens
Understanding the Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can arise from a variety of conditions affecting the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons or surrounding muscles of the knee joint. These problems may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time due to repetitive strain, ageing or underlying joint degeneration.
Knee Sports Injuries
Sports that involve running, jumping or sudden changes in direction can place significant stress on the knee. Injuries may affect the ligaments, tendons or cartilage and can lead to pain, swelling, instability or difficulty bearing weight.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage within the joint gradually wears down. This degeneration can cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, particularly during activities such as walking, climbing stairs or standing for extended periods.
Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilises the knee joint. A tear may occur during twisting movements, sudden stops or heavy loading of the knee. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, catching sensations or difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee.
ACL Tear
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a common knee injury, particularly in sports that involve pivoting or rapid direction changes. It may cause sudden pain, swelling and a feeling of instability in the knee.
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Runner’s knee refers to pain around the front of the knee, often caused by overuse, muscle imbalance or improper tracking of the kneecap. The discomfort is usually felt during activities such as running, climbing stairs, squatting or sitting for long periods.
Knee Cartilage Injuries
Damage to the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the knee can occur due to injury or gradual wear. Cartilage injuries may cause pain, swelling and reduced joint function, particularly during movement or weight-bearing activities.
Symptoms of Knee Injuries and When to See a Knee Specialist
Knee pain can present with a range of symptoms depending on the underlying condition and the structures involved within the knee joint. While mild discomfort may sometimes improve with rest, persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate a more significant injury or joint problem that requires medical assessment.
Common symptoms of knee problems include:
- Pain when bending or straightening the knee
- Swelling around the front, sides or back of the knee
- Difficulty climbing stairs, squatting or kneeling
- A feeling that the knee may buckle or give way
- Locking or catching of the knee during movement
- Clicking or popping sounds when moving the knee joint
- Stiffness after prolonged sitting or inactivity
Symptoms may develop gradually due to overuse, muscle imbalance or degenerative knee conditions, or appear suddenly after a fall, twisting injury or sports-related trauma. It is advisable to consult a specialist if knee pain persists despite rest, worsens over time, or causes swelling, instability, difficulty bearing weight, or limited knee movement.
Our Specialised Treatments for Knee Pain Conditions
Treatment for knee pain depends on the underlying condition, severity of symptoms and the patient’s activity level and recovery goals. At HC Orthopaedic Surgery, our team provides a range of evidence-based treatments, from minimally invasive procedures to advanced surgical solutions, aimed at relieving pain, restoring knee stability and improving joint function.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Total knee replacement involves replacing the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial components designed to restore smooth movement. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with advanced knee arthritis who experience persistent pain, stiffness and reduced mobility despite conservative treatment.
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee while preserving the healthy structures of the joint. It may be suitable for patients whose arthritis is limited to one area of the knee and can help maintain more natural joint movement.
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and specialised instruments inserted through small incisions to diagnose and treat problems within the knee joint. It is commonly used to manage conditions such as meniscus tears, cartilage damage or loose fragments within the joint.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery
ACL reconstruction surgery restores stability to the knee after a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. The damaged ligament is replaced with a tendon graft, helping to stabilise the joint and support a return to daily activities or sports.
Meniscus Repair and Replacement
Meniscus repair focuses on preserving and repairing the torn cartilage that cushions the knee joint. When the damage is too severe for repair, reconstructive or replacement procedures may be considered to improve knee function and reduce long-term joint wear.
Orthopaedic Specialists
Our Knee Specialists in Singapore
Dr Henry Chan
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Singapore
- Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS), Edinburgh
- Master of Medicine (Orthopaedic Surgery), Singapore
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Orthopaedics) (FRCSEd), Edinburgh
Dr Henry Chan is a senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with 13+ years of experience and orthopaedic surgery and extensive expertise in knee reconstruction and joint replacement surgery. He was awarded the Ministry of Health Singapore Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Scholarship to complete a Revision Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Fellowship at the Helios Endo-Klinik in Hamburg, Germany, one of Europe’s largest centres dedicated to complex hip and knee reconstruction.
Dr Chan previously spearheaded the Joint Replacement Unit at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and has performed more than 1,000 joint replacement procedures. His clinical practice focuses on advanced knee procedures, including total knee replacement, unicompartmental knee replacement and revision knee surgery.
He has a strong interest in computer-assisted and robotic-assisted knee replacement techniques, including pinless computer navigation and patient-specific instrumentation, which help improve surgical precision, implant alignment and long-term joint function. Dr Chan is also invited to teach joint replacement techniques in regional orthopaedic training courses across Asia.
Dr Nicholas Yeoh
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB), United Kingdom
- Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS), Edinburgh
- Master of Medicine (Orthopaedic Surgery), Singapore
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Orthopaedics) (FRCSEd), Edinburgh
Dr Nicholas Yeoh is a senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with 10+ years of experience in orthopaedic surgery and a clinical focus on knee reconstruction and joint replacement surgery. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh and completed orthopaedic surgery residency training in Singapore, becoming the youngest orthopaedic resident at the time to successfully complete the programme in 2017.
He was awarded the Ministry of Health Singapore Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Scholarship to pursue a Hip and Knee Reconstruction Fellowship at the North Sydney Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre at Mater Hospital in Sydney, Australia, one of the largest joint replacement centres in the Southern Hemisphere.
Dr Yeoh’s clinical interests include total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, revision knee surgery and arthroscopic joint preservation procedures. He also co-developed the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for total knee replacement at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, enabling patients to recover faster and return to daily activities sooner after surgery. He incorporates advanced technologies such as computer navigation, robotic-assisted surgery and modern knee implants designed to replicate natural knee movement.
Why Choose HC Orthopaedic Surgery for Knee Pain
Our goal is to help patients regain stable, comfortable knee movement and return to their normal routine. Whether knee pain is caused by a sports injury, ligament damage, cartilage problems or long-term joint degeneration, our team focuses on identifying the underlying cause and recommending treatment options that support lasting recovery and improved joint function.
Fellowship-trained Knee Specialists
Dr Henry Chan and Dr Nicholas Yeoh have advanced fellowship training in hip and knee reconstruction. They specialise in managing conditions such as knee arthritis, ligament injuries and meniscus tears, offering both joint-preserving treatments and advanced knee replacement procedures when appropriate.
Advanced Knee Surgical Techniques
When surgery is required, many knee conditions can be treated using modern surgical approaches designed to improve precision and recovery. These may include minimally invasive procedures, knee arthroscopy, computer-assisted navigation and robotic-assisted techniques used in selected knee replacement surgeries.
Focus on Knee Stability and Mobility
Knee conditions can affect walking, climbing stairs, sports participation and everyday movement. Treatment focuses not only on relieving pain but also on restoring joint stability, knee function and confidence in movement, helping patients return safely to daily activities.
Collaborative Orthopaedic Expertise
HC Orthopaedic Surgery brings together experienced orthopaedic specialists including Dr Henry Chan, Dr Nicholas Yeoh, Dr Toon Dong Hao and Dr Tang Zhi Hao. This collaborative environment allows patients with knee conditions to benefit from a broad range of orthopaedic expertise, particularly when managing complex injuries or cases that may involve multiple joints.
Your Knee Treatment Journey at HC Orthopaedic Surgery
Knee pain can affect mobility, daily activities and overall quality of life. At HC Orthopaedic Surgery, care is centred on identifying the exact source of the problem and guiding patients through a clear treatment pathway. From evaluation and diagnosis to treatment and recovery, each stage of care is tailored to support safe, effective restoration of knee function.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Rehabilitation and Long-term Knee Care
Who Is at Risk of Developing Knee Pain?
Knee pain can affect people of different ages and activity levels. However, certain activities, occupations and medical conditions may increase the likelihood of developing knee injuries or degenerative knee problems.
People who may be at higher risk of developing knee pain include:
Athletes and Active Individuals
Sports that involve running, jumping, pivoting or sudden changes in direction place repeated stress on the knee joint. Activities such as football, basketball, tennis and running may increase the risk of ligament injuries, meniscus tears or patellofemoral pain.
Individuals with Physically Demanding Jobs
Occupations that require frequent squatting, kneeling, climbing or heavy lifting can place ongoing strain on the knees. Jobs in construction, healthcare, logistics and manual labour may increase the risk of knee overuse injuries and joint degeneration.
Older Adults
With age, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint may gradually wear down. This natural degeneration can increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, stiffness and reduced joint mobility.
People with Previous Knee Injuries
Individuals who have previously experienced ligament injuries, meniscus tears or fractures around the knee may be more prone to recurring knee pain. Prior injuries can sometimes lead to joint instability or increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life.
Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions, such as obesity, inflammatory arthritis or metabolic disorders, may increase stress on the knee joint or affect joint health. These factors can contribute to inflammation, cartilage damage or progressive joint degeneration.
People with Muscle Imbalances or Alignment Issues
Weakness in the surrounding muscles or alignment problems in the legs can affect how weight is distributed across the knee joint. Over time, this imbalance may contribute to knee pain, particularly during activities such as walking, running or climbing stairs.
How to Prevent Knee Pain
While not all knee conditions can be prevented, certain habits and lifestyle adjustments may help reduce the risk of knee injuries and joint degeneration. Maintaining good muscle strength, flexibility and proper movement patterns plays an important role in protecting the knee joint during daily activities and sports.
Strengthen the Muscles Around the Knee and Hip
Strong quadriceps, hamstrings and hip muscles help support the knee joint and improve stability during movement. Strengthening these muscle groups can reduce strain on the knee and may lower the risk of ligament injuries, patellofemoral pain and overuse conditions.
Warm Up Before Physical Activity
Performing a proper warm-up before exercise prepares the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the knee for activity. Gentle stretching and mobility exercises can improve flexibility and help reduce the likelihood of strains or ligament injuries.
Increase Activity Levels Gradually
Sudden increases in training intensity, running distance or physical workload can place excessive stress on the knee joint. Gradually increasing activity levels allows the knee and surrounding muscles to adapt and helps reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Excess body weight places additional load on the knee joint, especially during weight-bearing activities such as walking, climbing stairs or running. Maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce joint stress and lower the risk of knee pain or osteoarthritis.
Use Proper Technique During Sports and Exercise
Using correct movement techniques during sports, training and lifting activities helps reduce unnecessary strain on the knee. Proper alignment, controlled movements and appropriate footwear may help protect the joint from injury.
Address Knee Pain Early
Ignoring persistent knee discomfort may allow the condition to worsen over time. Early evaluation and appropriate management can help prevent minor issues from progressing into more significant knee injuries.
Non-Surgical Care
Home Remedies for Knee Pain
Mild knee pain caused by minor strain or overuse may sometimes improve with simple home care measures. These approaches may help relieve discomfort and support recovery, although persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a knee specialist.
Non-Surgical Care
Home Remedies for Knee Pain
Mild knee pain caused by minor strain or overuse may sometimes improve with simple home care measures. These approaches may help relieve discomfort and support recovery, although persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a knee specialist.
Rest and Activity Modification
Avoid activities that aggravate the pain, particularly running, jumping, squatting or prolonged kneeling, to allow the knee joint time to recover.
Cold or Warm Compress
Cold packs may help reduce swelling in the early stages of injury. Once swelling has settled, warm compresses may help relax surrounding muscles and ease stiffness.
Elevation
Resting with the leg slightly elevated may help reduce swelling around the knee, particularly after minor injuries or prolonged activity.
Gentle Stretching and Mobility Exercises
Light stretching and controlled knee movements may help maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness, provided they do not worsen the pain.
Over-the-counter Pain Relief
Non-prescription medications such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines may help relieve mild knee pain when used according to instructions.
Cost of Knee Pain Treatment in Singapore
The cost of treating knee pain can vary depending on the underlying condition and the type of treatment required. Factors such as diagnostic tests, surgical complexity, hospital charges and rehabilitation needs may influence the overall cost of care.
Key Cost Drivers
Several factors can affect the cost of knee pain treatment in Singapore:
Type of treatment required
Diagnostic tests
Complexity of the procedure
Hospital and facility fees
Post-treatment rehabilitation
Insurance and Financing
Certain knee procedures may be eligible for MediSave claims, depending on how they are classified under Singapore’s Table of Surgical Procedures. Patients with MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plans may also receive coverage for hospitalisation and surgery, which can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
For a more accurate estimate, patients are encouraged to consult the clinic for a personalised cost breakdown based on their diagnosis and recommended treatment plan.
Comprehensive Knee Care at HC Orthopaedic Surgery
Knee pain can arise from a range of conditions affecting the ligaments, cartilage, tendons and bones that support the knee joint. As the knee plays a central role in walking, climbing stairs and many everyday movements, persistent discomfort or instability can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. Early assessment allows the underlying cause to be identified and managed appropriately, helping patients regain joint stability, reduce pain and restore knee function.
Comprehensive Knee Care at HC Orthopaedic Surgery
Knee pain can arise from a range of conditions affecting the ligaments, cartilage, tendons and bones that support the knee joint. As the knee plays a central role in walking, climbing stairs and many everyday movements, persistent discomfort or instability can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. Early assessment allows the underlying cause to be identified and managed appropriately, helping patients regain joint stability, reduce pain and restore knee function.
Our Specialised Team
At HC Orthopaedic Surgery, knee care is led by experienced orthopaedic surgeons Dr Henry Chan and Dr Nicholas Yeoh, who have advanced training in knee reconstruction and joint replacement surgery. They provide evidence-based care for a range of knee conditions, including ligament injuries, meniscus tears and knee arthritis, offering both non-surgical management and advanced surgical treatments when appropriate. Patients may also benefit from the collaborative expertise of the HC Orthopaedic Surgery team, including Dr Toon Dong Hao and Dr Tang Zhi Hao, particularly when managing complex orthopaedic conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Knee Pain
What are the most common causes of knee pain?
How long does knee pain usually last?
Can knee pain heal without surgery?
What tests are used to diagnose knee pain?
When should I see a knee specialist?
Is it okay to exercise with mild knee pain?
Meet Our Specialist Team
Our team comprises Dr Henry Chan, Dr Nicholas Yeoh, Dr Toon Dong Hao, and Dr Tang Zhi Hao — experienced orthopaedic surgeons with subspecialty experience and a patient-centred approach to care.
Dr Henry Chan
Medical Director & Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Henry Chan is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon specialising in joint replacement and complex revision surgery. Trained at the renowned Helios Endo-Klinik in Germany under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he has performed over 1,000 joint replacements and specialises in computer-assisted and robotic joint replacement techniques for precise outcomes.
Dr Nicholas Yeoh
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Edinburgh), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Nicholas Yeoh is an MOH-accredited orthopaedic specialist and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in hip and knee reconstruction in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he specialises in minimally invasive joint replacement, robotic surgery and advanced techniques that enhance recovery and surgical outcomes.
Dr Toon Dong Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Leeds), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Toon Dong Hao is a skilled orthopaedic surgeon and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in Advanced Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, Dr Toon specialises in sports injuries, arthroscopic surgery and complex shoulder, elbow and knee procedures to restore function and mobility.
Dr Tang Zhi Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Tang Zhi Hao is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle conditions. He completed his Foot and Ankle Surgery fellowship at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System in Seoul under Professor Jin Woo Lee. Prior to private practice, he served as Consultant and Deputy Head of Orthopaedics at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.