Runner’s Knee

DR. ONG KEE LEONG

While runner’s knee can significantly restrain movement and cause inconvenience in your life, it is generally treatable without surgery. Consult Dr. Ong about your condition and learn about treatment options suitable for you.

Runner’s Knee: What Is It?

Runner’s knee or patellofemoral pain syndrome is a condition where pain is experienced around the kneecap, especially the front.

As the name suggests, runner’s knee is one of the most common types of injuries associated with running, particularly amongst athletes and individuals who frequently engage in activities that stress the knee (such as running, cycling or climbing).

Symptoms

Weakness or instability
Popping or grinding sensation
Tenderness
Swelling
Pain around or behind the kneecap, especially when walking, running or bending

Causes

Overuse
Direct trauma to the knee
Bone malalignment (especially from your hips to ankles)
Weak thigh muscles
Feet problems such as flat feet
Kneecap cartilage damage (Chondromalacia Patella)

How Is Runner’s Knee Diagnosed?

Your knee specialist will review your medical and exercise history, as well as conduct a physical examination.

If necessary, Dr. Ong will further perform imaging tests such as an x-ray or MRI scan to reveal the specific cause of knee pain. X-rays can rule out conditions such as fractures, while MRI scans can display detailed images of your knee’s soft tissues.

How Is Runner’s Knee Treated?

Non-Surgical Options

The non-surgical treatment options for runner’s knee include:

Resting your knee
Applying ice to your knee to alleviate swelling
Compressing your knee using an elastic bandage
Elevating your leg on a pillow when sitting or lying
Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and swelling
Engaging in light physical therapy such as stretching and strengthening exercises

Surgical Options

Surgery is rarely required to treat runner’s knee. However, it may be necessary in certain severe cases of runner’s knee especially if the symptoms do not respond well to non-surgical treatment options.

How Can Runner’s Knee Be Prevented?

Warm up and stretch before exercising
Maintain a healthy weight
Stop when you feel pain when exercising
Wear good running shoes or shoe inserts
Avoid sudden and forceful movements

Why Do Patients Choose
Dr Ong Kee Leong?

Dr. Ong Is Passionate In Sports, Giving Him A Deep Understanding Of Sports-Related Injuries And How They Can Be Treated
Personalised And Professional Approach To Deliver High-Quality Orthopaedic Care Based On The Most Up-To-Date Literature
Fellowship Trained Surgeon With 15 Years Of Experience In Orthopaedic Conditions
Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure Smooth, Long-Term Recovery
Problem-Oriented, Well-Organised & Individualized Treatment Plans Catered To Your Specific Needs
Specialist In The Management Of Sports Injuries & Degenerative Conditions Of Shoulder & Knee Joints
Knowledgeable and pleasant clinical staff to assist you with your every need detailed aftercare plan
Our Care Is Conveniently Accessible At Mount Elizabeth Novena and Farrer Park Hospital
Minimal Waiting Time For Initial Consultation
Assistance With Medical Claims (e.g. Medisave & Integrated Shield Plans)

“At our clinic, we generally try to explore non-surgical treatment such as activities modification, physiotherapy and orthotics before recommending invasive intervention options.”

DR ONG KEE LEONG

About Dr. Ong Kee Leong

Senior Consultant, MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Dr. Ong Kee Leong is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon. He subspecializes in shoulder and knee, foot and ankle, hand wrist and elbow surgeries, arthroscopic sports surgery, and the management of sports-related injuries.

He has been registered with the Singapore Medical Council as a specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery since 2011.

MBBS, National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Medicine 2001
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 2007
Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery (NUS) 2007
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Orthopaedic Surgery 2011
Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Scholarship, Ministry of Health 2012-2013
Sports Surgery and Arthroscopy in Germany (Hannover)
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Lee Kong Chian School Of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University
Senior Clinical Lecturer, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS

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Billing & Payment

Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation,
and start from SGD$150 (within 30 minutes).

Modes of Payment

We accept the following modes of payment:

Cash
PayNow & PayLah
All major Credit Cards

If you are insured and would like to use a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us and our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.

Can I Claim Through My Medisave Account? (For Singaporeans and PR)

Yes, you can. Our Clinic is an accredited day surgery clinic by the Ministry of Health. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents may use their Medisave for eligible orthopaedic inpatient procedures and hospitalizations.

The exact amount would depend on the complexity of the procedure. If you have any enquiries, feel free to speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your Medisave account.

Integrated Shield Plans (Singaporeans and PRs)

Yes, patients who have purchased Integrated Shield plans with riders for co-insurance and deductibles will be able to use them in our clinic for eligible procedures. For more information, contact us to find out if your procedure is claimable.

The 6 Approved Integrated Shield Insurers are: