Knee Pain

Overview

Knee pain is one of the most frequent reasons patients visit an orthopaedic surgeon in Lahore. It can affect people of all ages — from young athletes with acute ligament injuries to older adults with degenerative joint changes. The knee is a complex hinge joint that bears significant body weight, making it vulnerable to both acute injury and chronic wear. Pain may originate from the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or the synovial lining of the joint.

Common Causes

• Osteoarthritis — progressive wearing of the joint cartilage, the most common cause in patients over 50
• Ligament injuries — ACL, MCL or PCL tears, often from sports or sudden twisting movements
• Meniscus tears — damage to the cartilage discs that cushion the knee joint
• Patellar tendinitis — inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, common in athletes
• Bursitis — inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction around the knee
• Fractures — broken bones around the knee from trauma or accidents

Symptoms That Warrant Evaluation

You should seek orthopaedic evaluation if you experience persistent knee pain lasting more than a few weeks, swelling that does not improve with rest, a popping sensation at the time of injury, instability or giving-way episodes, locking of the knee joint, or difficulty bearing weight. Early assessment can prevent minor issues from becoming chronic problems that require more intensive treatment.

Diagnosis

Dr. Hannan's evaluation typically includes a detailed clinical examination assessing range of motion, stability, and specific tests for ligament integrity. X-rays are used to evaluate bone alignment and joint space. MRI may be recommended when soft-tissue injury (ligament, meniscus, or cartilage damage) is suspected based on the clinical picture.

Treatment Options in Lahore

Treatment is always tailored to the specific diagnosis and the patient's activity level and goals. Non-surgical options include activity modification, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and targeted injections. When surgery is indicated, Dr. Hannan performs arthroscopic procedures for ligament and meniscus repair, as well as joint replacement for advanced degenerative changes. All surgical decisions are made after thorough discussion with the patient.