Treatment for an acute injury starts with the use of ice packs, rest and anti-inflammatory analgesic tablets. If the symptoms do not settle quickly, visit your Doctor. Occasionally injections can be given for acute injuries but usually referral to a physiotherapist is arranged.
Patient undergoing physiotherapy.
The main standby of treatment for disorders of the kneecap is physical therapy. This usually starts with techniques to reduce pain and swelling followed by special exercises to help build up the strength of the muscles. The use of strapping, taping and bracing techniques are often very helpful particularly for younger patients and for sports injuries. Occasionally problems with the knee are the result of overall leg alignment abnormalities, which can be improved by correction of the footwear.
If simple non-invasive treatment is not successful then referral to a specialist will be required. It may be necessary to carry out various specialised investigations. The key to solving the problem is an accurate diagnosis.
Surgical treatments may be required and these include a telescopic assessment called an arthroscopy whereby a small telescope is inserted into the knee joint under a general anaesthetic and the surfaces of the knee inspected. It is sometimes possible to undertake surgical treatment by this minimally invasive technique.
Knee Surgeon performing an Arthroscopy
More major treatments will require an open operation which may involve correcting the alignment of the patella if it is mal-positioned, and more recently techniques are being developed to replace damaged cartilage surfaces.
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