START YOUR ROAD TO RECOVERY

Knee Specialist with 20 Years Experience

Dr. Bryan Tan

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Shoulder Specialist)

  • MBBS (Singapore)
  • MMed (Ortho)
  • FRCS Ed (Orth)
Dr Bryan Tan is a fellowship-trained senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in sport and non sport related knee conditions and surgeries. If your knee is causing you pain or interfering with your quality of life, get in touch with us for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment.
  • Orthopaedic Specialist for Shoulder Pain/Injuries
  • Robotic Surgery & Minimally Invasive Techniques
  • Faster, More Predictable Recovery With Lower Risks
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What is KNEE PAIN?

Knee pain is a common issue that can arise from a variety of factors, including injuries, overuse, or underlying conditions like arthritis. It may manifest as sharp, stabbing pain or a dull, aching sensation, often accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility. The pain can affect daily activities, from walking and climbing stairs to engaging in sports. Effective management of knee pain typically involves rest, physical therapy, and, in some cases, medical intervention to address the underlying cause.

WHY CHOOSE DR BRYAN

Dedicated To Your Recovery

We want to get you back on your feet and living life normally again. Whether you are out of action with a torn ACL from sports or worn down by the pain of arthritis, our job is to get you back to your best.

More Time & Care For Each Patient

In busy orthopaedic clinics, patients tend to lose that personal touch and end up feeling more like they are in a factory assembly line. Dr Bryan spends more time to get to know you better and really goes to the root of your injuries and needs.

Orthopaedic Care Rooted In Empathy

Dr Bryan understands the pain and frustration that accompanies knee pain and immobility. Sports and injuries have always played a big part in Dr Bryan’s life. He was a school swimmer, did powerlifting in his younger days, currently trains in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and also enjoys wakeboarding and snowboarding. His strong interest in sports give him a deep understanding of knee injuries, allowing him to approach each patients’ needs with an empathetic sense of understanding that leads to better diagnosis, better treatment, and better overall care.

Surgery Only When It’s Most Needed

You can be assured that Dr Bryan will offer the most prudent treatment which will give the best chance of recovery. Despite having performed thousands of different surgeries, Dr Bryan is always mindful of the fact that surgeries done for the wrong indications will not yield the best results. If surgery is not the best solution to your problem, you can be sure that it will be strongly discouraged.

Dr. Bryan Tan Photo

Dr. Bryan Tan

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

20 Years Experience

in Knee Conditions (Sports & Non Sports Related)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) (Singapore)
  • Fellow Of The Royal College Of Surgeons (Edinburgh) (Orthopaedics)
  • Master of Medicine (Orthopaedic)

Extensive Experience In Diagnosing & Treating:

  • ACL Tears
  • Knee Fractures & Dislocations
  • PCL Tears
  • Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
  • Meniscus Injuries
  • Arthiritis Of The Knee
  • Knee Bursitis

Dr Bryan is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon based in Singapore. He completed 2 fellowships in Orthopaedic Sports, Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney, Australia and Nice, France. Prior to private practice, Dr Bryan was a consultant in the Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore. He is currently still a visiting consultant at NUH where he actively teaches medical students and young orthopaedic surgical trainees. In addition, he travels to regional countries to teach advanced arthroscopic surgical techniques.

Dr Bryan has a special interest in keyhole surgery and performs most of his surgeries using advanced, modern keyhole surgical techniques. He regularly visits fellow surgeons from other countries to ensure his skills and knowledge are up to date.

Excellent patient outcome is paramount for Dr Bryan. As such, patients can be assured that Dr Bryan will offer the most prudent treatment which will give the best chance of that. Despite having performed thousands of different surgeries, he is always mindful of the fact that surgeries done for the wrong indications will not yield the best results. If surgery is not the best solution to your problem, you can be sure that it will be strongly discouraged.

Knee Conditions We Specialise In

Symptoms of Knee Pain

Pain

Knee pain can present as sharp, stabbing pain or a dull, constant ache. The intensity may vary depending on the underlying cause.

Swelling

Swelling around the knee is common, especially after an injury, indicating inflammation or fluid buildup within the joint.

Stiffness

Stiffness often accompanies knee pain, limiting the range of motion and making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee fully.

Instability

A feeling of weakness or instability, where the knee might "give way," is another symptom, often linked to ligament injuries.

Clicking or Popping

Sounds like clicking or popping in the knee can occur, particularly with movement, sometimes associated with cartilage damage or ligament issues.

Redness and Warmth

In some cases, the knee may appear red and feel warm to the touch, suggesting inflammation or infection.

How Is Knee Pain Diagnosed?

  • Medical History and Physical Examination:

    Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination, where our specialist assesses pain, swelling, range of motion, and stability.

  • Imaging Tests:

    X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are often used to visualise the bones, cartilage, and soft tissues in the knee, helping to identify fractures, ligament tears, or degenerative changes.

  • Laboratory Tests:

    In some cases, blood tests or joint fluid analysis may be conducted to rule out infections or conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Diagnostic Injections:

    Sometimes, diagnostic injections are used to pinpoint the exact source of pain by temporarily relieving discomfort in specific areas of the knee.

​​Is your knee pain affecting your quality of life, and your ability to perform everyday activities such as working, playing sports and tying your shoelaces?

Dr. Bryan will assess your symptoms in detail before recommending the right surgical option for your specific injury.

Knee Treatments & Surgeries

  • Meniscus Repair
  • Knee Bursitis
  • Meniscus Injuries
  • Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
  • ACL Reconstruction Surgery
  • Knee Fractures
  • Knee Dislocation
  • PCL Tear

Who Is At Risk Of Developing Knee Pain

Anyone can develop knee pain, but certain factors increase the risk. Individuals who engage in high-impact sports or activities that put stress on the knees, such as running, basketball, or skiing, are more prone to injuries. Age is another significant factor, as the wear and tear of joints over time can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis. Additionally, people who are overweight or obese place extra strain on their knee joints, increasing the likelihood of pain. Previous knee injuries and certain medical conditions, like gout or rheumatoid arthritis, also elevate the risk.

When To See a Knee Specialist

Persistent Pain

If knee pain persists for more than a few days despite rest and home care, it’s time to consult a specialist.

Swelling and Inflammation

See a knee specialist if you experience significant swelling or if the knee feels warm and appears red, indicating possible infection or serious inflammation.

Limited Mobility

Difficulty in moving the knee or performing daily activities due to pain, stiffness, or instability warrants professional evaluation.

Injury or Trauma

Seek immediate medical attention if knee pain follows an injury, especially if there’s severe pain, swelling, or inability to bear weight.

Chronic Conditions

If you have a known condition like arthritis and the symptoms worsen, our specialists can help manage the pain and prevent further deterioration.

How To Prevent Knee Pain?

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight

    Keeping your weight in a healthy range reduces the stress on your knees, helping to prevent joint pain and injury.

  • Strengthen Muscles

    Regular exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee, such as quadriceps and hamstring exercises, provide better support and reduce the risk of injury.

  • Warm Up and Stretch

    Before engaging in physical activities, warming up and stretching the muscles can help prevent knee injuries by increasing flexibility and reducing strain.

  • Use Proper Techniques

    Whether you’re exercising or lifting objects, using proper techniques can minimise stress on your knees and prevent injury.

  • Wear Appropriate Footwear

    Wearing shoes that provide good support and fit well can reduce the risk of knee pain by maintaining proper alignment and reducing impact stress.

Knee Pain Remedies

If you’re dealing with knee pain, there are several effective remedies to help manage the discomfort and improve mobility. Below are some methods commonly recommended:

  • Rest and Ice Application
    Reducing activity and applying ice to the knee can help control pain and swelling, particularly after an injury.
  • Physical Therapy and Strengthening Exercises
    Working with a knee pain doctor in Singapore to develop a physical therapy plan can be beneficial. Strengthening the muscles around the knee, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings, provides better support and reduces the risk of further injury.
  • Weight Management
    Keeping a healthy weight reduces stress on the knees, which can alleviate pain and prevent future issues. This is particularly important for individuals with knee pain in Singapore caused by conditions like osteoarthritis.
  • Use of Knee Braces or Supports
    Braces or compression sleeves can provide additional stability to the knee and reduce discomfort.
  • Pain Medication
    Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and manage pain temporarily.

For more severe cases, consulting a knee specialist in Singapore can help explore advanced treatment options such as injections or surgery.

Billing & Payment

Medisave & Insurance Claims

The following are accredited For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners. If your insurance is not listed, you will still be able to make claims for eligible procedures! We have experience processing claims from many other various insurance providers. Please contact us if you have any queries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my knee pain require medical attention by a specialist orthopaedic surgeon?

If your knee pain is persistent, severe, or associated with swelling, instability, or difficulty in moving the knee, it may require medical attention from a specialist orthopaedic surgeon. Additionally, if the pain follows an injury, worsens over time, or doesn’t improve with rest and home treatments, consulting a specialist is advisable. Our orthopaedic surgeons can provide a precise diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment to address the underlying cause and prevent further complications.

What Can I Expect At My First Visit With An Orthopaedic Surgeon?

At your first appointment with Dr. Bryan, he will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing.

Depending on the symptoms you have, he will likely perform some form of diagnostic imaging (e.g. X-Rays or MRI scans) to assess your condition accurately. X-rays and CT scans are useful to rule out bony problems, whilst an MRI scan is excellent at looking at soft tissue (e.g. tendons, ligaments, cartilage) problems.

After assessing your condition, Dr. Bryan will recommend a personalised treatment plan according to your specific needs. This may include surgical or non-surgical treatment options.

Can I Continue My Sporting Activities If I Am Experiencing Pain (e.g. Shoulder, Knee or Hip Pain)?

Dr. Bryan always advises patients to listen to their bodies and not push through the pain barrier, especially if your pain is a direct result of sports injuries.

If your pain does not subside with RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) and over-the-counter painkillers, it is highly advisable that you seek professional medical advice. Continuing with sporting activities will place additional strain on your body and worsen the condition. 

What Modes Of Payments Do You Accept?

Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation, and start from SGD$150 (within 30 minutes).
We accept the following modes of payment:

  • Cash
  • PAYNOW & PAYLAH
  • All major Credit Cards

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

Is walking ok for knee pain?

Walking can be beneficial for knee pain, especially if it’s low-impact and done on flat surfaces. However, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid aggravating the pain.

What are the red flags for knee pain?

Red flags include severe pain, inability to bear weight, significant swelling, redness, warmth, or if the knee appears deformed. Sudden locking or instability are also concerning signs.

What are the 4 stages of knee pain?

The stages are typically: mild discomfort after activity, pain during activity, pain during and after activity, and constant pain even at rest.

What foods should I avoid with knee pain?

Avoid inflammatory foods like sugary snacks, processed foods, and foods high in trans fats, as they can worsen inflammation and pain.

What is the #1 mistake that makes bad knees worse?

The biggest mistake is avoiding activity altogether. While rest is important, complete inactivity can lead to stiffness, muscle weakness, and worsened pain.

How should I lay to relieve knee pain?

Lying on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between your knees can help alleviate knee pain by reducing pressure on the joints.