Viscosupplementation is a medical treatment that involves injecting hyaluronic acid into a joint, most commonly the knee, to improve lubrication, cushioning and joint movement. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in healthy joint fluid, where it helps absorb shock and allows bones to glide smoothly during movement. In conditions such as osteoarthritis, the […]
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured or painful musculoskeletal tissues. It is commonly used for chronic tendon, ligament and soft tissue conditions that have not responded well to rest or conventional treatments. ESWT does not involve surgery, injections or medication. Instead, it works […]
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the joints. Instead of making large incisions, the surgeon inserts a thin camera called an arthroscope through small incisions around the joint. This allows them to view the internal structures on a high-definition screen and perform precise treatment through additional tiny […]
Joint replacement is a surgical procedure that removes the painful, worn-out parts of a joint and replaces them with artificial components known as implants or prostheses. These implants are shaped to mimic natural bone surfaces and are designed to restore smooth movement, reduce pain and allow the joint to function more normally again. This procedure […]
Runner’s Knee, also known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), is a common source of discomfort among active individuals, especially those who run, hike or engage in sports that involve repeated knee bending. Although often associated with athletes, it can also affect individuals who spend long hours on their feet, have muscular imbalances, or are returning […]
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis worldwide and a leading cause of joint pain (joint and bone conditions page) and disability in Singapore. Its significance is evident in recent studies, where it is estimated that about 11% of Singaporean adults have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, with the prevalence increasing to nearly 20% among […]
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff, painful and progressively restricted in movement. It occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, forming adhesions that limit motion. The condition typically develops gradually over months and can severely affect daily activities, such as reaching overhead, dressing […]
Back pain is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints affecting people of all ages. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily life. While most people will experience back pain at some point, persistent or recurring pain may indicate an underlying problem that needs medical attention. The pain can […]
Heel pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages, often causing discomfort with every step. Because the heel absorbs the body’s full weight during walking, running and standing, it is particularly vulnerable to strain and injury. The pain may start with a mild ache that becomes sharper over time or it can […]
Cartilage is a smooth, flexible tissue that lines the ends of bones within our joints. It acts as both a cushion and a shock absorber, allowing bones to glide over one another with ease while protecting the joint from excessive wear. Unlike many other tissues in the body, cartilage has a very limited blood supply, […]
Knee pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint affecting people of all ages. As a major weight-bearing joint, the knee absorbs stress during walking, climbing and exercise, making it prone to strain and irritation. Pain may appear suddenly after an injury or develop gradually from overuse or progress into chronic knee discomfort if ignored. For many […]
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses your own blood to promote healing in injured or degenerative tissues. By concentrating platelets, which are blood components rich in growth factors, PRP stimulates repair and reduces inflammation in areas such as the knee, shoulder or elbow. Unlike conventional treatments that focus mainly on relieving […]
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that stabilise the shoulder and control arm movement. When these tendons are strained, inflamed or torn, shoulder function becomes compromised. Pain and weakness often make it difficult to lift, reach or rotate the arm. In fact, simple actions like combing hair, dressing or carrying items can become […]
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) slips out of its socket in the shoulder blade (glenoid). Because the shoulder joint is highly mobile and shallow, it is also one of the most unstable joints in the body, making it more prone to dislocation than other joints. Dislocation can happen partially (subluxation) […]
The knee is a complex joint supported by several ligaments that work together to provide strength and stability. Among them, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a vital role in preventing the shinbone from sliding forward and in maintaining balance during sudden movements such as pivots, stops and jumps. An ACL tear happens when this […]
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci. One on the inner side and one on the outer side. They play a vital role in cushioning the joint, distributing weight evenly, and […]
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr James Tan
Dr James Tan is an Orthopaedic Surgeon with a strong focus on sports injuries of the knee, shoulder and elbow. Skilled in minimally invasive tendon and ligament repair, cartilage and meniscus surgery, as well as joint replacement and complex shoulder reconstruction, he offers patients advanced treatment options tailored to restore function and mobility.
Get in touch with Orthopaedic Specialist Dr James Tan today to discuss your concerns and explore the best treatment options for your bones, joints, muscles and spine.
