DR. ONG KEE LEONG

Runner’s Knee

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.

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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
  • Fellowship Trained Surgeon With 15 Years Of Experience In Orthopaedic Conditions
  • Personalised And Professional Approach To Deliver High-Quality Orthopaedic Care Based On The Most Up-To-Date Literature
  • Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure Smooth, Long-Term Recovery
  • Problem-Oriented, Well-Organised and Individualized Treatment Plans Catered To Your Specific Needs
  • Specialist In The Management Of Sports Injuries And Degenerative Conditions Of The Shoulder And Knee Joints
  • Knowledgeable And Pleasant Clinical Staff To Assist You With Your Every Need Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure
  • 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)

“Moving your body the way nature intended is a freedom not well appreciated until it is lost. We are passionate about getting you back in the game, and staying in the game. My team and I are fully committed to returning you to the life and activities you love.”

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
Awards & Teaching
  • Dr. Ong had received numerous awards such as Best Service and Eastern Health Alliance Caring (Gold) Awards.
  • He also has an interest in clinical research and has written papers in multiple peer-review journals. As a Core Faculty of Singhealth Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, he oversees the training of junior orthopaedic surgeons.
  • Regularly invited to teach local and regional surgeons in Shoulder and Knee Surgery Courses.
  • He is a recipient of multiple teaching awards including the Singhealth Residency Outstanding Faculty Awards from 2014-2016 and Changi General Hospital Outstanding Educator Awards 2015-2016.
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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:

  • NTUC Income’s IncomeShield and Enhanced IncomeShield
  • American International Assurance International Co’s (AIA) HealthShield Gold
  • Great Eastern Life Assurance Co’s SupremeHealth and SupremeHealth Plus
  • Aviva Ltd’s MyShield
  • Prudential Assurance Co’s PRUShield
  • AXA Shield