Knee Conditions

Knee conditions can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, instability and difficulty with everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, standing or exercising. Knee problems may develop because of arthritis, sports injuries, ligament or cartilage damage, previous trauma, overuse or age-related changes in the joint.

Dr. Pratik Agarwal, Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon in Siliguri, evaluates and treats a range of knee conditions. Treatment is planned according to the underlying condition, severity of symptoms, activity level and individual patient requirements.

Knee Osteoarthritis

nee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the protective cartilage within the knee gradually wears down. As the condition progresses, the bones and other structures within the joint may become affected, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.

Knee osteoarthritis is more common with increasing age but may also be associated with previous injuries, excess stress on the joint and other factors.

What are the symptomsof Knee Osteoarthritis ?

Common symptoms include:

  • Knee pain during walking or physical activity
  • Pain while climbing or descending stairs
  • Knee stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity
  • Swelling around the knee
  • Difficulty standing for prolonged periods
  • Reduced knee movement
  • Grinding or clicking sensations
  • Difficulty walking longer distances
  • Pain that may gradually become more persistent

Symptoms can vary depending on the extent of joint damage.

What Causes Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis may be associated with:

  • Age-related wear and tear
  • Previous knee injuries
  • Ligament or meniscus injuries
  • Repetitive stress on the knee
  • Increased load on the joint
  • Previous knee surgery
  • Certain structural or inflammatory conditions
  • Genetic factors

How Is Knee OsteoarthritisDiagnosed ?

Diagnosis usually begins with a clinical examination and discussion of your symptoms and medical history.

The knee may be assessed for:

  • Range of movement
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Stability
  • Alignment
  • Pain during movement


X-rays are commonly used to assess joint-space narrowing, changes in bone and other signs of osteoarthritis. Additional investigations may be recommended when required.

How Is Knee Osteoarthritis Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and its effect on mobility and daily life.

Treatment may include:

  • Activity modification
  • Weight management where appropriate
  • Physiotherapy
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Mobility exercises
  • Medicines when prescribed
  • Other non-surgical treatments
  • Injections in selected cases
  • Joint replacement for advanced disease when clinically indicated


The goal is to reduce pain, improve movement and maintain function.

ACL Injury

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major ligaments that helps stabilise the knee. An ACL injury commonly occurs during sports or activities involving sudden changes in direction, twisting or landing.

ACL injuries can range from a partial tear to a complete ligament rupture and may be associated with other knee injuries, including meniscus or cartilage damage.

What Are the Symptoms of an ACL Injury?

Common symptoms may include:

  • Sudden knee pain following an injury
  • A popping sensation at the time of injury
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty putting weight on the affected leg
  • Reduced knee movement
  • Feeling that the knee may give way
  • Difficulty running or changing direction
  • Knee instability during sports

What Causes an ACL Injury?

ACL injuries commonly occur because of:

  • Sudden changes in direction
  • Twisting movements
  • Incorrect landing after a jump
  • Sudden stopping
  • Sports-related collisions
  • Falls
  • Direct trauma to the knee

 

Sports such as football, basketball, cricket and skiing can involve movements that place stress on the ACL.

How Is an ACL Injury Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with an examination of the knee and discussion of how the injury occurred.

The doctor may assess:

  • Knee stability
  • Range of motion
  • Swelling
  • Ligament function
  • Associated injuries

 

An MRI may be recommended to assess the ACL and identify associated injuries involving the meniscus, cartilage or other structures.

How Is an ACL Injury Treated?

reatment depends on the type of injury, age, activity level, knee stability and associated damage.

Treatment may include:

  • Rest and activity modification
  • Physiotherapy
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Rehabilitation
  • Bracing in selected cases
  • Gradual return-to-sport programmes
  • Surgical reconstruction in selected patients

Not every ACL injury requires surgery. Treatment is determined after evaluating the individual injury and functional requirements.

How Can Dr. Pratik Agarwal Help With an ACL Injury?

Dr. Pratik Agarwal evaluates knee injuries and assesses ligament stability, associated damage and functional requirements.

Based on the clinical examination and appropriate imaging, he can recommend a treatment plan ranging from rehabilitation and non-surgical management to surgical treatment where clinically indicated.

Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and shin bone inside the knee. A meniscus tear can occur because of a twisting injury or age-related degeneration.

Meniscus injuries may occur during sports or other physical activities and can sometimes occur together with ligament injuries.

What Are the Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear?

Common symptoms include:

  • Knee pain
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
  • Clicking or catching sensations
  • A feeling that the knee is locking
  • Difficulty squatting
  • Pain during twisting movements
  • Reduced activity levels because of discomfort

What Causes a Meniscus Tear?

 meniscus tear may occur because of:

  • Sudden twisting of the knee
  • Sports injuries
  • Falls
  • Direct trauma
  • Deep squatting or forceful movements
  • Age-related weakening of the meniscus

How Is a Meniscus Tear Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a clinical examination and assessment of the injury mechanism and symptoms.

The knee may be assessed for tenderness, range of motion, swelling and signs of instability.

An MRI may be recommended when a meniscus tear or other internal knee injury needs further evaluation.

How Is a Meniscus Tear Treated?

Treatment depends on the type, size and location of the tear, along with the patient’s symptoms, age and activity requirements.

Treatment may include:

  • Activity modification
  • Physiotherapy
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Pain management when prescribed
  • Rehabilitation
  • Arthroscopic treatment in selected cases

The decision regarding surgery depends on the individual injury and response to appropriate non-surgical treatment.

How Can Dr. Pratik Agarwal Help With a Meniscus Tear?

Dr. Pratik Agarwal evaluates knee injuries and assesses whether symptoms may be related to a meniscus tear or another internal knee problem.

After clinical assessment and appropriate imaging, treatment can be planned according to the injury, symptoms and activity requirements.

How Can Dr. Pratik Agarwal Help With Knee Conditions?

Knee pain can result from several different conditions, and similar symptoms may occur with different problems. Identifying the underlying cause is important before deciding on treatment.

Dr. Pratik Agarwal, Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon in Siliguri, provides evaluation and treatment for a range of knee conditions.

His assessment may include:

  • Detailed medical history
  • Clinical examination
  • Assessment of knee movement and stability
  • Appropriate imaging
  • Individualised treatment planning
  • Non-surgical treatment
  • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
  • Arthroscopic treatment where clinically indicated
  • Joint replacement for selected patients with advanced joint damage


For patients with advanced knee arthritis, knee replacement may be considered when pain and loss of function significantly affect daily life and other appropriate treatment options are no longer providing sufficient relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common knee conditions include osteoarthritis, ACL injuries, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, cartilage problems, sports injuries and conditions associated with age-related degeneration.

Consult Dr. Pratik Agarwal for Knee Problems

Specialised Orthopaedic Care

Dr. Pratik Agarwal combines specialised expertise, advanced surgical techniques and personalised care to help patients move with greater comfort and confidence.

1

Replacement Expertise

Specialised care for painful, damaged knee and hip joints, focused on restoring movement and helping you get back to everyday life.

2

Advanced Arthroscopy

Modern keyhole techniques for ligament, meniscus, shoulder and sports-related injuries, with treatment adapted to your condition.

3

Trauma & Fracture Care

From common fractures to complex trauma, expert orthopaedic care focused on stabilising injuries and restoring function.

4

Personalised Care

Every patient is different. Get evidence-based treatment planned around your condition, lifestyle and recovery goals. 

0%