Conditions We Treat
1. Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is a very common condition where the smooth cartilage that cushions the knee joint slowly wears away over time. This cartilage normally acts like a shock absorber, helping the bones glide smoothly when you walk, bend, or climb stairs. As it becomes thinner, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement.
Many people develop knee arthritis as part of the natural ageing process, but it can also be caused by previous injuries, sports damage, excess weight, or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Over time, the knee may feel weaker, less flexible, and more painful during everyday activities.
Common symptoms
Patients often notice:
- Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting
- Swelling around the knee joint
- Clicking or grinding sensations
- Reduced ability to bend or fully straighten the knee
- Pain that gradually worsens over months or years
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how much the condition affects daily life. Many patients benefit from non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, exercise programmes, weight management, pain-relief medication, or joint injections to reduce inflammation and improve movement.
If arthritis becomes advanced and symptoms significantly impact quality of life, surgical options — including partial or total knee replacement — can restore comfort, stability, and mobility.
2. Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery is considered when knee pain and stiffness become severe enough to interfere with everyday life and non-surgical treatments are no longer providing relief. The aim of surgery is to reduce pain, improve movement, and help patients return to normal activities.
During the procedure, the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are carefully removed and replaced with specially designed implants that recreate the smooth movement of a healthy knee. These implants are engineered to restore alignment, stability, and function, allowing the joint to move more comfortably.
When knee replacement may be recommended
You may benefit from knee replacement if you experience:
Persistent knee pain that limits walking or daily activities
Difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from chairs
Night pain that affects sleep
Severe stiffness or reduced movement
Knee deformity or instability
Limited improvement from physiotherapy, medication, or injections
Types of knee replacement
The type of procedure depends on the amount of joint damage:
Total knee replacement: the entire knee joint is resurfaced
Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement: only the damaged part of the knee is replaced
Revision knee replacement: performed if a previous knee replacement wears out or fails
Modern surgical techniques, advanced implants, and enhanced recovery programmes mean many patients experience faster rehabilitation, improved mobility, and long-lasting pain relief, helping them return to an active and independent lifestyle.
3. Meniscal Injuries
Meniscal injuries are one of the most common causes of knee pain, particularly in active people and those who play sports. The knee contains two small pieces of cartilage called the menisci, which sit between the thigh bone and shin bone. They act like cushions and shock absorbers, helping to spread weight evenly across the joint and keep the knee stable.
A meniscus can tear when the knee twists suddenly, changes direction quickly, or experiences a direct impact. While sports injuries are a common cause, meniscal tears can also occur gradually with age as the cartilage becomes weaker and less flexible.
Common symptoms
Patients often describe:
Pain when twisting, squatting, or bending the knee
Swelling that develops over hours or days
Clicking, catching, or locking of the knee
A feeling that the knee cannot fully straighten
Instability or the knee “giving way”
Pain when climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
Some tears may feel mild at first but worsen over time, especially if the knee continues to be used without treatment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the tear. Small or stable tears often improve with rest, activity modification, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. Rehabilitation focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee to support the joint and restore movement.
If symptoms persist or the knee becomes locked or unstable, minimally invasive arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery may be recommended to repair or remove the damaged tissue. With the right treatment and rehabilitation, most patients regain strength, stability, and confidence in their knee.
4. ACL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main stabilising ligaments of the knee. It helps control forward movement and rotation of the shin bone, especially during activities that involve jumping, turning, or sudden changes in direction.
ACL injuries commonly occur during sports such as football, netball, skiing, or gym activities. The injury often happens when the knee twists or lands awkwardly, and many patients report feeling or hearing a “pop” at the time of injury.
Common symptoms
Typical signs of an ACL injury include:
A sudden popping sensation in the knee
Rapid swelling within the first few hours
Pain when trying to stand or walk
A feeling that the knee is unstable or may “give way”
Difficulty changing direction or pivoting
Reduced confidence in the knee during activity
Without proper treatment, the knee may remain unstable and can be at higher risk of further injuries, including damage to cartilage or the meniscus.
Diagnosis and treatment
ACL injuries are diagnosed through a clinical examination and imaging such as an MRI scan, which shows the ligament and any associated damage inside the joint.
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s lifestyle and activity level. Some partial tears can be managed successfully with a structured physiotherapy programme to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve stability.
For active individuals or complete ligament ruptures, ACL reconstruction surgery is often recommended to rebuild the ligament and restore knee stability. After treatment, patients follow a phased rehabilitation programme designed to safely return them to sport, work, and everyday activities with long-term strength and confidence.
5. Injections for Knee Conditions
Knee injections are a non-surgical treatment used to reduce pain, calm inflammation, and improve movement in the joint. They are often recommended when symptoms continue despite physiotherapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Injections can help patients stay active, delay surgery, and support recovery when combined with a personalised treatment plan.
How injections help the knee
Pain and stiffness often develop when the knee joint becomes inflamed or when the natural joint fluid loses its ability to lubricate and protect the cartilage. Injections work by reducing inflammation, improving lubrication, or stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.
Common symptoms treated with injections
Injections may help patients who experience:
Persistent knee pain or swelling
Stiffness and reduced mobility
Pain during walking, stairs, or exercise
Flare-ups of arthritis
Ongoing pain after injury or overuse
Types of knee injections
Several types of injections may be recommended depending on the condition:
Corticosteroid injections: reduce inflammation and quickly relieve pain during flare-ups
Hyaluronic acid injections: improve joint lubrication and cushioning, helping movement feel smoother
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): uses healing cells from your own blood to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation
For many patients, injections provide meaningful symptom relief and help maintain an active lifestyle while protecting the joint.
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6. Ligament Injuries (MCL, PCL, LCL)
The knee relies on several strong ligaments to keep it stable and aligned. The medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) help control side-to-side movement and prevent the knee from bending in the wrong direction.
These ligaments are commonly injured during sports, falls, road traffic accidents, or direct blows to the knee. The severity can range from mild stretching to complete tears.
Common symptoms
Patients may notice:
Pain on the inner or outer side of the knee
Swelling and bruising around the joint
Difficulty walking or bearing weight
A feeling that the knee is unstable or may “give way”
Reduced confidence during movement or sport
Symptoms can vary depending on which ligament is injured and how severe the injury is.
Treatment
Many ligament injuries can heal without surgery. Partial tears are often treated with rest, bracing, physiotherapy, and a structured rehabilitation programme designed to restore strength and stability.
More severe injuries, especially when multiple ligaments are damaged, may require surgical repair or reconstruction to rebuild stability and protect the knee from further damage. With early diagnosis and the right treatment, most patients recover well and return to normal activities with confidence.
7. Kneecap Problems
Kneecap problems are a very common cause of pain at the front of the knee. The kneecap (patella) normally glides smoothly in a groove at the end of the thigh bone when the knee bends and straightens. If the kneecap does not move correctly, it can irritate the surrounding cartilage and soft tissues, leading to pain and inflammation.
This can happen due to muscle imbalance, changes in alignment, cartilage wear, injury, or repeated strain from activities such as running, squatting, or climbing stairs.
Common symptoms
Typical symptoms include:
Pain at the front of the knee
Pain when climbing or descending stairs
Discomfort after sitting for long periods (often called “cinema knee”)
Clicking or grinding sensations when bending the knee
Pain when squatting, kneeling, or exercising
Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen with activity.
Treatment
A detailed assessment helps identify the cause of the problem and guide treatment. Many patients improve with physiotherapy focused on strengthening and balancing the muscles around the hip and knee, improving kneecap alignment, and modifying activities.
Bracing or taping may also be helpful. In more persistent or structural cases, minimally invasive surgery can improve kneecap alignment or smooth damaged cartilage, reducing pain and restoring comfortable movement.
8. Sports Injuries
Knee injuries are very common in sport and active lifestyles because the knee is exposed to twisting, jumping, sudden stops, and changes in direction. Activities such as football, running, skiing, gym training, and racket sports place high stress on the joint and can lead to injury.
Sports injuries may affect the ligaments, cartilage, tendons, or muscles around the knee. Some injuries happen suddenly during a specific movement, while others develop after repeated strain.
Common symptoms
Patients often experience:
Sudden pain at the time of injury
Swelling within hours or the next day
Difficulty walking or bearing weight
Reduced movement or stiffness
A feeling of instability or weakness
Pain during sport or exercise
Early assessment is important because untreated injuries can lead to ongoing instability or long-term joint problems.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Many sports injuries improve with rest, bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, and physiotherapy to restore strength, balance, and movement.
In more serious cases, arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery may be recommended to repair or remove damaged tissue. With the right treatment and a structured rehabilitation programme, most patients can safely return to sport and active living.
9. Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries develop gradually when the knee is exposed to repeated stress without enough time to recover. Unlike sudden injuries, these problems build up over weeks or months and are often linked to training changes, poor biomechanics, muscle imbalance, or repetitive work activities.
Common overuse conditions include patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee), iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome, and bursitis. They are frequently seen in runners, cyclists, gym users, and people whose jobs involve kneeling, squatting, or climbing stairs.
Common symptoms
Typical signs include:
Gradual onset of pain that worsens with activity
Tenderness around the knee or tendon
Stiffness after rest or in the morning
Pain during running, jumping, or climbing stairs
Symptoms that improve with rest but return with activity
If left untreated, symptoms can worsen and lead to longer recovery times.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on reducing strain on the affected area and correcting the underlying cause. This may include modifying activity levels, physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, bracing or support, and anti-inflammatory treatments.
Early treatment helps prevent long-term problems and allows a safe and gradual return to normal activity.
10. Knee Pain
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints and can affect people of all ages. The knee is a complex joint that carries body weight and allows movement, making it vulnerable to injury, wear and tear, and inflammation.
Pain can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time due to conditions such as arthritis, ligament or cartilage damage, or overuse.
Common symptoms
Patients may notice:
Aching or sharp pain in or around the knee
Swelling or stiffness
Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
Clicking, catching, or grinding sensations
Instability or the knee “giving way”
Pain that limits exercise or daily activities
Because knee pain can have many causes, an accurate diagnosis is essential to guide the right treatment.
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and may include rest, activity modification, pain relief, supportive braces, physiotherapy, or medical treatments such as injections or surgery when needed.
Early assessment allows a personalised treatment plan to relieve pain, restore movement, and help patients return to an active and comfortable lifestyle.
Rehabilitation After Knee Replacements
Rehabilitation is a vital part of recovery after knee replacement surgery. While the operation replaces the damaged joint, rehabilitation helps your body learn to use the new knee safely and effectively. A structured programme supports healing, restores movement, and rebuilds strength so you can return to everyday activities with confidence.
In the first weeks after surgery, the focus is on reducing swelling, improving knee movement, and gradually increasing walking distance. Over time, exercises are progressed to rebuild muscle strength, improve balance, and restore normal movement patterns.
What patients can expect during recovery
Recovery happens in stages and may include:
Gentle exercises to improve knee bending and straightening
Walking practice and mobility training
Strengthening the thigh and hip muscles
Balance and coordination exercises
Gradual return to daily activities such as stairs and driving
Many patients notice steady improvements in pain, mobility, and independence over the first few months. Ongoing rehabilitation is essential to achieve the best long-term outcome and maximise the benefits of surgery.
Revision Knee Replacement
Revision knee replacement is a specialised procedure performed when a previous knee replacement no longer functions as it should. Over time, implants can wear down, loosen, become unstable, or occasionally become infected, leading to pain, stiffness, or difficulty walking.
This surgery involves removing part or all of the existing implant and replacing it with a new prosthesis designed to restore stability, alignment, and function. Because the joint has already undergone surgery, revision procedures are more complex and require detailed planning and advanced surgical techniques.
When revision surgery may be needed
Patients may be considered for revision knee replacement if they experience:
Persistent or increasing pain after a previous knee replacement
Instability or the feeling that the knee is giving way
Swelling or reduced movement
Implant wear or loosening over time
Infection around the joint
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery after revision surgery involves a carefully structured rehabilitation programme to rebuild strength, improve movement, and restore confidence in the joint. Although recovery can take longer than after a first knee replacement, many patients experience significant improvements in comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Successful outcomes are supported by experienced surgical care and coordinated post-operative rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At the Lancashire Hip Clinic & Lancashire Knee Clinic, we believe that an informed patient is a confident patient. Below are answers to the most common questions regarding our specialist treatments and the surgical journey.
Not necessarily. Our team prioritise a "patient-first" approach. Many conditions can be successfully managed through non-operative pathways, such as targeted physiotherapy with our partners at The Beardwood Hospital, lifestyle modifications, or ultrasound-guided injections. Surgery is only recommended when conservative treatments no longer provide the quality of life you deserve.
Think of it as GPS for your joint. We use advanced software to map your unique anatomy before and during the procedure. This ensures the new joint is aligned with sub-millimeter precision, which can improve the "feel" of the joint and potentially extend its lifespan.
Thanks to our Enhanced Recovery Programme (ERP), many patients are up and walking within hours of their surgery. While full biological healing takes time, most patients return to light activities and driving within 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
A revision is a specialized procedure performed to replace or repair an existing joint implant that has worn out, become loose, or failed. These are highly complex cases that require the elite level of expertise found at the Wrightington-trained Lancashire Hip Clinic.
This is "keyhole" surgery. Using a tiny camera and specialized instruments, Our team can repair torn cartilage or ligaments through small incisions. This results in less scarring, less pain, and a much faster return to the sports you love. Mr Arshad is a leading ACL repair surgeon in this part of the country, and a few who operate on children ACLs.
Preparation Checklist for Your Surgery
To ensure the best possible outcome, we recommend the following steps:
Optimize Health
Reduce or quit smoking to improve bone healing and recovery.
Pre-Hab
Do light physiotherapy exercises to prepare your body for surgery.
Home Prep
Arrange help with meals, transport, and daily tasks post-surgery.