Knee pain and sprains

Knee pain is often associated with swelling or tenderness around the knee joint and knee cap which can occur during everyday activity or as a result of a sports injury. Our specialists can help treat all manner of conditions, from soft tissue injuries to arthritis.

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What is a knee sprain?

If you have pain, swelling or tenderness around or inside your knee, you may have a knee sprain. Sprains can happen if you've damaged or injured the muscles or one of the four ligaments that support the knee. Ligament sprains are graded (from one to three), depending on how bad your injury is. Common causes include tired muscles and playing sport.

Types of knee sprain

Medial ligament sprain

Medial ligament sprains are often a result of an impact on the outside of the knee. They tend to cause pain on the inside of the knee.

Lateral ligament sprain

Lateral ligament sprains are often a result of an impact on the inside of the knee. They tend to cause pain on the outside of the knee.

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain

The ACL criss-crosses with the posterior cruciate ligament over the middle of the knee. A sprain can occur due to twisting or impact.

A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain

The PCL criss-crosses with the anterior cruciate ligament over the middle of the knee. A sprain can occur if the knee is forced back the wrong way.

Need to know

Kidney cancer is often asymptomatic in the early stages but common symptoms can include haematuria, flank pain, and a palpable mass. Non-specific symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, fever, and anaemia.

Kidney cancer is often diagnosed while undergoing tests or scans for another medical reason. Possible tests you may have include:

If you are diagnosed with kidney cancer you will have immediate access to world-class cancer specialists and expert care.

Surgery is the most common treatment for kidney cancer. It may involve removing the tumor (partial nephrectomy) or the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy).

Why choose HCA UK

Why choose HCA for knee pain treatment?

Here are some of the reasons why we're a great choice for knee pain treatment:

  • Fast access to the care you need: We'll confirm your appointment with one of our expert knee specialists within 24 hours
  • Advanced imaging facilities: To accurately diagnose your knee arthritis, we use X-rays, MRI scans and CT scans at our diagnostic centres. We can usually offer this on the same day as your consultation
  • Advanced surgical techniques: If you need surgery you may benefit from the latest robotic assisted procedures which are showing to deliver faster recovery rates. Your consultant will be able to advise if this is relevant to your treatment plan
  • We're industry leaders: We're number one in London for private orthopaedic care, based on reports by the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN). We also have the highest proportion of facilities rated 'Outstanding' by the CQC of any private hospital group in the UK
  • We're trusted by patients: 97% of our orthopaedic patients rated us as 'very good' or 'excellent' in our 2023 patient satisfaction survey. 

Patient stories

How to book an appointment

Book an appointment with a knee specialist

Get in touch with us today to book your appointment with one of our knee consultants. We can arrange imaging appointments and physiotherapy treatment for knee arthritis for you too. 

knee tests & scans

MRI scan

Our consultant radiologists use some of the most technologically advanced MRI scanners to provide accurate examinations of the inside of your body.

CT scan

Computed tomography (CT) scan is sometimes referred to as a CAT scan and shows detailed 2D and 3D images of your organs, blood vessels and bones.

knee treatments

Knee arthroscopy

A knee arthroscopy, also referred to as knee keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate and treat conditions like cartilage damage and arthritis.  

Knee surgery

If you're suffering from a knee condition, a knee operation might be required to relieve your pain, improve your mobility and enhance your quality of life.

Knee arthritis

Knee arthritis is a common form of arthritis that can hold you back. If knee arthritis is causing you discomfort, our leading consultants are here to offer expert advice and industry-leading treatments. 

Knee replacement surgery (total)

Knee replacement surgery is an operation to replace part or the whole of the knee joint, otherwise known as knee arthroplasty. This treatment can help to relieve chronic pain in your knee joint and improve your range of movement.

Partial knee replacement

A partial knee replacement can treat an arthritic joint by replacing only the most damaged compartment of the knee. It's less invasive than a full knee replacement and, supported by our expert care, offers a quicker recovery time. 

Knee realignment surgery

High tibial osteotomy (HTO), or knee realignment surgery, can be an effective alternative to knee replacement. This type of surgery can help reduce pain related to the early effects of osteoarthritis.

Kneecap stabilisation

Patella (kneecap realignment surgery. Kneecap stabilisation is a surgical procedure to realign a dislocated knee and repair the ligaments holding it in place.

Meniscal surgery

Meniscus surgery can improve your mobility and reduce knee pain after a meniscus tear. 

Chondroplasty

A surgical procedure used to repair a small area of damaged cartilage in the knee.

ACL reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a major ligament in the knee. This procedure is to repair the ACL if it becomes damaged or torn, and restore stability in your knee.

Arthroscopic meniscectomy

A minimally invasive keyhole surgery procedure to remove torn or damaged cartilage (meniscus) in the knee.

Arthroscopic debridement

The process of washing and removing debris from a damaged joint. This is a minimally invasive procedure typically to remove damaged cartilage, typical in cases of arthritis and joint instability such as knee, hip, ankle or wrist.

Kneecap joint replacement

Kneecap replacement can help to relieve chronic pain in your knee joint and improve your range of movement. This procedure is also known as patellofemoral arthroplasty.

Our knee locations

The Harborne Hospital

The Harborne Hospital

Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.