Osteoarthritis Treatment in Singapore
Your knees ache going down the stairs. Your hips stiffen after sitting for an hour. You have been putting up with it, telling yourself it is just part of getting older. But if the pain is limiting what you can do each day, that is worth taking seriously.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint conditions affecting adults in Singapore. At T&T Medical Group, we offer a full range of osteoarthritis treatment options, from conservative management to injection-based therapies, all under one roof.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown of cartilage, the protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones within a joint. As cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and reduced range of movement. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, and hands, though the spine and other joints can be involved too.
In Singapore, osteoarthritis is estimated to affect around 11% of adults, rising to nearly 20% among those aged 60 and above. It tends to develop slowly over time, though it can occur earlier following a joint injury. If you are experiencing joint pain that is not improving, osteoarthritis is one of the first conditions worth investigating.
When Should You Consider Treatment?
Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, and earlier assessment gives you more non-surgical options to work with. If any of the following apply to you, it is worth booking a consultation:
- Joint pain that has persisted for more than six weeks
- Morning stiffness or stiffness after rest that does not ease quickly
- Swelling or warmth around a joint
- Difficulty with everyday tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, or gripping objects
- Pain that disrupts sleep
You do not need a referral to access osteoarthritis treatment in Singapore at T&T. You can book directly.
How Is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing osteoarthritis involves clinical assessment and imaging. At your first consultation, Dr Natalie Chan will take a history of your symptoms and examine the affected joint, typically followed by one or more of the following:
Physical Examination
Assessing joint movement, tenderness, and swelling.
X-Ray
The most common first imaging step, showing joint space narrowing and bone changes associated with osteoarthritis.
MRI or Ultrasound
Used where a more detailed view of soft tissue, cartilage, or surrounding structures is needed.
This combination of clinical assessment and imaging helps ensure your diagnosis is accurate and your treatment plan is well-suited to your condition. Diagnostic imaging services are available and provided by our partnering imaging facilities within the same building. All imaging is available on-site at T&T, which means a diagnosis can often be reached within a single visit.
What Are the Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis?
There is no single osteoarthritis treatment for every patient. It is tailored to the severity of your condition, your activity level, and your goals.
Conservative Treatments
For many patients in the earlier stages of osteoarthritis, conservative measures provide meaningful relief:
Strengthens the muscles supporting the joint and improves range of motion.
Reducing excess body weight lowers the mechanical load on the joint and may slow progression.
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other analgesics may be used short-term to manage flare-ups.
Activity Modification
Guidance on adjusting daily activities to reduce joint strain.
Injection-Based Therapies
Where conservative measures have not provided sufficient relief, injection therapies may reduce pain and improve function.
T&T Medical Group offers three types of intra-articular injection (injections delivered directly into the joint space):
| Treatment | How it works | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
|
Visco-supplementation |
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injected to restore lubricating fluid lost as osteoarthritis progresses |
Knee osteoarthritis, particularly where pain persists despite physiotherapy and other conservative measures |
|
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) |
Concentrated preparation from the patient’s own blood that supports the body’s natural healing response |
Mild to moderate osteoarthritis, and patients who prefer a treatment derived from their own blood |
|
Autologous protein solution (APS) |
Prepared from the patient’s own blood and processed to concentrate anti-inflammatory proteins associated with osteoarthritis |
Osteoarthritis with prominent inflammatory symptoms, such as swelling or recurring flare-ups |
Results vary between individuals. Dr Chan will advise which option, if any, is appropriate for your situation.
Surgical Options
For patients with severe OA where non-surgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief, T&T will provide a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon. Surgery is considered only when other options have been explored.
Osteoarthritis vs Osteoporosis: What's the Difference?
These two conditions are often confused, but are distinct and require different approaches.
| Osteoarthritis | Osteoporosis | |
|---|---|---|
|
What it is |
Breakdown of cartilage in a joint |
Progressive loss of bone density |
|
Main symptom |
Joint pain, stiffness, and reduced movement |
Often none until a fracture occurs |
|
Key risk factors |
Age, weight, previous joint injury |
Menopause, age, family history, low body weight |
|
Affects |
Cartilage and joints |
Bone density and structure |
It is possible to have both conditions simultaneously. If you are being assessed for osteoarthritis at T&T, we may also recommend a bone density screening where necessary.
Osteoporosis Screening in Singapore
Who Should Get Screened?
Osteoporosis screening is recommended for:
- Women aged 65 and above
- Women under 65 with risk factors, including early menopause, family history of osteoporosis, low body weight, or prolonged use of corticosteroids
- Men aged 70 and above, or younger men with risk factors
- Any adult who has sustained a low-impact fracture (a break caused by a minor fall or bump)
What Does the Screening Involve?
Bone density screening at T&T is performed at our Osteoporosis Centre. We use a bone mineral densitometry (BMD) scan, which is non-invasive and painless. The result is expressed as a T-score, comparing your bone density to that of a healthy young adult. If treatment or monitoring is indicated, we will walk you through the next steps.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
A first consultation at T&T is a conversation, not a procedure:
-
History and assessment
Dr Chan will take a detailed history of your symptoms and examine the affected joint or joints. -
Imaging, if indicated
X-ray or other imaging can usually be arranged on the same visit. -
Discussion of options
Dr Chan will walk you through the treatment options relevant to your case, explain the reasoning behind any recommendation, and answer your questions. -
Next steps
You will leave with a clear understanding of your diagnosis and treatment options.
Why Choose T&T Medical Group for Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis Care?
Diagnostics under one roof
Comprehensive imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, and bone density scanning) is available through trusted partner facilities within our building. This allows assessment and imaging to be conducted without travelling to multiple locations.
Integrated chronic disease care
Osteoarthritis rarely exists in isolation. Diabetes, hypertension, and other long-term conditions are managed under the same roof.
Over 30 years in Singapore
T&T has been serving patients since 1989, as part of LYC Healthcare Berhad, a publicly listed healthcare group.
Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with T&T Medical Group and get a clear picture of your options.
Book Your Consultation
Chronic joint pain does not have to be something you simply live with. Whether you are looking for a diagnosis, exploring non-surgical options, or wanting a clearer picture of your bone health, T&T Medical Group can help.
There is no obligation at your first visit. Our team will listen, assess, and give you a clear picture of where things stand.
Call us at +65 6293 4071 to speak with our team directly.