Expert care for knee injuries, from a surgeon who operates only when it helps

A knee injury, a twist on the pitch, a fall, a sudden giving-way, needs the right assessment fast, from someone who can both rehabilitate it and operate on it. Dr Arj Imbuldeniya is a consultant knee surgeon in London who treats the full range of acute and sports knee injuries, guided by a simple rule: Biology-first. Surgery-last.

Knee injuries treated

When should you see a knee injury specialist?

If your knee gave way, locked, swelled rapidly, or won’t bear weight, or pain hasn’t settled in two weeks, get it assessed. Early diagnosis protects the joint and widens your options.

Free 60-second assessment

How old are your knees?

Your knees have a biological age, and it is often not the age on your passport. Of the people who have taken this test, 55 per cent found their knees were older than they are, and one in eight by ten years or more. Sixty seconds, free, and you get one number and the single change that would take the most years off it.

Find my Knee Age, free →

Surgery only when it’s the right answer

Many knee injuries recover without an operation. Some genuinely need one, and delay causes harm. Because Dr Arj operates regularly, he can tell which is which, and won’t operate on a knee that doesn’t need it.

Frequently asked questions

Do all knee injuries need surgery? No, many settle with the right rehabilitation and targeted treatment; surgery is recommended only when it is the right answer for your knee.

How soon should I be seen after a knee injury? Rapid giving-way, locking, immediate swelling or inability to weight-bear warrant prompt assessment.

Do you treat sports injuries? Yes, ACL, meniscus, cartilage and kneecap injuries, with a focus on returning safely to activity.

How can you tell if a knee injury is serious? Warning signs are a pop at the moment of injury, swelling within a few hours, being unable to put weight on the leg, a knee that locks or will not straighten, a knee that gives way, or an obvious deformity. Any of these deserve a specialist assessment rather than waiting it out.

How long does a knee injury take to heal? A mild sprain often settles in two to six weeks. Ligament and meniscus injuries take longer, from around three months to six months, or longer if surgery is needed. The right diagnosis early is what keeps the recovery as short as possible.

I fell on my knee. What should I do? Rest it, apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, keep it raised and use a compression bandage for the first two days. Go to A&E if you cannot put weight on it, it looks deformed, there is a deep wound, or it becomes hot and red with a fever.

Should I use ice or heat on a knee injury? Ice for the first two to three days, while the knee is swollen, then gentle heat if it is stiff rather than swollen. Never put ice directly on the skin.

Why can’t I fully bend or straighten my knee after an injury? Usually because of swelling, which settles. If the knee is blocked and will not straighten at all, a torn piece of meniscus may be caught in the joint, and that needs prompt assessment because early repair gives the best chance of saving it.

When should I see a knee specialist after an injury? See a specialist within days if your knee swelled quickly, gives way, locks or will not straighten, or if you heard a pop. If it is slowly improving week by week, a few weeks of rest and rehabilitation is reasonable before being seen.

Watch: ACL & meniscus repair

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