Blog Details

Knees support the body's weight and allow us to walk, stand, and climb stairs on a daily basis. A knee injury or degeneration is more likely to occur. Knees are capable of bending up and down as well as rotating. If your knee does not function properly, you may be unable to sit, stand, squat, or kneel properly. It may be an occasional, temporary condition or a chronic condition that prevents bending or straightening of the knee for an extended period of time.

True locked knees are those in which your knee joint is physically locked into place and cannot be moved. Pseudo-locked knees, on the other hand, are caused by pain making it difficult to move the knee. When you suffer from occasional or chronic knee pain, we may be able to provide you with assistance.

Some Common Causes of a Locked Knee

You may also have a locked knee if you have severe pain with any knee movement. A pseudo-locked knee injury occurs when severe pain in the knee causes the knee muscles to flex and contract. The knee is not physically locked but, however, is unable to move properly. A sprained knee brace is a self-defense mechanism designed to reduce knee movements so that no further damage can be done. State some causes of locked Knee here:

• Meniscus Tear

• Ligament Injury

• Arthritis

• Dislocated Kneecap

• Plica Syndrome

• Loose Bone Fragment

• Patellar Tracking Disorder

How Does a Locked Knee Occur?

There are several factors and ailments that can cause your knees to lock up.

• About Meniscus Tears

Various factors may cause an injury to the meniscus, such as a sudden twist or squatting and may also result in meniscus cyst. The condition is more likely to affect older individuals since gradual wear is also a contributing factor. Tears of the meniscus may sometimes heal on their own, but more severe cases may require surgery. Typically, a complete tear of the medial meniscus occurs as a result of a bucket handle injury. Due to this, a torn meniscus can turn over and become stuck in the joint, resulting in true arthritic lateral knee pain. 

• Ligament Damage

Ligaments and tissues surround the knee, which makes it possible to function. Knee joints that stop abruptly or move may tear ligaments. Applying ice packs to reduce swelling can relieve knee pain and knee locking. Knee injuries caused by ligament damage can benefit from physical therapy. In the event of an injury to a knee ligament, surgery may be necessary. 

• Loose Bone Fragments

A knee joint consists of several bones, which connect the shinbone to the thigh bone at its bottom. An injured joint may have a loose bone fragment floating around as a result of a chipped or broken bone. The loosening of bone fragments can lead to knee locking, which can cause severe pain and restricted knee movement. This loose bone fragment causes the knee to become locked as it is unable to move. It is generally necessary to perform an X-ray in order to diagnose and remove a loose bone fragment. When you suffer from a degenerative disease that causes loose fragments in your knee, your physician may recommend a knee replacement.

• Arthritis

In most cases, knee locking is a result of arthritis, particularly in older individualsIn addition to being weight-bearing joints, knee joints undergo a great deal of wear and tear. Inflammation of the joints of the knee can make it difficult for the knee to move. An older knee fracture or a recurrent sports injury can contribute to this inflammation. Despite pain, it is important to move the knee as much as possible. A variety of treatments are available to treat knee pain associated with arthritis, including injections of steroids, prescription pain medications, and movement therapy. It may be necessary to replace the entire knee joint in the most severe cases in order to provide relief to the patient. 

• Plica Syndrome 

PLICA refers to a thin fold in the protective knee membrane. During inflammation of the plica, the joint may become painful and unstable, leading to locking of the knee.If you suffer from PICA syndrome, you may need to rest your knee. It may also be beneficial to use anti-inflammatory medications. You should seek professional medical advice if you experience knee locking. 

• Patellar Maltracking

In patellar maltracking, the kneecap shifts out of position when the leg is bent or straightened. The knee clicking is one of the most common symptoms of this condition. When climbing stairs, kneeling, or even while climbing stairs, a slight rotation of the knee can result in this condition. Strengthening therapy and regular exercise can prevent knee locking. Flare-ups may require rest or even the use of a knee brace in order to maintain the knee's proper alignment for as long as possible. 

Diagnosis of Locked Knee

Symptoms such as pain and swelling are discussed with a pain doctor in Dallas first. It is then necessary to conduct a physical examination of the knee in order to determine whether there is any bruising, inflammation, or tenderness. The doctor may apply pressure or pull to the weak knees during the examination to evaluate its condition. After determining the individual's mobility, it is possible to conduct a mobility assessment by asking them to walk across the room. Occasionally, a physician may recommend diagnostic imaging in order to examine the knee in more detail. 

Tests of this type include:

• An MRI is a magnetic resonance imaging technique 

• CT scan (Computerized Tomography) 

• An x-ray

• An ultrasound image 

Other tests are available to determine whether there is inflammation or infection in the area. Among the possible tests are a blood test and an arthrocentesis procedure. The knee joint is sampled for fluid during this procedure.

Knee locking: When Should You Seek Treatment? 

Whenever you experience knee locking, it is always a good idea to seek the advice and input of a professional. It is our goal under dr ali pain management to alleviate your pain and discomfort through our experienced and skilled knee specialists. Live life to the fullest despite your locked-up knees. We are happy to provide you with more information if you would like to speak with one of our specialists like Dr Z. To determine the appropriate treatment for knee locking, it is important to determine whether something is stuck in the joint.

There are several treatment options available for locked knees, including: 

• Strengthening and Enhancing: The flexibility of the knees is essential. 

• Corticosteroid Injections: Using corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation can be beneficial in treating knee injuries.

• Arthroscopic Knee Surgery: The purpose of this procedure is to remove any fragments of cartilage and bone lodged within the knee joint.

What’s the Outlook for a Locked Knee?

There are a variety of factors that can result in a locked knee, each of which has its own treatment protocol. The treatment of a locked knee or pseudo-locked knee may include physical therapy, rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. Nevertheless, certain conditions may require more intensive treatment, such as surgery.