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Knee buckling occurs when one or both knees give way. The condition is also known as knee instability or weak knees. However, it is not always accompanied by pain. Knee buckling can be caused by conditions or injuries affecting any of the bones, ligaments, or other joint components of the knee. According to a 2016 study, it affects approximately 12% of adults between the ages of 36 and 94.

Occasionally, you may stumble if it has only happened once or twice. However, if this occurs repeatedly, it may indicate another problem. If you experience frequent knee buckling, you are at risk of falling and injuring yourself seriously, so it is important to identify the underlying cause. Fortunately, there's a helpful tool that can help you determine the location of your knee pain: the Knee Pain Location Chart. Find out why knee buckling occurs and how to treat it by reading about it.

Symptoms Associated With Knee Buckling

Knee buckling is a common complaint among those who suffer from medial knee pain. Aside from knee buckling, you may experience other symptoms as well. Symptoms may include:

• Weak Knees

• Knee catching or locking

• An inability to bear weight on a leg

• Stiffness, swelling, or pain in the knees

• Range of motion is limited

• Joint popping, crunching, or creaking

• Knee Pain When Squatting

• Knee Pain When Hiking

If you are experiencing any symptoms, including those that do not directly affect your knees, you should inform your physician. By doing so, they will be able to make a more accurate diagnosis when assessing your symptoms.

Causes Of Knee Buckling

Causes of knee buckling as given below:

1- Quadriceps Insufficiency

Knee buckling is common when squatting, and weak quadriceps muscles cannot support your weight. Knee buckling is caused by a weakness in the quadriceps muscles on your front thigh.

2- Patellofemoral Dysfunction Syndrome

PFDS, or patellofemoral dysfunction syndrome, is a combination of several medical conditions and traumas to the knee joint that affects the normal function of the knee joint and can result in pain and knee buckling.

3- Torn Meniscus

A torn meniscus occurs when a portion of the meniscus (cartilage) tears. Injuries sustained in sports, particularly in football, are the most common cause of meniscus tears.

Typically, meniscus tears occur in the medial part of the knee and are more common in women than in men. Despite the fact that it is not a severe injury, it can cause further complications if left untreated.

4- Multiple Sclerosis

Several people with multiple sclerosis (MS) report knee buckling as a symptom. As a result of MS, your immune system attacks the protective covering that covers your nerves. There has not been much research on the relationship between knee buckling and multiple sclerosis. However, weakness and numbness in your legs are common MS symptoms that can cause your knee to buckle.

People with MS may experience a variety of symptoms that vary from person to person, but the following are some of the most common:

• Vision Loss

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Tremors

There is no cure for MS, but corticosteroid injections can help to reduce nerve inflammation in the legs. If your legs are stiff or spasm frequently, muscle relaxants may be beneficial.

5- Injury

A large number of knee instability cases are caused by injuries, either from high-impact activities, such as running, or from accidents. The following are common knee injuries:

• ACL tears

• Meniscus tears

• In the knee, there may be loose bodies (pieces of bone or cartilage floating around)

A knee injury can also cause pain and swelling in the affected knee in addition to instability.

Treatment of Knee Buckling

Knee buckling that is caused by an injury usually resolves after the underlying injury is treated. Physical therapy or surgery may be necessary depending on the type of injury. If possible, avoid placing pressure on your knee while you are recovering.

Depending on the cause of knee buckling, the treatment will differ. Treatment options include:

1- Rest, Ice, Compression, And Elevation (Rice)

This is a common method of treating minor injuries at home. It consists of resting the injured knee, applying ice, wrapping it snugly in a soft dressing, and elevating the leg to the maximum extent possible.

2- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Over-the-counter medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Knee buckling can be relieved and swelling can be reduced with the use of these devices.

The use of braces, bandages, and physical therapy tape can ease some of the pressure on the injured area and promote healing as well as allow individuals to continue moving as well as strengthen their muscles at the same time.

3- Physical Therapy

Individuals can learn techniques that will strengthen their muscles, increase their endurance, and improve their balance and coordination.

4- Reduction

During this procedure, a knee pain doctor in Dallas or therapist manipulates the kneecap back into its proper position.

5- Prescription Medications

The doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers if the pain and inflammation are more severe.

6- Surgery

A person with severe or chronic knee problems may require surgery in order to repair ligaments, tendons, and cartilage damage, as well as realign the kneecap.