In knee locking, a person becomes unable to straighten or bend their legs from one position to another. Locked knees may be present for a short period of time or may persist for longer periods. Knees are capable of flexing, but not fully extending. It is sometimes painful and ineffective to passively overcome these types of limitations. Furthermore, bursitis, arthritis, or musculoskeletal causes may be the possible reasons behind locked knee. True locking and pseudo locking are two types of knee locking. It is better to visit a doctor at a pain management clinic, he will diagnose the exact cause and type of knee locking and will prepare the best treatment plan for you.
Types Of Knee Locking
To move further, it is better to be aware of types of knees locking first. Here are given two types of knee locking.
- True Knee Locking
In true knee locking- “jamming” the joint mechanism occurs which does not allow you to straighten your leg when you try to do so. This phenomenon may occur for a short period of time, like it may disappear to reappear again.
- Pseudo Locking
When spams, pain, or swelling occur around the knee and prevent you from fully straightening your leg is known as pseudo locking.
Conditions Related To Knee Locking
Here are possible conditions related to knee-locking
- Loose Bodies
Recurring knee movement knocks off unstable cartilage pieces, creating loose bodies that can jam and block the knee joint, causing locking symptoms. It is recommended to promptly remove them if they continuously hinder knee movement, even when pushed to the back of the knee joint.
- Arthritis
People with arthritis mostly face knee locking, particularly those who are old enough. As knees support a great deal of body weight they are more prone to a great deal of wear and tear. When this joint is inflamed, the movement of the knees gets stuck. This type of inflammation mostly occurs due to an earlier fracture or from recurrent injury in sports. Moreover, knee locking resulting from arthritis can be alleviated with steroid injections, prescription pain medications, and movement therapy as well. If the problem has increased to a great extent and to restore its mobility, a total knee replacement may be required.
- Bursitis
The inflammation of the bursa in the knees, which is a fluid-filled pad that cushions the joint can lead to knee locking. Activities that require kneeling like gardening can be the common cause of prepatellar bursitis. During this condition, pain and swelling occur around the top of the kneecap. During falls or sports, it may get injured.
A Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is a shock-absorbing pad of fibrocartilage that is located in the knee joint. Over-rotation, a sudden twist due to extreme pressure can lead to rip and stretch. Tears of C-shaped meniscal tears and the resulting flap of torn tissues can slip into and get caught in the joint.
- ACL Rupture
The ACL can be damaged in a variety of ways, as is one of the sensitive and strongest ligaments in the knee joint that provides flexibility and stability. One of the more severe conditions is a rupture, which leads to the separation of ligaments from the entire body. As a result, the joint can become locked due to a stump of ligamentous tissues in the joint.
Diagnosing a Locked Knee
There are different techniques to diagnose a locked knee, which may start from a physical examination to an MRI. These are given below.
- Medical History
A medical history review is included as well as a review of the events leading up to the occurrence of the issue.
- Physical Examination
The type of locked knee you have can usually be determined by a physical examination.
- X-ray
An X-ray of the knee is most commonly ordered first. The test may reveal fractures, loose bones, or acute swellings within the joint.
- MRI
An X-ray may be inconclusive, in which case an MRI scan may be ordered. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a better image of soft tissues and can reveal problems with cartilage, ligaments, or tendons. An MRI typically reveals tears in the meniscus.
- Blood Tests
Blood tests may be ordered if a health care provider suspects an infection or autoimmune disease, such as:
- Detection of C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Test for rheumatoid factor (RF)
- The ESR test measures the sedimentation rate of erythrocytes
Treatment of Knee Locking
Knee locking either true or pseudo can be treated with non-surgical and surgical treatment.
- Non-surgically treatment
Locked knees can be treated at home if due to some conditions you are unable to reach the hospital on time.
- Ice the knee soon.
- Try to elevate your knee above your heart slowly
- Stop all activity and give rest to your knee.
- Wrap the knee safely with an elastic bandage.
- Call your primary care physician to request an appointment as soon as possible
- Physical therapy may also be beneficial in addition to the above.
- A variety of exercises stretches, and movements will be taught that will assist you in improving the function of your knee. Inflammation and pain in the knee may be reduced as a result of exercises and stretches.
- Doctors may administer an injection of cortisone to ease pain or swelling in a painful or swollen joint.
- Surgical Treatment of Locked Knees
Depending on the severity of knee locking and no relief from non-surgical methods, the doctor may suggest you pass through knee arthroscopy.
- Arthroscopy surgery
- It may be necessary to undergo arthroscopic surgery if your knee is permanently locked due to a mechanical block or if intermittent locking persists despite non-surgical treatment.
- Knee arthroscopy involves inserting a camera and specialized tools into the knee to perform a minimally invasive procedure.
- Your orthopedic surgeon is able to view the inside of your knee joint through this device.
- In the end, it is able to address a variety of knee problems.
Outlook
Several factors are involved in causing the locked knee, which everybody should be aware of to avoid it in a better way. RICE protocol has been proven the best treatment at home along with anti-inflammatory medications. But when this becomes out of control, the doctor may prescribe you a surgical procedure. For a healthy and strong knee, you should consult your physician about a variety of preventative exercises and stretches. Pain Care Clinic Fort Worth is always available to assist you and get rid of this condition with the help of specialized doctors.
