lOCKING Knee

[james hill]

I have been having a problem with my knee for approximately 3 years intermittantly. every once in a while a will maybe twist my knee this could be cause by anythin and has happened once when I just turned over in bed. My knee locks and I am unable to extend it fully. It does not swell up but I do suffer from pain towards the bottom of the knee on the inside. It also feels as if my knee cap has moved causing the locking. Then after wate can be anything between 2 hours to 3 weeks my knee will unlock and everything is fine. This is becoming a more recurrant problem and is now happening at least 1 a month. Does anyone havew any advice. I have been to a physio and they were unable to help as the knee will often unlock itself

Thanks

James

[Heidi]

Hi James,

This kind of locking is usually caused by a tear to the meniscus of the knee joint. These are two rings of cartilage which sit on top of the tibia (shin bone) and allow shock absorbtion and smooth movement of the femur (thigh bone) over the tibia.

A tear can happen quite easily, usually from twisting movements with the foot planted (this is the most common mechanism although others are possible).

This tear will then result in a flap of cartilage which can cause the knee to lock or sometimes feel unstable.

My advice would be, next time it locks, visit the Dr as soon as possible (best if it is still locked). Hopefully he/she will send you for an MRI scan. A meniscal tear will show up on such a scan (as would most other possible injuries...although this is the most common and likely).

Action can then be taken dependant on the findings.

I hope this helps,