When the knee joint catches or sticks, it is called knee locking. It can be difficult to bend or straighten your leg. It can happen when you walk, climb stairs, or stand up from a chair. If it happens repeatedly, do not wait for it to settle down, consult an orthopedic doctor in Indore.
Two kinds of locks
- True locking: a mechanical block in the joint, often due to a torn meniscus or a loose fragment of cartilage or bone
- Pseudo-locking: The knee feels stuck due to pain, swelling, or muscle spasm. No mechanical block.
Typical causes
- Meniscal tears
- Intra-articular loose bodies
- Damage to cartilage
- Ligament injuries (like a torn ACL)
- Osteo arthritis
- Kneecap Troubles
Related symptoms
- Pain and swelling
- A sensation of catching or clicking
- Unable to straighten your knee fully.
- Sensing the knee buckle
Medical Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine the knee and usually recommend an X-ray and MRI to find out why it is happening.
Treatment:
Milder cases may respond to rest, medication, and physical therapy. If a mechanical block is present, an orthopedic surgeon in Indore may suggest arthroscopic surgery to repair or trim a torn meniscus or remove loose fragments. Keyhole surgery is where they do little cuts, and you recover quickly.
Why turn a blind eye
Repeated locking can damage cartilage and accelerate joint wear.
Prevention
Strengthening the thigh muscles, warming up before activity, keeping a healthy weight and avoiding sudden twisting on a bent knee.
If your knee locks, catches or gives way, book a consultation for a clear diagnosis and right treatment plan.
