What Are The Causes of Knee Buckling?

Discover the surprising causes of knee buckling in this informative article.

Knee buckling is when your knee suddenly gives way or feels weak, and it can happen for many reasons. Here are the main causes of knee buckling:

• Knee Arthritis
• Injuries
• Nerve Damage
• Plica Syndrome
• Ligament Tears
• Meniscus Tears

Now, let’s dive deeper into each of these causes.

1. Knee Arthritis

Arthritis happens when the cartilage in your knee wears down over time. This makes your knee stiff and painful, which can cause it to buckle or give way. Two main types of arthritis affect the knee:

• Osteoarthritis: This type is caused by normal wear and tear on the knee joint as you age.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the joints, causing swelling and pain.

Both types of arthritis can make it hard to move around, and in severe cases, can cause the knee to buckle.

Treatment: At ArthritisKneePain.com, we offer a variety of treatments to help manage knee pain and improve knee function. Our approach focuses on non-surgical options to provide relief and support. These include:

• Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee, improve stability, and reduce pain.
• Viscosupplementation Injections: FDA-approved gel injections to lubricate the knee joint, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
• Knee Pain Management: Customized treatment plans that may include medications like anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce discomfort and improve daily function.
• Genicular Artery Embolization: For nerve pain related to knee osteoarthritis.
• PRP Therapy: To help accelerate healing with your own platelets.
• Knee Braces for Arthritis: To reduce pressure on the knee joint and alleviate pain.

These treatments are designed to help you manage knee pain and delay the need for surgery, so you can stay active and improve your quality of life.

2. Injuries

Knee injuries can also cause the knee to buckle. These injuries might happen from a fall, accident, or sports. Injuries can stretch or tear ligaments and tendons in your knee, making it unstable.

Common injuries and knee pain locations include:

• Sprains: This happens when ligaments get overstretched or torn.
• Fractures: A break in the bones of the knee can make the joint unstable.
• Tendinitis: Overusing the knee can cause inflammation in the tendons, leading to pain and weakness.

These injuries can make the knee feel weak, and cause it to buckle unexpectedly when walking or standing.

Treatment: Rest, ice, and physical therapy can help. Severe injuries may need surgery or more intensive care.

3. Nerve Damage

When nerves in the knee are damaged, they can send the wrong signals to the brain, which may cause the knee to buckle. Nerve damage can happen because of conditions like diabetes or past injuries. This damage can also cause numbness or a lack of feeling in the knee.

Treatment: Doctors may suggest physical therapy to help with balance and muscle control. Medications to relieve nerve pain can also be helpful. Additionally, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments may be recommended to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the knee, helping to alleviate pain and improve function. These non-surgical treatments aim to provide long-term relief and prevent further damage to the joint.

4. Plica Syndrome

Plica syndrome happens when a part of your knee, called the plica, becomes irritated. The plica is a fold in the tissue that was present when you were developing in the womb. If this fold gets irritated or inflamed, it can make your knee feel like it’s catching or locking.

Treatment: Rest and physical therapy are usually recommended to help reduce inflammation and prevent the knee from locking up.

5. Ligament Tears

Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that help keep your knee stable. If a ligament like the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or MCL (medial collateral ligament) gets torn, it can make the knee feel weak and cause it to buckle.

These injuries are common in sports and activities that involve sudden stops, jumps, or twists. When the ligament is damaged, it can no longer provide enough support to the knee.

Treatment: Often, physical therapy is used to strengthen the knee and improve stability. In some cases, surgery is needed, especially for a torn ACL.

6. Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is cartilage in your knee that cushions the bones. If the meniscus tears, it can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. You may feel like your knee is locking up or giving out.

Treatment: Rest, ice, and physical therapy can help with a minor meniscus tear. If the tear is more serious, surgery might be necessary to repair the tear.

How Is Knee Buckling Diagnosed?

If your knee keeps buckling, it’s important to see a doctor. They will examine your knee and may order tests like X-rays or an MRI to find out what’s causing the issue. Knowing the exact cause helps doctors recommend the best treatment for you.

How to Treat Knee Buckling

If your knee pain and buckling are getting in the way of your life, talk to a healthcare provider to come up with a treatment plan that works for you.

• Physical Therapy: Customized exercises can strengthen knee-supporting muscles, improving stability and function.
• Weight Management: Reducing excess weight decreases the strain on knee joints, which can help alleviate pain.
• Assistive Devices: Knee braces or orthotics can provide additional support and stability during movement.
• Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and inflammation.
• Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections may help alleviate severe pain and improve mobility.

Consult with a healthcare professional to devise a suitable treatment strategy tailored to individual needs. The right approach makes it achievable to manage knee buckling and its associated pain.

If you’re struggling with knee buckling and seeking advanced knee pain relief without surgery, opioids, or downtime, Arthritis Knee Pain Centers is here for you. Join over 60,000 patients who have found relief through our innovative treatments.

Our expert physicians utilize advanced digital imaging to administer FDA-approved viscosupplementation gel injections, aiming to increase your mobility, reduce pain, delay surgery, and decrease the need for pain medications. Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer. Schedule Your No Charge Screening today and take the first step towards a more active and comfortable life.