Knee buckling is caused by ligament injuries and can be treated depending on the extent of instability. Anti-inflammatory medication and pain relievers can help, and diagnosis involves physical examination and sometimes x-rays. Treatment may include realignment, strengthening exercises, and stability braces. Relief can be achieved in one to three months.
Knee buckling, also called buckling, refers to the knee subluxating, or abnormal opening, during certain activities. Typically, this instability is related to a chronic or acute ligament injury called the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament. Ligament tears that can cause instability in the knee can be caused by twisting or rotating in such a way that a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament is initiated.
Many people assume when they experience knee failure that they are experiencing true knee instability. Most often, this is not the case. When patients complain of knee instability while walking, they usually describe patellofemoral dysfunction and not an unstable knee. While the symptoms may be similar, the affected structures differ.
Generally, treatment of this condition depends on the extent or degree of instability and whether the injury is chronic or acute. Typically, most grade 1 to 2 injuries can be treated successfully without surgery; these injuries are usually ligament tears that are not complete. Most grade 3 knee injuries are classified as complete tears. Usually, grade 3 injuries that cause instability typically require reconstruction or surgical repair.
Mild to moderate knee injuries that cause instability can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications. Often, knee problems and pain are associated with swelling. Anti-inflammatory drugs are not only effective in treating inflammation or swelling, they are also effective pain relievers. In patients who cannot take these drugs, prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers may be taken. While they are not effective in treating swelling, they can help relieve pain.
Typically, to diagnose knee buckling, the doctor will ask the patient to walk, straighten, and flex the knee. The doctor can then palpate or feel the kneecap and the area around it to determine if there is bone misalignment or if the muscles are weak. Sometimes, x-rays will be taken to determine if the kneecap is aligned correctly.
If it is determined that the knee is dislocated, it may need to be put back into its correct position. Many times, your doctor may manually apply gentle pressure to your knee and bring it back into proper alignment. This procedure, in addition to strengthening exercises and the use of a stability brace, can be effective in relieving the symptoms of knee failure. With proper and effective treatment, the patient often gets relief in one to three months.
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