What Causes Your Knee to Lock Up?

Disturbing Causes of a Locked Knee

A locked knee often results from a tear in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. When this cartilage tears, it can get caught in the joint, making it hard to move the knee. This condition can also lead to swelling, popping sounds, stiffness, and pain when standing, bending, or kneeling. Cartilage tears can result from sudden injury or gradual wear and tear on the knee.

Another cause of a true locked knee is a “loose body” in the joint, such as a small bone fragment. If this loose piece becomes wedged in the joint, it can cause locking. Loose bodies can form from knee fractures, arthritis, or even leftover objects from previous surgeries.

A locked knee is mainly identified by the inability to fully straighten the leg, and it may also be associated with swelling, a small movable lump, and joint stiffness.

A pseudo-locked knee, on the other hand, is when pain, rather than a physical blockage, prevents knee movement. You might feel like the knee is catching or locking, but it can sometimes move freely in certain ways.

This can be due to several issues, such as fractures, dislocation, bursitis, tendonitis, or inflammation from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Plica syndrome, a condition where a fold in the knee tissue becomes irritated, can also cause pain, swelling, and a locking or clicking sensation, making the knee feel unstable.

Another cause of pseudo locking is patellar maltracking, where the kneecap doesn’t move correctly. This can cause pain at the front of the knee when running, climbing stairs, or even sitting for long periods, making the knee feel unstable or as if it might lock.

Locked Knee Treatment

If your knee locks up repeatedly or is so painful that it limits movement, it’s essential to see a doctor. The doctor will examine the knee, review your medical history, and may order imaging tests, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to understand the issue.

Treatment for True Locked Knee

If the doctor diagnoses a true locked knee, the patient might need surgery to remove damaged cartilage or a loose bone fragment.

This is usually done through knee arthroscopy, with a small camera and tools inserted through small cuts in the knee. The camera helps the surgeon locate and repair or remove the damaged cartilage.

After surgery, the cuts are stitched and bandaged. Most patients can leave the hospital the same day and will use crutches or a knee brace to avoid putting weight on the knee while it heals.

Treatment for Pseudo Locked Knee

Depending on the cause, a pseudo-locked knee is usually treated by managing pain. Treatments may include resting the knee, applying ice, and using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

If these methods don’t relieve pain, a cortisone or local anesthetic injection might be given. Prescription pain medications are rarely used due to potential side effects.

Wrapping Up

Life can already be disturbing if your knee locks and pops when you move. Not being aware of what causes your knee to lock up can be another frustration.

Visit our accomplished orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Brown, at Barrette S. Brown, MD. Our doctor specializes in arthroscopic and open surgeries to repair shoulders and knees. Dial (346) 247-2531 to book an appointment.