Notorious Knees
The knee is a common source of pain for a lot of us throughout our life span. There are some symptoms that, although quite painful, can be normal and treatable. There are others, however, that warrant further investigation from a health professional.
Here are five things to keep an eye on that your knee shouldn’t be doing:
1. Giving Way
Although this can occur in relation to weakness or lack of control, typically when related to an acute injury this is a major sign there is a structural issue with your knee. When experiencing giving way after an injury this can be commonly related to an anterior cruciate ligament or meniscal injury, sometimes both. This symptom, in the context of an injury, should always be further investigated via MRI. If not in the context of a recent injury it is wise to seek an assessment with a musculoskeletal health professional, such as a Physiotherapist, to determine the cause. In the context of children, it is always encouraged to determine the root cause of giving way as this should never be missed.
2. Locking
When you bend your knee, and find yourself stuck, whether due to pain or physically unable to move it, this is quite an accurate sign you could have meniscal tear. When bending your knee the meniscus are compressed. But when there is a large tear of your meniscus your thigh bone can become caught on the flap of your meniscal tear, creating locking. This can also be present in children, but indicates a more specific pathology called osteochondritis dissecans. Both always warrant further investigation with your health professional and/or MRI.
3. Catching
Similar to locking, catching can indicate a meniscal tear. However, they are typically smaller in size when there is no associated locking. Catching implies there is pain associated with knee bending or straightening. This also warrants an assessment with a health professional, such as Physiotherapist, to determine a plan and whether escalation with an orthopaedic surgeon is required in the future.
4. Knee Cap Continually Dislocating
A more obvious symptom. However, if you’re knee cap is continually coming out of place this is a clear sign there is a structural issue with the stability of your knee cap. This normally requires a review with an orthopaedic surgeon to determine the integrity of the ligament that acts to prevent knee dislocations.
5. Painfully Clicking
Our joints, knees included, can make all sorts of noises which don’t always indicate there is a major structural issue. This can simply be gas being released in the joint, the tendons or ligaments. However, when associated with pain, this becomes more of an indication there may be a structural issue. Typically, this is associated with a torn meniscus or irritation to your knee joint line.
If you’re curious about something your knee is doing - listed above or otherwise please feel free to give us a call or book in online - we are always happy to help in answering questions, assessing and treating your knee concerns!
— Robert Kirkby, Physiotherapist
