Is there a term for this constant knee problem I've been having?

[kdizzleforizzle91]

I've had a serious knee issue for a few years, but it's been giving me issues several times over the last few weeks.

Basically what happens is that whenever I go down on my knees, squat, or kneel (anything where my knees are bent), then try to stand back up and straighten my legs, my knee locks up, pulls/stretches, grinds and pops. Then my knee feels sore and a little swollen and it can hurt to walk on it for an hour or so. Sometimes the pain also radiates down to my ankle. This pretty much only happens with my right knee.

I'm not sure if it's arthritis, a torn muscle/joint/ligament issue, or something else. I'll be going to the doctor to get it checked out soon, but I'm just wondering if anyone has an idea of what it might be so I can find a way to deal with it until then.

[JSmith925]

It is typically one of two conditions. Either torn cartilage or a foreign body. The term foreign body is a little misleading because it turns out to be a small piece of extra cartilage that gets in the way.

In both cases, the torn or extra piece slips into the joint and locks it as you are straightening out. The result is often swelling and tenderness.

This is a very rudimentary explanation. You have to see an orthopedic surgeon and get an MRI for explicit answers. Orthoscopic surgery is the solution.

[Remonster]

I have a similar issue as the Asker. Thanks for this explanation, it makes sense. I should see a doc about it.

[kdizzleforizzle91]

@Remonster, I'm glad someone else could benefit from my question. Good luck on getting it taken care of and let me know what you find out!

[JSmith925]

Good. By the way, if it is a foreign body, the prognosis for recover is nearly 100%. If it is torn cartilage, somewhat less but exercise helps a lot.

[nfigure]

Ouch! That sounds awful. >< The others here have provided some pretty good advice, I think. I just hope your doctor can give you an explanation and solution that works, and that you feel better soon!

[kdizzleforizzle91]

Thanks for the good thoughts. I've actually thought about it and I think I'll wait on seeing a doctor. I had some issues with my ankle on the same leg for a few months. She told me to stretch it and gave me some prescription strength ibuprofen and said to lose weight... And seeing as losing weight takes time, I'm not in the mood to hear that lecture again. Until I lose some weight to see how much that helps, I'll just need to be careful and keep my limitations in mind. I can walk and bend my knee in simple ways like that, or when sitting on the couch. It's when I'm bearing down and putting more weight on my knee like kneeling or squating, or if I turn my leg at an angle then try to straighten it.. it gets locked up. Sorry for that rant lol.

[nfigure]

@kdizzleforizzle91 Haha no problem! -- rant away if it helps. =P And yeah I see your reasoning. So there's no pain or problems when you sit down in a normal seat and stand up again from it (like a chair, or getting in and out of cars, etc.)? Or when you walk and run either?

[kdizzleforizzle91]

Nope, all that stuff is completely fine. It's strange. I can't even shave my legs standing. Anything that makes me have to simultaneously bend/twist my leg at an angle then straighten out, then it locks up, pulls/stretches, pops, and has intense pain for an hour or so. It's happened randomly over the past few years, maybe once every few months, but VERY frequently for the past month.

[nfigure]

Oh I see. =(

[BellePepper]

The only way to know for sure is to go to see a doctor :c

I'd be sure to make a list of specific movements that cause the problem. You could try some different types braces and see if that helps at all.

[Kaylove96]

You should go see a doctor. I have a similar issue with my left knee but I've popped out my left kneecap 4 times and I even had an orthopedist and did physical therapy even though I quit early.