“Why does my knee feel suddenly weak and buckle?”
I'm only 35, and my left knee feels very weak and it would often give out rather suddenly. Could I have damaged my knee? Should I see a doctor?
9 Answers
OrthopedistKneeJoints
If you didn't injure the knee, you may have pinched nerve in your lumbar spine. Top diagnoses would be meniscal tear vs pinched nerve. Ortho surgeon should be able to differentiate.
DK
DK
Possible problem with communication between the sensory nerves supporting the knee and the reception in the cerebral cortex .Such transient issues may indicate a disruption of signal or defective reception .Such conditions are associated with ligamentous sprains strains or disruptions. Or similar changes within the knee such as a meniscal tear or by a displaced meniscus. Orthopaedic examination would be imperative..A positive physical exam confirming knee instability or diminished coordination may merit clinical decision for advanced imaging studies such as an MRI or CT arthrogram .Patients with cardiac pace makers would be advised to proceed with a CT arthrogram.
See a doctor. Orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spine.
There are several reasons why a knee may “buckle”. It requires a careful review of past history, including previous injury, activity and surgery, meticulous physical examination and imaging.
It may be caused by patello-femoral pain, quad weakness, knee laxity due to previous ligamentous injury or various combination of these factors.
Best regards,
Nicola Fabbri
It may be caused by patello-femoral pain, quad weakness, knee laxity due to previous ligamentous injury or various combination of these factors.
Best regards,
Nicola Fabbri
You are experiencing knee instability. If it's a painless giving way, it could be coming from something weakened inside the knee, such as a ligament, or weakness in the muscles around the knee, such as the quad or hamstrings. If it's a painful giving way, there could be something inside the knee getting caught causing a reflexive giving way, such as meniscus or cartilage damage/injury or a loose body moving around inside the knee. If it's painful, see an orthopedic specialist right away. If it's not painful, you could consider trying to strengthen the knee (quads/hamstrings). If you're still having instability despite strengthening, you will definitely need to see an orthopedic specialist.
Steven M. DeLuca, DO
Steven M. DeLuca, DO
Hello,
The knee gets to have a natural wear by the use even more when a sport is done, the force gives the spinal roots and can cause spinal disc herniation, I recommend you seek an orthopedic doctor to help you solve your problem.
The knee gets to have a natural wear by the use even more when a sport is done, the force gives the spinal roots and can cause spinal disc herniation, I recommend you seek an orthopedic doctor to help you solve your problem.
If you do any sports, you can have possible internal knee injury which may manifest as giving way of the knee and pain. If symptoms are persistent, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon
The most common reasons are damage to the articular Cartlidge. This is the Cartlidge which covers the bones in the knee. It’s also fairly common when you have a meniscal tear. You could also have a weakness from a ligament injury. If despite rest, some mild exercise, use of an anti-inflammatory and time you do not see improvement then yes you should see a doctor. Generally I would give it at most 2 to 3 weeks and then see the physician.
Yes is the answer. If your knee truly gives out on you and in particular it swells, then see an orthopedic surgeon. It could be a variety of things, but should be checked out.
Hope it helps!
Dr. Bose
Hope it helps!
Dr. Bose
