Summary about Disease
Locked knee, also known as a knee joint locking, is a condition where the knee joint becomes stuck in a bent or straight position, making it difficult or impossible to move. This can be a painful and debilitating condition that limits mobility. True locking prevents any movement, while pseudo-locking involves pain or the sensation of catching that limits motion.
Symptoms
Inability to fully straighten or bend the knee
Sharp pain when attempting to move the knee
A feeling of the knee being stuck or catching
Swelling around the knee joint
Clicking or popping sensations in the knee
Giving way of the knee (instability)
Causes
Meniscal Tears: A torn meniscus (cartilage in the knee) can become lodged in the joint, blocking movement. This is the most common cause of true locked knee.
Loose Bodies: Fragments of cartilage or bone can break off and float within the joint, causing locking.
Ligament Injuries: Tears in ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), can lead to instability and locking.
Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of cartilage can cause bone spurs or loose bodies to form, leading to locking.
Synovial Plica Syndrome: An irritated plica (fold in the knee joint lining) can become trapped, causing locking.
Dislocation: While more severe, a dislocated patella (kneecap) or entire knee can cause a locked sensation.
Muscle Spasms: Spasms in surrounding muscles can sometimes mimic a locked knee.
Tumors: Rarely, tumors within the joint can cause mechanical blockage.
Medicine Used
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation. Prescription pain medications might be necessary for more severe pain.
Corticosteroid Injections: Injections into the knee joint can reduce inflammation and pain, temporarily improving mobility.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation): Injections to lubricate the joint.
Muscle Relaxants: If muscle spasms are contributing to the locking, muscle relaxants may be prescribed.
Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): For locking related to rheumatoid arthritis.
Is Communicable
No, locked knee is not a communicable disease. It is a mechanical or structural problem within the knee joint and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Precautions
Proper Warm-Up and Stretching: Before physical activity, warm up muscles and stretch, especially the hamstrings and quadriceps.
Strengthening Exercises: Strengthen the muscles around the knee (quadriceps, hamstrings, calf muscles) to provide support and stability.
Proper Technique: Use correct form when exercising or participating in sports to avoid injuries.
Appropriate Footwear: Wear supportive shoes that fit well and are appropriate for the activity.
Avoid Overuse: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of activity to avoid overloading the knee joint.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the knee joint.
Bracing: Use a knee brace if recommended by a doctor or physical therapist.
Ergonomics: Optimize your workspace to minimize strain on your knees, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting.
Avoid sudden twisting movements of the knee.
How long does an outbreak last?
Locked knee is not an "outbreak" situation like an infectious disease. The duration of a locked knee episode depends on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. A single locking episode can last from a few minutes to several hours or even days. Without treatment, the underlying condition causing the locking can persist indefinitely, leading to recurrent episodes. With appropriate treatment (physical therapy, medication, or surgery), the condition can resolve, and the locking episodes can cease.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: A doctor will examine the knee, checking for range of motion, swelling, tenderness, and stability. They will also inquire about the patient's medical history and the circumstances surrounding the locking episode.
Medical History: Detailing any past knee injuries, arthritis or other relevant conditions.
Imaging Tests:
X-rays: To visualize bones and identify any fractures or arthritis.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, such as ligaments, cartilage, and menisci. This is often used to identify meniscal tears, ligament injuries, and loose bodies.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography): May be used in specific cases to visualize bone structures in more detail.
Arthroscopy: In some cases, arthroscopy (a minimally invasive surgical procedure) may be performed to directly visualize the inside of the knee joint and diagnose the cause of locking.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the locked knee:
Acute Locking (Sudden Onset): Often associated with a sudden injury, such as a meniscal tear or ligament injury. The locking may occur immediately after the injury or develop shortly thereafter.
Intermittent Locking: Occurs sporadically, with periods of normal knee function in between locking episodes. This can be caused by loose bodies or a partially torn meniscus.
Gradual Locking: Develops over time, often associated with osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions. The knee may gradually become more difficult to move until it eventually locks.
Pseudo-locking: Where the knee does not truly lock but feels like it due to pain or a catching sensation. This may be due to inflammation or minor soft tissue irritation.
Important Considerations
Seek Medical Attention: It is essential to seek medical attention for a locked knee, especially if it is a new or recurrent problem. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications.
Underlying Cause: The treatment approach will depend on the underlying cause of the locked knee.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, focusing on strengthening muscles, improving range of motion, and restoring stability.
Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in some cases, such as for meniscal tears, ligament repairs, or removal of loose bodies.
Prevention: Taking precautions to prevent knee injuries can help reduce the risk of locked knee.
Compliance with Treatment: Following the doctor's and physical therapist's recommendations is essential for a successful recovery.
Long-Term Management: Some conditions, such as osteoarthritis, may require long-term management to prevent recurrent locking and maintain knee function.