What are Locked Knees: Causes, Diagnostics, and Treatment?

The knees are one of the most crucial joints of our entire body and probably the hardest working one. 

But sometimes you may feel that you are facing difficulties when you stretch or bend your legs. 

Usually, it feels painful and limits motion. This is what in medical terms known as locked knees.

Read through the blog to know what are locked knees, how to unlock a locked knee at home, Best locked knee exercises, & how to prevent knee locking. 

What Are Locked Knees?

The knees are designed to move up and down and rotate slightly.

When the knee is unable to perform functions, it can affect mobility and the ability to complete daily activities such as sitting, standing, squatting, or kneeling. 

Moreover, If the knee is not bent or straight, it is called a locked knee. 

There are two types of locked knees.

A True locked knee occurs when the knee joint is literally locked in place and cannot move. 

A Pseudo-locked knee occurs when pain makes it difficult to move the knee.

True Locked Knee

A truly locked knee occurs when something physically prevents the knee from straightening. 

If a person's knee is really locked, his knee will be in one position and he will not be able to move.

Pseudo Locked Knee

A pseudo locked knee joint occurs when severe knee pain causes cramps and contractions of the knee muscles.

It is an automatic defense mechanism that the body uses to prevent the knee from moving.

Preventing the knee in this way will help prevent further injuries.

Although muscle tension and inflammation can be painful to bend or straighten the knee, the knee itself is not physically immobile.

What are the Possible Causes of Locked Knee?

As we already know there are two types of locked knees, so let’s grab some information about the muscles causing the locking of the knee. 

Causes of True Locked Knee

A true locked knee can cause meniscus pain. The two menisci lie on a joint and resemble the handles of a bucket or the letter "C." 

Moreover, these menisci act as shock absorbers for the joint, help distribute body weight, ensure joint stability and prevent bone-crushing. 

Meniscus cracks are one of the most common types of knee injuries. 

Although, this can happen when you are doing an activity in which you bend or turn your knee sharply, especially when you have full weight.

The joint may become blocked if the torn part prevents the joint from moving properly.

Causes of Pseudo Locked Knee

Some of the basic causes of Pseudo locked knees are: 
•    Knee injury
•    A fracture
•    Dislocation or subluxation, especially of the kneecap bone bursitis
•    Tendonitis
•    Tendon tears

Now, let's quickly jump into how you can unlock locked knees.

How to Unlock A Locked Knee?

If your knee closes suddenly and cannot be opened, seek help and call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department.

If it is blocked and you can open it, call your doctor to discuss treatment options or schedule a visit.

The following information may also be helpful if you are considering treatment for a locked knee.

So, if you want assistance regarding the unlocking of locked knees, Dr. Ramakant who is the best Orthopedic Doctor in Patna can help you with the successful treatment. 

How Locked Knees are Treated?

If the knee is so painful that it prevents movement, it is important to consult a doctor. 

The doctor will examine the joint, check the relevant medical history, and, if necessary, request an image such as an X-ray, CT, or MRI.

If a genuinely damaged knee is diagnosed, surgery may be necessary to remove the damaged cartilage or bone fragment.

This operation is usually performed arthroscopically.

Several small incisions are made in the knee and a small camera is inserted to locate the exact side of the crack or injury.

The camera is also used to monitor the use of small tools that repair or remove damaged cartilage. 

After the operation, the wounds are sutured and covered with a bandage. 

Most patients leave the hospital after surgery and use crutches or braces to prevent pressure on the knee until the cartilage heals.

A pseudo-locked knee is usually resolved by effective pain treatment. 

The cause behind the knee lock will determine the appropriate treatment. Ice, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, and knee rest may be recommended. 

If this treatment does not relieve the pain, a local anesthetic can be applied to the knee.

Due to possible side effects, prescribed pain medications are rarely used in cases of the pseudo-locked knee.

Diagnosis of Locked Knee

During the examination, the doctor may squeeze or pull the knee to examine the joint. 

They can ask a person to run across the room and control their movement.

Sometimes a doctor may recommend diagnostic imaging for a thorough examination of the knee.

Examples of such tests include:
•    magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
•    computerized tomography (CT) scan
•    X-ray
•    Ultrasound

This brings us to the end of today's blog. Let's sum it all up with a final verdict.

The Conclusion

In this blog, you might have understood what locked knees are & how to pop a locked knee back into place. 

Though, if you have any further queries, just write us in the comment section below.