Summary. The inability to bend or straighten the knee may be the result of a true locked knee (in which torn knee cartilage becomes wedged in the joint) or a pseudo-locked knee (in which severe knee pain triggers a defensive reaction that impedes knee movement).
Muscle strains — The muscles around the knee can become tight and strained, actually making it painful to bend. Arthritis — Breakdown of knee cartilage and the drying out of lubricating joint fluid can cause joint inflammation and associated stiffness and pain.
Knee pain when bending is a common problem for many people and can have numerous underlying causes. Osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, bursitis, ligament strain, and tendonitis are some of the most common causes. Bone fractures or infections in the joint may also cause knee pain.
The most common cause of a locked knee is a tear in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. Typically, once the cartilage has been torn or damaged, it gets stuck in the joint, making it difficult to move the knee.
Swelling or stiffness. Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee. Difficulty straightening your knee fully. Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.
Individuals with a meniscus tear often complain of pain along the joint line. They often have pain or weakness with bending the knee and sometimes they have a catching or locking sensation. With an acute tear, individuals may notice a lot of swelling in the knee and often report that they heard or felt a pop.
Heel Slides are a great exercise to improve knee bending, which is also called knee flexion. In this exercise, you will lie on your back and slide your heel towards you slowly, using a towel to gently pull your leg back. This exercise is held for 5 seconds once your knee is bent.
True knee locking, as caused by bone or cartilage damage, often requires surgery.
Red flags in physical examination
For those who are symptomatic can present with discoloration, pain, warmth, swelling, and tenderness of the affected extremity (11).
Schedule a doctor's visit
Make an appointment with your doctor if your knee pain was caused by a particularly forceful impact or if it's accompanied by: Significant swelling. Redness. Tenderness and warmth around the joint.
Knee bursitis facts
Localized swelling, warmth, and tenderness, as well as knee pain, often accompany bursitis of the knee. Bursitis is usually not infectious, but the bursa can become infected. Treatment of noninfectious bursitis includes rest, ice, and medications for inflammation and pain.
On average, most individuals have around 0 degrees of knee extension (a fully straightened knee) and 135 degrees of knee flexion.
For example, decreased knee flexion or extension ROM has been reported following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions, total knee arthroplasties, arthrofibrosis of the knee, and other musculoskeletal injuries involving the knee joint.
stiffness or swelling around your knee – the swelling may not start for a few hours or days. difficulty bending, straightening or moving your knee. your knee giving way when you try to stand. a crunching or clicking feeling when you move your knee.
The answer: a resounding yes! In fact, people with knee osteoarthritis who walk for exercise are significantly less likely to go on to develop worse pain, according to a 2022 study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology. Here are a few reasons why: Walking strengthens leg muscles.
Stiff Knee Summary
Treatment for stiff knee pain usually involves rest, physical therapy and medications such as anti-inflammatory and pain relievers. Recovery time will depend on the severity of the condition, but in general, it may take several weeks to months for the symptoms to fully subside.
Massaging the knee can be very beneficial if you are experiencing stiffness, pain, or swelling in your knees. Whatever the cause of your knee injury may be, massaging the knee can provide relaxation and take pressure off any nerves that may be causing you pain.
When your knee joint contains excess fluid, you might not be able to bend or straighten your leg completely. Pain. Depending on the cause of the fluid buildup, your knee might be very painful — to the point that it's impossible to bear weight on it.
Arthrofibrosis, or stiff knee syndrome, occurs when an excessive amount of scar tissue forms around the knee joint. It is not uncommon for people to experience arthrofibrosis following knee surgeries such as knee replacement or anterior cruciate ligament surgery.
You will have a physical examination to find out if you have a torn meniscus and to rule out other knee injuries. Your doctor will check both knees for tenderness, range of motion, and knee stability. X-rays are usually done. Based on your symptoms and the physical examination, your doctor may diagnose a meniscus tear.
Will a knee brace help a torn meniscus? Yes. Although knee braces do not heal or treat your meniscus tear directly, they can provide extra support and stability for your knee while your meniscus injury heals. A good brace will protect your knee and take the pressure off your meniscus, allowing it to rest.