Knee instability or buckling

Content provided by Healthwise

Knee instability or buckling

An unstable knee may not support your weight or may "buckle" when you try to walk on it. Trying to move the joint may cause severe pain. A child will protect his or her leg or may be unable to walk or stand.

Knee instability or buckling can have many causes, such as:

A fracture of the kneecap, the femur, or one or both of the bones of the lower leg.
A dislocation of the kneecap.
Injury to the ligaments and tendons that support the kneecap.
A tear in the tissue that cushions the inside of the joint (meniscus).
An old injury that never completely healed or that healed incorrectly.

Treatment for knee problems that cause instability or buckling may include medication, cold, heat, compression bandages and braces, physical therapy, and in some cases surgery.

Call your doctor if knee instability or buckling causes severe pain or interferes with your ability to walk or stand.

Credits

Print Email SHARE

Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	September 19, 2007

Print Email Twitter Facebook MySpace AIM More

Last updated:	September 19, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.