Knee stops bending

[Monkeymorgan]

I'm and 18 year old girl and have undiagnosed knee, hip and back problems. When I'm doing stances in karate sometimes one or both knees will just not bend past some random point. I can't bend them and my instructor can't. He got down and pulled pretty hard on my lower leg and my knee didn't move at all. It doesn't hurt when it happens it is just frustrating. Any ideas on what might be going on would be great and very much appreciated. I'm not sure when it started happening because I wasn't aware of it until a year ago. I have had bilateral knee pain for 5 years and the hip and back pain started within the last year.

[Monkeymorgan]

I have had x-rays and MRIs of my knees and hips and everything always shows up fine. What would not show up on those that might cause it?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. Possibilities that may need to be considered include structural abnormalities with the bone, loose bodies, growths/ masses affecting movement, muscular issues etc. I would suggest getting this evaluated by an orthopedician or a sports medicine specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!