my knee doesn't want to work!

[monotreme]

I would like an opinion if this is a neurological problem or not.  My right knee keeps buckling on me.  I can't use my right leg to go up steps and today am taking an elevator at work.   There is no pain, no swelling, and I did not fall on it.

It has been happening on and off since last winter but lately it is happening every week for a day or two.  When I walk, my knee just wants to keep buckling and like I said, steps and hills are out of the question.

Has this happened to others??  I am afraid to go to a doctor  about it because there is no sign of injury or swelling of any kind.  I am hoping it will eventually stop happening again but was wondering if anybody could give me some insight on this problem.

Thanks,
Craig

[essdipity]

Hi Virginia and welcome.

Please note that the thread you are responding to is approaching 3 years old. Few of our members read these.

If you'd like, start a new thread of your own and tell us about yourself and your symptoms.

Best of luck,
ess

[VirginiaW]

I had my first physical therapy appointment today and was sent home with some easy exercises to do twice a day. I am greatly encouraged. I will do the exercises with both legs.  I have three more appointments.

[VirginiaW]

I've had your same symptoms just recently. My knee buckled backwards. Turns out my kneecap was out of its groove a little bit. First the buckling caused no pain, but then suddenly became excruciating. Turns out one muscle is weaker than others and so they are playing tug of war with my knee. I start physical therapy tomorrow to strengthen the one.
I dread it. I can't imagine using a machine in public.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

The weakness would definitely be a contributing factor.  Sounds like a strengthening program would be very beneficial.  To start building things up.  Even with nerve damage strenghtening is possible.

With your legs so weak getting stuck in a wheelchair is a real possibility unless you do something about it.  Geez, I can imaging that even moving in bed and getting dressed would be a chore by now.

Problem will become that the less you do, the less you will be able to do.   Vicious cycle....

Of course it would need to be graded so that you don't get too fatigued.  Sounds like you need a new PT.

Hope that this helps.

Sally

[T-lynn]

A few years back I experienced what you are.I could be standing and the knee would go,no pain no nothing.It lasted a few months and out of the blue it disappeared and have only dealt with a few times.

The bike will be an asset for you,I found that to be greatly benificial after my last attack,when I couldn't walk.

I hope you get the same results in time,okay real soon.

T

[monotreme]

My thighs are very weak.  I can't squat at all.  Can't lift my legs when sitting or lying so I guess that is why my knee buckles.

I actually did have a PT assessment.  The therapist prescribed some exercises and told me it would be a good idea not to push myself and actually try and take a walk with my family!  He did not address my knee buckling.

He also put recombant bike on my therapy plan.
Thanks for the help you two!
Craig

[Quixotic1]

Buckling of the knee can be from many causes, the primary is pain, which you don't have.  The other is weakness of the muscle that forces the knee straight (the best position for support).  This is mainly the quads.  Can you hold a slight squat?  Standing with slightly bent knees?  Can you do knee extensions (I think that's what they are called)  Seated, you extend the leg out straight.

I recommend that you get a full PT assessment of your current muscle strength and tone.  That would pinpoint a localized weakness and give you ways to strengthen the muscles that can be strengthened (that still have a good signal from the motor nerves).

My right knee buckles, but it does it from snapping backward (hyperextension).  I think this is from the spasticity I have.  It will often snap backwards as I step down off a step or curve if I am not paying attention.

Quix, in all majesty and highnessness  ;)

[Momzilla]

Gosh, I don't know.  Could it have to do with your bone density?  I don't know that it would affect your joint like that, though...

Puzzling, and I bet frustrating.  So sorry it's bugging you.  Wanted to write.  Hopefully Her Royal Majesty will be able to answer with some level of know-it-allness.  She does know it all usually.

Hope it settles down.  Do mention it to your doc.  

Zilla*