Knee Locking Up? Here's What to Know
Victoria was enjoying her early retirement. Plenty of walks with friends, Saturday visits to the farmer’s market, weekly pickleball get-togethers – she was living the life she’d dreamed of. But what started as minor knee pain took a turn for the worse, with inflammation, popping sounds, and even occasional locking up of the knee.
Victoria began to worry. Was this something that would pass, or was she going to have to alter her lifestyle to adjust to a more limited lifestyle?
Victoria isn’t alone. Many people suffer from issues with their knees, including having them lock up when walking or engaged in other activities. This can be caused by many different issues, and the best way to treat the problem will depend upon which is the main cause. Let’s examine some of the reasons why someone like Victoria (or you) may suffer from locking knees.
How your knee works
Your knee is a marvel of engineering that serves as a hinge between the femur and calf bones. The ends of these two bones are surrounded by synovial fluid which acts as a cushion between the two. Additionally, layers of cartilage cushion and protect the bones from rubbing against each other.
Causes of knee locking
There are a number of reasons why this well-oiled piece of anatomical machinery breaks down and starts locking up.
Injury. As a result of trauma, the cartilage in your knee can tear or flake off, jamming the space between the bones and causing locking. Small bone chips can have the same effect.
- Inflammation. Inflammation caused by injury or arthritis can cause stiffness or locking.
- Aging. Knees don’t last forever. Over time the knee joint will suffer damage that can cause locking this is particularly common if you engage in physical labor, sports, or vigorous exercise.
Treatments
Treatment of a locking knee will vary depending upon the underlying cause.
In the case of injury, particularly torn cartilage, surgery may be necessary to remove or trim the torn cartilage.
- Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee and improve mobility will often help in alleviating some knee locking issues.
- Anti-inflammatory medications and supplements can decrease the inflammation with contributes to cases of knee locking.
Supplements can help manage joint inflammation
Tacking inflammation in your knees and other joints can help alleviate issues like knee locking. And they can help with other joint issues, like chronic joint pain as well. While over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen can provide relief, extended use of these drugs may have side effects.
Another smart course is the use of all-natural therapeutic herbal supplements, like the combination found in UnFlame Herbal Supplement. This physician-developed and 100% natural herbal remedy attacks the root causes of painful inflammation in a safe, natural way. Try UnFlame for the relief you seek.
