Conditions or injuries affecting any of the bones, ligaments, or other joint components in the knee can result in knee buckling. It’s a fairly common symptom, affecting
This article explains in more detail the possible causes of knee buckling. It also looks at how to treat knee buckling, when to contact a doctor, and more.
What causes knee buckling?
There are numerous causes of knee buckling, including injury to the knee, joint damage due to a chronic condition, and other conditions that affect other areas of your body.
Knee injury
Knee injuries can happen suddenly, such as following a fall or during contact sports. This can result in:
- dislocation
- fracture, such as patella fracture
- meniscus or cartilage tear
- tendon rupture, such as patella or quad tendon rupture
- strain or sprain, such as in the quad
- ligament tears or injuries, including:
- a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- a medial collateral ligament (MCL)
A knee injury can make your knees feel weak, making it difficult to bear weight. This can cause your knee, or both knees, to buckle.
Learn more about knee injuries.
Joint damage
Joint damage to your knee can gradually worsen due to a chronic condition.
Osteoarthritis
One cause of joint damage is osteoarthritis (OA). OA affects
OA occurs when the joint cartilage breaks down. It usually happens over time. Alongside the knees, it most commonly affects the hands and hips.
OA can cause your knees to feel swollen and stiff. They can also be painful. Certain factors increase your risk of OA and related knee buckling, including:
- repetitive knee bending or placing stress on the joints
- aging, as it typically occurs later in life as a result of wear and tear
- obesity, as extra weight can cause damage to weight-bearing joints like the knees
- having a family member with OA
Learn more about osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also cause affect the knees. It is an autoimmune condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. This inflammation can cause the knee joints to become unstable and move around.
Most people with RA receive a diagnosis between ages 40–60 years. However, it can affect people at any time.
Factors such as obesity and cigarette smoking can increase your risk of RA.
Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis.
Other causes
Other possible causes of knee buckling include:
- balance problems
- nerve problems
- multiple sclerosis (MS), which affects the nerves and may cause balance problems
- obesity
Contact your doctor if you frequently experience knee buckling. There are many possible causes of knee buckling or knee instability, and they will need to identify the cause of the symptom and treat any underlying condition.
What are the medical treatments for knee buckling?
Medical treatments for knee buckling can depend on the cause. If a chronic condition is responsible for knee buckling, your doctor may prescribe medication to help alleviate symptoms. This can include:
- muscle-strengthening medication such as dalfampridine to alleviate mobility problems caused by MS
- medications to treat RA, which can include:
- disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- corticosteroids
- medications to treat OA, which can include:
- NSAIDs
- analgesics such as acetaminophen
- corticosteroids
- hyaluronic acid injections
Your doctor may also refer you to a physical therapist, who can help you strengthen supporting muscles and restore knee function.
If you need surgery following an injury to your knee, your doctor can advise on the type of surgery and what to expect.
It is important to ask any questions you may have about the treatments your doctor recommends to make an informed decision about what is right for you.
What are the home remedies for knee buckling?
You can take steps at home to help alleviate painful joints and encourage healing. This can include:
- RICE, which stands for “rest, ice, compression, elevation”
- rest your knees in between activities, and make sure to rest if you start to experience any pain
- apply ice or a cool pack to painful or swollen knees for around 20 minutes every 2–3 hours
- wrap a bandage around your knee to gently compress the area and encourage blood flow
- prop your legs up on a pillow or similar to keep them elevated when sitting down
- keeping stiff joints warm by applying heat therapy, taking a warm shower, or soaking in a warm bath
- taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication
- using a walking aid such as a cane to support you when moving around
If you feel you may fall, have balance issues, or have fallen, use a walker at all times until a physical therapist has cleared you.
What exercises can help with knee buckling?
Your doctor may recommend some gentle exercises to help strengthen muscles and restore function in your knees. They may also refer you to a physical therapist, who can help you create a rehabilitation exercise plan.
It is important to seek medical advice before beginning a new exercise regime to ensure it’s the right type of exercise for you. Examples of knee buckling exercises your doctor or physical therapist may recommend include:
- walking
- swimming or other water exercises
- straightening and raising your legs while sitting in a chair
- stretching the muscles by bending and straightening your knees when sitting or lying down
- crossing and uncrossing your legs
- using a stationary bike
Discover more exercises for knee arthritis.
Are there any symptoms related to knee buckling?
Depending on the cause of knee buckling, you may experience symptoms alongside knee buckling. Possible symptoms include:
- catching or locking sensation in the knee
- inability to bear weight on the leg
- knee pain, swelling, or stiffness
- limited range of motion
- popping, crunching, or creaking noises in the joint
- quadricep weakness
Inform your doctor of any symptoms you may be experiencing, including any that do not directly affect your knees. This can help them to reach an accurate diagnosis when assessing your symptoms.
Learn more about knee symptoms.
When should I see a doctor?
Knee buckling can cause falls and injuries. Contact a doctor as soon as possible and use a walker or wheelchair in the meantime. Also, knee buckling can indicate an underlying knee injury or chronic condition. Talk with a doctor if you have concerns about knee instability. This includes experiencing knee buckling with or without pain.
Tell your doctor about any other symptoms you’re experiencing. Your doctor will use this information to reach a diagnosis and advise on treatment.
Learn more about when to see a doctor for knee pain.
How do doctors diagnose the cause of knee buckling?
To assist with diagnosing the cause of knee buckling, your doctor will ask about your medical history and examine you.
They may then order tests for your knees, such as:
They may also conduct tests to assess the ability of your knees. Your doctor can explain the tests, so you’ll know what to expect.
What are the complications of knee buckling?
Knee buckling can result in an injury if you lose your balance and fall. Falling increases the risk of further injury, including fractures.
Untreated knee injuries can accelerate the development of knee osteoarthritis and reduced mobility. Contact your doctor if you have concerns about knee buckling to begin treatment as soon as possible and reduce your risk of complications.
How do I prevent knee buckling?
If knee buckling occurs due to a chronic condition, following the treatment plan your doctor prescribes can help reduce the risk of knee buckling.
Performing exercises to strengthen the knees may also help prevent knee buckling. Your doctor or physical therapist can advise on which exercises can help.
Walking with a cane or other mobility aid can help prevent falling or becoming injured if you experience knee buckling.
Summary
Knee buckling occurs following injury to the knee or as a result of a chronic condition such as arthritis or MS. Medical treatments and home remedies can help reduce the risk of knee instability and alleviate associated pain.
Contact your doctor if you experience knee buckling. Buckling knees can increase your risk of falls and related injuries, so it’s important to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
