Description
What Does Instability Mean?
Knee Instability typically stems from an accident or a sports injury that results in a sprain of one or more of the major knee ligaments.
People will often tell me their knee feels “weird”, “off”, “wobbly”, “loose”, or simply “not right”.
NOTE: Physicians and Physical Therapists often use the word “Instability” differently. To a physical therapist, there is a spectrum of what instability means. This spectrum includes a range from looseness (laxity) that can be resolved with strengthening alone and extends all the way to rupture/ pathological instability that requires surgical stabilization. To most physicians and surgeons, the use of the word “unstable” or “instability” more often than not refers to an unstable structure that must be surgically corrected.
What are the Major Knee Ligaments?
ACL= Anterior Cruciate Ligament. This is the one that people have heard of the most. Prevents the shin bone from sliding forward excessively. When torn, it typically requires surgical intervention.
MCL= Medial Collateral Ligament. Supports the inside of the knee. Unless severely torn, typically does not require surgical intervention.
LCL= Lateral Collateral Ligament. Supports the outside of the knee. Unless severely torn, typically does not require surgical intervention.
PCL= Posterior Cruciate Ligament. Prevents the shin bone from sliding backward excessively. Surgical intervention is rare.
Do I Need to See a Physician?
Generally, when in doubt, consult with your physician. For Knee Instability, indicators that you should see your physician are:
- You have a significant loss of knee movement. Full knee straight is critical for good walking mechanics. A reasonable amount of knee bend is needed to fit your leg into a car or sit in a chair comfortably.
- Significant swelling that does not resolve over time (several months of swelling).
- Your knee buckles and collapses frequently.
Jenny’s Hallmark Signs of Knee Instability:
- Knee feels “off” or “wobbly”. Desire for knee to feel “stronger”.
- Low level swelling at the knee.
- Decreased tolerance to prolonged activities (e.g. walking and standing).
- Inability to participate in athletic/ recreational activities.
Dr. Jenny Prewitt’s Knee Instability Tip Sheet Intro:
If this sounds like your pain, the Knee Instability Tip Sheet is likely for you. Use links above to get your Tip Sheet and start Your Road to Recovery now!
Jenny’s Knee Instability Gadgets & Gizmos:
Reminder from Jenny Regarding Gadgets & Gizmos: “Everyone should always try to get better without buying anything. So many people hope that if they just buy x or if they just buy y, then they’ll be able to fix whatever it is that is bothering them. When it comes to the body, there are no cheats, there are no shortcuts. Try the good old-fashioned way first! Hard work!”
But if you do love Gadgets & Gizmos, this is the section for you.
Myofascial Rolling Pin such as a Tiger Tail
