Knee instability is the sensation of the knee twisting or moving from side to side when doing basic activities. It can result from a range of causes – most often a ligament injury.
Our orthopedic specialists can usually treat an unstable knee with nonsurgical solutions like physical therapy and medication. If knee surgery does become necessary, we offer the most advanced, minimally invasive surgical options available today.
What makes our approach to knee instability stand out from the rest? Our commitment to excellence at every stage of care. At Aurora, our orthopedic specialists offer:
If you experience any of these symptoms, see an Aurora orthopedist for a complete evaluation:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we can help. Start by taking this free knee joint pain assessment to see how much your knee instability affects your life. Then we’ll help you find an orthopedic specialist near you. You can use the results of your assessment to help guide your conversation with them, and they’ll help you create a plan relief.
Injuries and other conditions affecting the knee can cause instability. Some common causes include:
In knee osteoarthrosis, knee cartilage gradually wears down, causing pain, swelling and reduced mobility. This cause of knee instability is more common in older people.
Patellar instability can lead to kneecap dislocation.
Our orthopedists may suspect knee instability if your knee joint or the ligaments supporting it feel loose. The next step is to determine whether an injury or another knee condition is causing the shakiness.
During your visit, your Aurora doctor may:
Your treatment options depend on how severe the knee instability is. If you have a partial ligament tear, we can usually treat it without surgery. Nonsurgical treatments include:
If the ligament injury is more severe, you may need surgery. Learn more about knee surgery such as ACL surgery.
Our specialists offer a range of treatments for knee instability that's caused by other conditions. Some of these conditions include:
Knee instability often affects active people who use their knees strenuously, including:
Search our orthopedic conditions library.