The most likely problem with your knee, from what you describe, is called Chondromalacia Patellae. Essentially this could be due to some damage or ‘softening’ underneath your knee cap.
But first, let me explain what a knee looks like. The end of the femur (thigh bone) articulates with the top of the tibia (main bone of your lower leg). On the front of your femur, is the patella (the knee cap) which moves up and down as you flex and extend your knee, travelling in a groove in the femur. Between the femur and the tibia are two crescent shaped bits of cartilage (the menisci) which act something like cushions.
When there is a lot of pressure between the patella and femur typically, when load is applied to a bent knee, you can feel pain. This might occur when you go up and downstairs, get up from a chair or from the floor, squat, kneel etc. Twisting injuries can also lead to injuries of the menisci, and typically these cause intermittent pains, aching in the knee, periodic swelling and locking of the knee.
Why this occurs is difficult to explain in a short space, it is more frequent in young women. There are several therapeutic options. The simplest initial treatment is to exercise your quads, in particular your VMOs (Vastus Medialis Obliquus). What you do is lie in bed, legs straight out. Turn your foot outwards, and lift your legs up and down. You should feel some tightening of the muscles on the inner side of your thigh. Do this twice a day, for about 10 minutes. It takes a while to settle down, and sometimes needs more drastic action, so if it does not go away you should consult your doctor.
But first, let me explain what a knee looks like. The end of the femur (thigh bone) articulates with the top of the tibia (main bone of your lower leg). On the front of your femur, is the patella (the knee cap) which moves up and down as you flex and extend your knee, travelling in a groove in the femur. Between the femur and the tibia are two crescent shaped bits of cartilage (the menisci) which act something like cushions.
When there is a lot of pressure between the patella and femur typically, when load is applied to a bent knee, you can feel pain. This might occur when you go up and downstairs, get up from a chair or from the floor, squat, kneel etc. Twisting injuries can also lead to injuries of the menisci, and typically these cause intermittent pains, aching in the knee, periodic swelling and locking of the knee.
Why this occurs is difficult to explain in a short space, it is more frequent in young women. There are several therapeutic options. The simplest initial treatment is to exercise your quads, in particular your VMOs (Vastus Medialis Obliquus). What you do is lie in bed, legs straight out. Turn your foot outwards, and lift your legs up and down. You should feel some tightening of the muscles on the inner side of your thigh. Do this twice a day, for about 10 minutes. It takes a while to settle down, and sometimes needs more drastic action, so if it does not go away you should consult your doctor.
