Brief Answer:

Possible ligament injury/tear in knee

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The knee that gives away from time to time. Is likely due to an underlying ligament injury. There is anterior and medial ligament which stabilizes the knee.

Injury or tear in any of these ligaments can cause unstable knee. Given yiur age, there can also be associated osteoarthritis.

Xray and MRI of the affected knee can confirm the diagnosis.

Physical therapy can be done initially to improve muscle strength and stabilize the knee. You can also wear a knee brace.

Take Advil if the pain is bothersome.
If these measures do not help, arthroscopic repair of ligament will be required.

Please be advised to follow up with an orthopedician for necessary evaluation.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician

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