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What Causes Tearing Sensation In The Knee Muscles During Physical Activity?

Posted on Wed, 3 May 2017

Question: Yesterday I was squatting and when I went to stand up I felt a tearing sensation in my right knee. When I tried to stand up my knee was locked. So I got myself to the couch and gradually got my knee to relax by movement and rubbing it. But continued with pain. It feels like things are snapping or catching and my knee feels unstable. Sometimes it feels like it bends backwards. I have been able to walk as long as I keep my knee slightly bent and limp. There is no significant swelling and no obvious deformity or discoloration. The pain is tolerable except when I move it certain ways. It is tender on the knee cap and the inner and outer part of my knee. It feels crunchy at times. I was just going to wait a few days to see if it gets better, but I don't know if I should do anything else. Any idea of what I could have injured?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be ligament injury.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You must have hurt your internal structures in knee, which are anterior/posterior cruciate ligament, medial/lateral collateral ligament, medial and lateral menisci, joint capsule, synovium, crossing muscles, bone cartilage and bone itself. It needs proper clinical examination and relevant investigations to diagnose which among these is hurt.
These are best visualized on MRI (Magnetic Resonant Imaging).
A mild to moderate knee ligament injury may heal on its own given time. To speed the healing, you can:

*Rest the knee. Avoid putting excess weight on your knee. You may need to use crutches for a time.

*Ice your knee to reduce pain. Do it for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days, or until the pain is gone.

*Compress your knee. Use an elastic bandage, straps, or sleeves on your knee to control swelling f any.

*Elevate your knee on a pillow when you're sitting or lying down.

*Wear a knee brace to stabilize the knee and protect it from further injury.

*Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Motrin to reduce pain and swelling.

*Practice stretching and strengthening exercises if your doctor recommends them.

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (35 hours later)

Ok I have been doing all your suggestions above. I was feeling ok but I had another bad episode last night. I was laying on the couch and I bent my knee and then when I tried to unbend it I had excruciating pain and was having trouble unbending it. It felt like something was tearing. It was really tender to touch the inner part of my knee. After shifting around I got it to relax and then I felt better. If I keep it slightly bent when walking I am ok. I have mild swelling on the back of the knee and a little around the knee cap but nothing significant. I know it is hard for you to give advice if you don't get to examine my knee but does this sound like any particular injury? I dont know if I should even go see a doctor because it only really hurts with certain movements, and I am able to walk. I figure it will probably just go away.

Also, do orthopedic doctors evaluate people with generalized joint complaints? I have had problems all my life. I was told that some of my joints are hyperextended. I know certain genetic conditions can cause this, and I didnt know if a rheumatologist or orthopedic doctor would be better to see about this.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Meniscus tear likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
From the symptoms it seems to be a meniscus tear. if left untreated it can aggravate knee instability and arthritic changes in the knee later on. Orthopedic doctors do treat all kinds of joint complaints. Rheumatologist is for chronic joint pains without any history of injury.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)

Can the meniscus slip in and out? Because sometimes it feels like something slides in and out of the inner part of my knee. I can sometimes push it. Sometimes it feels rubbery or like a band. When it is out it can be so painful to lightly touch. Then it goes away and I can touch my knee without a problem.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be ligament.

Detailed Answer:
if something is slipping out then it can be a ligament. Only MRI scan can confirm the diagnosis.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (17 hours later)

Well my doctor said he is pretty sure it is a meniscus tear and said I will prob need an MRI if it isn't better in a week or so. He said my xray showed an effusion and arthritis. But I am only 35. Aren't I young for arthritis?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Depends on wear and tear.

Detailed Answer:
Arthritis develops due to wear and tear of the joint. Mild degenerative changes may be present at your age. Effusion can be due to the injury and not arthritis. The inflammation will reduce as the torn meniscus heals.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar