Why does my knee lock or click?
Locking, clicking or catching usually means something inside the knee is getting in the way of smooth movement, most often a torn meniscus or a loose fragment of cartilage. It can follow a twist or injury, or build up over time. Occasional painless clicks are common, but true locking is worth checking.
Common symptoms
- The knee catches or locks, then frees suddenly
- Clicking or clunking with certain movements
- Pain along the joint line, often on one side
- Swelling after activity
- A sense that the knee may give way
- Difficulty fully straightening or fully bending the knee
- Symptoms that flare with squatting, twisting, or stairs
How it is diagnosed
Examination often reproduces the catch and points to the likely cause. X-rays check the joint surfaces, and an MRI shows the meniscus, cartilage and ligaments in detail. Together these usually explain the locking and guide whether keyhole surgery would genuinely help.
Your treatment options
Rest and physiotherapy
Many minor tears settle with time, activity changes and targeted exercises.
Joint injection
An injection can calm inflammation and help confirm the source of pain.
Knee arthroscopy
Keyhole surgery to repair or trim a meniscal tear, or remove a loose body. See Knee Arthroscopy surgery.
Knee replacement
Considered only if widespread arthritis, not a mechanical catch, is the cause. See Knee Replacement surgery.
When should I seek help?
If your knee locks, gives way or keeps you from your usual activities, it is worth having it assessed. A clear diagnosis matters, because keyhole surgery helps mechanical problems but rarely helps arthritis, and the right advice depends on knowing which you have.
Get your knee assessed
Treatment Options
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