The knee joint bears a lot of your body weight, so caring for your knees is critical. Simple wear and tear can greatly reduce the strength of your knees, causing pain and discomfort.
Click on Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments tab below to learn more.
Causes
Weak Knees Causes
There are many causes for weak knees including illnesses, injuries, and overuse. Some of the most common causes are:
- Arthritis
- Strains and sprains
- Torn cartilage or ligament
- Infection of the knee joint
- Lack of physical activity
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
A physician can properly diagnose the cause of your weak knees and help you determine the best course of action.
Arthritis
Arthritis significantly contributes to weak knees due to the joint inflammation and degeneration it induces. The most common form affecting the knee is osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage cushions the ends of bones and gradually wears down over time. As the cartilage diminishes, bones may come into direct contact with each other, resulting in pain, stiffness, and a decline in knee strength.
Moreover, the inflammatory nature of arthritis further exacerbates the condition, causing additional discomfort and reducing the joint's overall functionality. The weakening of the knee joint's structural integrity makes it challenging to bear weight and engage in everyday activities, emphasizing the crucial role that arthritis plays in the development and progression of knee weakness.
Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains can cause weak knees by overstretch or tearing of the ligaments and tendons that support the joint, leading to instability and discomfort.
Torn cartilage or ligament
The structural integrity of the knee is compromised, affecting its ability to bear weight and resulting in weakness.
Infection of the knee joint
Infections of the knee joint can contribute to knee weakness by causing inflammation and damage to the surrounding tissues, undermining the joint's stability and function.
Lack of physical activity
A minimal physical activity can lead to muscle atrophy and reduced strength, leaving the knees vulnerable to weakness and instability.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial Band Syndrome, characterized by the inflammation of the IT band running along the outer thigh, can impact knee function by causing friction and restricting movement, ultimately contributing to knee weakness.
Each of these factors underscores the diverse reasons that can lead to weakened knees, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions for effective management.
Symptoms
Weak Knees Symptoms
When considering weak knees symptoms, keep in mind that the severity of the pain and the exact location could vary depending on the issue. With that in mind, the following are some typical weak knee symptoms:
- Swelling and stiffness of the knee
- Redness
- A burning sensation
- Instability and weakness
- Popping noises when the joint is bent
- The inability to straighten the knee
- Difficulty transitioning from a sitting to a standing position
Treatments
Weak Knees Treatment
Treatment focuses on providing immediate relief through support or compression and on strengthening the knees to address the underlying cause of your weak knees. If you are experiencing weak knees, you’ll want to take action to strengthen your weak knee joints.
Check out our weak knee exercises you can use to relieve your knee pain and strengthen muscles that support your knees. These exercises can not only relieve the joint pain, but will also help prevent re-injury.
Like with most joint pain, ice packs or heating pads can help reduce swelling and pain. Proper footwear and postures can really make a difference when it comes to knee pain and weakness.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF
Knee Support Products:
 Cho-Pat® Dual Action Knee Strap ★★★★★ The strap applies pressure to the patellar tendon below the kneecap as well as the tendon below the kneecap to provide strength, alignment, and stability. It also reduces the likelihood of overuse injuries. |
 Cho-Pat® Knee Stabilizer ★★★★★ Improves patellar (knee cap) tracking resulting in less knee degeneration, inflammation, and pain. |
FOR LONG-TERM HEALING
Stretching and Strengthening Products:
 ProStretch® Plus Adjustable Calf and Foot Stretcher ★★★★★ Promotes proper flexibility through targeted stretching of the calf and Achilles tendon, reducing strain on the knee joint. Its ergonomic design facilitates a controlled and gradual stretch, aiding in the rehabilitation and prevention of knee discomfort. |
 StretchRite® Stretching Strap ★★★★★ StretchRite’s effectiveness is in the ergonomically designed handgrips that allow you to stretch comfortably, increase your range of motion in stages and visually monitor your progress. See significant improvement in flexibility and balance in just minutes a day! |
PLEASE NOTE: The information on this website and article is for information only and should not be used as a substitute for consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and rehabilitation.
