You’re walking down the steps at the Superdome, stepping off a porch in Metairie, or turning to grab something in the kitchen when suddenly, your knee feels like it’s about to give out.
Maybe it actually buckles. Maybe you catch yourself just in time. Either way, it’s enough to make you think twice about your next step.
That feeling is called knee instability, and it can happen for several reasons—even when your knee doesn’t hurt.
At Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans, our orthopedic specialists help patients across Greater New Orleans understand what’s causing knee buckling, weakness, and instability so they can get back to moving with confidence.
Why Does My Knee Feel Like It’s Going to Give Out?
Your knee relies on a combination of ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and tendons to stay stable. When something isn’t working as it should, the joint can feel weak, shift unexpectedly, or buckle under your weight.
Some of the most common causes include:
- ACL or other ligament injuries: A torn or stretched ligament can make your knee feel unstable, especially when pivoting or changing direction.
- Meniscus tears: Damaged cartilage can cause catching, locking, or sudden buckling.
- Knee arthritis: Joint inflammation, cartilage wear, and pain-related muscle inhibition can make the knee feel unreliable.
- Kneecap instability: The kneecap may shift out of its normal position, sometimes causing the knee to give way.
- Muscle weakness: Weak quadriceps or surrounding muscles can make it harder to support the knee, even without a major injury.
“The knee is a pretty complex joint,” says Kevin Watson, MD, orthopedic surgeon at OANO. “Your ligaments, cartilage, and muscles all have to work together to keep it stable. When one part isn’t doing its job, the knee may buckle. Understanding which part is causing the problem helps us choose the right treatment.”
Can Your Knee Give Out Without Pain?
Yes. And that’s part of what makes knee instability confusing.
Some people experience knee buckling after a sports injury, along with pain and swelling. Others notice their knee occasionally gives out while walking, climbing stairs, or standing, without much discomfort at all.
The circumstances can offer important clues:
- Buckling when turning or pivoting may suggest a ligament injury.
- Catching or locking can indicate a meniscus problem.
- Giving way with stiffness or swelling may be associated with arthritis.
- Weakness without significant pain can sometimes point to muscle weakness or problems with balance and coordination.
An orthopedic evaluation can help identify the cause rather than relying on symptoms alone.
When Should You See a Doctor for Knee Instability?
One awkward step isn’t necessarily a reason for concern. But if your knee keeps giving out—or you’re changing how you move because you’re afraid it will buckle—it’s worth getting checked.
Consider scheduling an appointment if:
- Your knee repeatedly buckles or feels unstable.
- You notice swelling, catching, or locking.
- Your knee gives out when using stairs or walking on uneven ground.
- Instability began after a fall, twist, or sports injury.
- You’re avoiding activities because you don’t trust your knee.
Seek prompt medical attention if you cannot bear weight, experience significant swelling after an injury, or have a knee that appears deformed or becomes locked in place.
“You shouldn’t have to wonder whether your knee is going to hold up every time you take a step,” says Lance Estrada, MD, a New Orleans native who specializes in sports medicine and joint replacement. “Whether it started on the golf course, playing basketball, or just walking around the neighborhood, let’s figure out what’s going on. There are usually several ways we can help.”
Does a Knee That Gives Out Mean You Need Surgery?
Not necessarily. Many causes of knee pain and instability respond well to nonsurgical treatment.
Depending on the diagnosis, your orthopedic specialist may recommend physical therapy, strengthening exercises, bracing, activity changes, or medications and injections when appropriate.
For certain ligament or meniscus injuries, surgery may be recommended. Patients with advanced knee arthritis that hasn’t improved with conservative treatment may benefit from joint replacement.
OANO’s Big Easy Knee Replacement program offers advanced options, including MAKO robotic-assisted knee replacement, for patients who need a more permanent solution to severe joint damage.
The goal is always to identify the problem first, then recommend the treatment that best fits your condition and lifestyle.
Expert Knee Care in Uptown New Orleans and Metairie
From walking around City Park to long drives across the Causeway or down I-10, your knees put in plenty of work around Greater New Orleans.
OANO has been caring for the region for more than 75 years, with convenient offices in Uptown New Orleans and Metairie. Our locations make expert orthopedic care accessible to patients throughout the Southshore, from Lakeview and Mid-City to Old Metairie, River Ridge, Harahan, and Kenner.
And whether you’re commuting into the area from Mandeville or Covington on the Northshore, Slidell to the east, or Algiers, Gretna, and Marrero on the West Bank, specialized knee care is within reach.
Dr. Watson and Dr. Estrada offer extensive experience in sports medicine, knee injuries, arthritis, and joint replacement.
Don’t Let an Unstable Knee Slow You Down
If your knee feels like it’s going to give out, keeps buckling, or makes you nervous about everyday movement, it’s time to find out why.
Call 504-899-6391 or request an appointment online with Dr. Kevin Watson or Dr. Lance Estrada today.
