"Catching" of your knee is a common symptom of meniscal tears. Chondromalacia and kneecap subluxation may also cause your knee to catch, buckle or lock. To avoid further pain and symptoms, rest, ice and wear a compression wrap. Additional treatment includes stretches, strength exercises and surgery. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Injuries
Menisci are two pieces of cartilage in your knee that help absorb shock and stabilize the joint, as well as facilitate smooth knee movements.Twisting of your knee or direct trauma are common acute causes of meniscal tears. When your meniscus tears, a piece can become loose or break off, causing your knee to catch or lock. Chondromalacia is when the cartilage under your kneecap deteriorates, softens and frays. Symptoms include pain, grinding and catching of your knee or kneecap. Subluxation or a temporary dislocation of your kneecap during swimming can also lead to catching or buckling.
Risk Factors
Poor knee stability, previous knee injuries and your age increase your risk for knee injury. Other risk factors include overtraining, performing breaststroke, and tight or weak leg muscles. Poor swimming techniques, such as inadequate side-to-side rotation and decreased hip movement during freestyle stroke, which lead to more forceful kicking with your knees, are also risk factors. Women are more susceptible to developing chondromalacia.
Conservative Treatment
Treatment includes rest, ice, compression, elevation and anti-inflammatory medications to manage swelling and pain. Perform stretches, and strength and balance exercises to regain flexibility, strength and stability, which decrease with knee injuries. Exercises include bridges, squats, single-leg balance and water walking. Recovery time varies based on severity of your injury, current fitness level and activities.
Surgery and Rehabilitation
Surgery is necessary for chronic kneecap subluxation, and severe chondromalacia and meniscal tears, especially large tears located on the inner part of the meniscus. After surgery, wear a brace for two to six weeks to immobilize and protect your knee. During the first four to eight weeks of rehabilitation, limit or avoid putting weight on your affected knee using crutches. Initial treatment also includes ice, compression, elevation and anti-inflammatory drugs. Start non weight-bearing stretches and strength exercises two to four weeks after surgery; and begin stationary bike, swimming and aquatic exercises within six to twelve weeks. Full return to activities such as swimming may take between six weeks and seven months, depending on the severity of your injury.
Prevention
When you return to swimming, perform freestyle and avoid breaststroke, suggests University of Missouri Sports Medicine. Slowly increase distance or duration and pace to prevent knee overuse, inflammation and further injury. Continue to ice following exercise, and perform stretches and strength exercises regularly.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Meniscal Tears; February 2009
- "Journal of Athletic Training"; The Meniscus: Review of Basic Principles With Application to Surgery and Rehabilitation; Timothy Brindle, et al.; 2001
- Advanced Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists: Knee Arthroscopy
- University of Missouri Sports Medicine: Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Rehabilitation Program
- "Swimming"; David L. Costill, et al.; 1992
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Chondromalacia Patella; Andrew L. Chen, M.D, M.S; May 2008
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