When I see patients in my office after they suffer a knee injury, they often complain of symptoms like pain, swelling, popping or giving way. If you suffer a serious knee injury, you might have these symptoms too. You might also wonder why you can’t straighten your knee. In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I’ll share my thoughts on the question, “Why can’t I straighten my knee?”

Why can’t I straighten my knee?

It’s possible that when you injure your knee, it swells a fair amount. That swelling and the accompanying pain can make it hard to straighten your knee. Sometimes, though, not being able to get your knee straight could be a sign of a serious injury, like a meniscus tear or ACL injury.

Why can't I straighten my knee?

In this video, I discuss why this could be a symptom of a serious knee injury and why an injury like a torn meniscus or torn ACL could block your knee motion.

Also read:
Signs your knee injury could be serious
How do I know if I have a serious knee injury?

Please remember, while I appreciate your questions, I cannot and will not offer specific medical advice by email, on my website, on my podcast, or in social media. My responses are meant to provide general medical information and education. Please consult your physician or health care provider for your specific medical concerns.

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