Joe A Shaw PA-C - 5/13/2008

Question
When I stand up my knee bows backwards extremely far almost 15-20 degrees. I've been told this is called "cheerleaders knee" Also When running or anything pivoting my "bad" knee it will Separate and fold sideways. This is extremely painful and it swells and is almost un-useable for several days. This started in High School during running suicides for basketball and football but has progressively become worse. I have had it checked out and they want to do a MRI and said that I have extremely "loose" knees and it worried him, but he didn't explain it any further. I've been told there is no MCL or ACL by several people who have had knee surgery and problems.  What could be wrong with my knee, and what form of therapy can I use to strengthen it to so I may be active again? And if at all possible without surgery.  Thank You Branden

Answer
I am fairly certain you have hypermobility joint syndrome..or "floppy joint syndrome"...This article by an MD gives good info more than I could type...
You need an MRI to make sure you dont alos have a torn meniscus etc..if thats okay then PT may help a little to tighten up the ligaments...but if its been like this since birth..(but noticing it more w sports and activity)
then Im not sure if it will help that much, but its worth a try. You need a PT who does a lot of sports medicine rehab..



http://shsskip.swan.ac.uk/Information/Hypermobility%20Syndrome.htm