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Understanding Knee Weakness: Causes & Treatments

Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025

In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about weakness in the knees and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.

The idiom getting weak in the knees means to experience a strong emotion after something startles an individual. The thesaurus even shows its synonyms to include getting dizzy or lightheaded; however, this may not mean the same in medical terms. In medical terms, getting weak in the knees means feeling weakness in the knees and legs due to an underlying cause. This weakness may last for minutes, hours, and even days.

Experts believe the individuals should consult a health professional regarding these symptoms, as they may be indicative of fundamental problems with the knees and their surrounding tissues and musculature. If these conditions are not diagnosed and treated at the right time, it may lead to complications for the individual in the long term and affect their quality of life.

What is Knee Weakness?

Woman getting weak in the knees while exercising.

Knee weakness refers to a lack of strength or stability in the knee joint, which can lead to difficulty in performing everyday activities. It can be caused by various factors, including injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions.

Common Causes of Knee Weakness

Several factors can contribute to knee weakness, including:

  • Injury: Damage to the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage can weaken the knee.
  • Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint degeneration.
  • Muscle Imbalance: Weakness in the surrounding muscles can affect knee stability.
  • Overuse: Repetitive stress from activities like running can strain the knee.

Diagnosing Knee Weakness

Diagnosing knee weakness involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. This typically includes a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to identify the underlying cause.

Treatments for Knee Weakness

Treatment options for knee weakness aim to restore strength and function:

  • Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the knee and surrounding muscles.
  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Bracing: Supports to stabilize the knee during activities.

Prolotherapy

In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat knee weakness.

Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.

Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with knee weakness.

As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of knee weakness, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.

Case Studies

Numerous case studies have highlighted the effectiveness of various treatments for knee weakness. For example, a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research demonstrated significant improvements in knee strength following a structured physical therapy program.

FAQs

What exercises can help strengthen weak knees?

Exercises such as leg lifts, hamstring curls, and step-ups can help strengthen the muscles around the knee. It’s important to consult a physical therapist for a personalized exercise plan.

Can knee weakness be a sign of a serious condition?

While knee weakness can result from minor issues, it can also indicate more serious conditions like ligament tears or arthritis. A healthcare professional should evaluate persistent weakness.

Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call

Don’t let knee weakness control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.

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Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk

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London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
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All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.

Author Bio

Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating knee weakness, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with knee weakness and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.

He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany. Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.

LinkedIn profile

Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The TelegraphThe Daily MailThe Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.

References

  • Journal of Orthopaedic Research. (2020). “Effectiveness of Physical Therapy in Treating Knee Weakness.”
  • American Academy of Ozonotherapy. (2019). “Prolotherapy and Its Benefits.”

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.

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