Crack Sound In Knee
There are about three causes to the clicking sound in your knee, even if it doesn't hurt. Also included are some exercises to help alleviate the symptoms. You stand up. Your knee cracks. You walk downstairs. Your knee pops. What's up with all that noise? 'Often it's just the fluid that coats your joints being pushed. Is It Bad That My Knees Crack When I Squat? Now some folks will notice a grinding noise in the knee joint when they squat. If it's not painful.
Popping, cracking or clicking of the joints is not usually a cause for concern, provided that it does not occur all the time and it is not accompanied by symptoms like pain and swelling. However, it still maybe a sign of a problem that is not as yet clearly apparent. In these instances, clicking of a joint may be an early symptom. Although any joint can be affected, many people find that the jaw joints (temporomandibular joints), finger joints and knee joints are particularly prone to clicking, popping and cracking sounds. Structures of the Knee Joint In order to understand why knee clicking and popping may occur, it is important to know some of the basic concepts about knee anatomy and movement.
The knee is one of the largest joints in the body and among the hardest. It bears most of the body weight when standing and significantly more force from the impact of walking and running. There are four bones involved in the knee joint thereby making it one of the most complex joints in the body. Bones and Cartilage The knee is where the single large thigh bone (femur), two smaller leg bones (tibia and fibula) and the kneecap (patella) meet. Articular cartilage caps the end of the bones which move against each other. Special C-shaped bands of cartilage known as menisci provide added benefit for reducing friction.
The knee is surrounded by a joint lining (synovium) which secretes lubricant (synovial fluid) to reduce friction when the bones move. Muscles, Tendons and Ligaments Several muscles attach to the surrounding bones by the way of tendons.
The muscles and tendons also provide stability to the knee joint. However, the main structures for knee support, strength and stability are the ligaments. There are many groups of ligaments of the knee joint, including the cruciate and collateral ligament.
Not only do the muscles and ligaments provide movement and stability of the joint when walking, but it is equally important for joint stability when standing. Does the knee make a sound? Many people are surprised to find that the knee is not entirely silent.
In fact sound emanates from many parts of the body particularly where movement is involved. These noises of the joint are referred to as a crepitus. However, the sound of articulation of a healthy knee is usually not audible to humans.
There may be the odd incident when the knee may be heard, usually when it is under strain despite the lack of any disease. This may include a popping, clicking, cracking and grating sound. Some people do experience clicking more often than others, especially when squatting.
The exact cause of this knee clicking or cracking without any knee disease is not always clear. It is believed the gas dissolved in the joint fluid may suddenly “pop” when under pressure. This is known as a cavitation and is similar to cracking the knuckles and finger joints. Another cause for joint noises may actually arise from the ligaments around the joints. It can cause a snapping sound. Causes of Knee Clicking and Cracking There are several different types of knee problems that can cause unusual knee sounds like cracking, clicking and popping. Grating is a very specific noise associated with arthritis, and particularly osteoarthritis.
The type of sound can be useful in identifying the problem to some extent but the abnormal sound alone it is an unreliable indicator. Instead other symptoms need to be considered and diagnostic investigations should also be done to confirm a diagnosis. Here are some of the more common and likely causes of abnormal knee sounds.
Arthritis Arthritis is any inflammatory joint condition involving the capsule, lining, cartilage or ends of the bone of the joint. Osteoarthritis is not primarily an inflammatory joint condition despite its name. It is discussed in detail below. Is one of the more commonly known that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining.
Other types include septic arthritis from an infection, post-traumatic arthritis from an acute injury to the knee and from accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint. Symptoms. Pain in the joint. Swelling of the joint. Redness and heat over the joint.
Stiffness (difficulty moving the joint and reduced range of motion). Nodules and deformities in rheumatoid arthritis Meniscus Tear The menisci (singular meniscus) are two C-shaped bands of cartilage that lie between the bones of the knee joint.
Its purpose is to reduce friction between the structures during movement of the knee and to bear force. Although strong it can still be torn.
A tear of the meniscus may occur during sporting activities or as a result of a road traffic accident. Apart from the tear there is also significant inflammation of the structures around it. Symptoms. Popping sensation although a sound may not always be audible. Pain and stiffness when attempting to straighten the leg,. joint.
Knee may lock with larger tears. Cartilage Problems The articular cartilages cap the ends of the bones involved in the joint. It protects the bones, reduces friction and functions as a shock absorber.
The cartilage is constantly replenishing itself throughout life to counteract everyday wear and tear. However, there are times where the articular cartilage becomes worn out or damaged. Wearing down of the cartilage is seen in which mostly affects older adults. Eventually the cartilage cracks and pieces break off.
May occur with a severe injury to the knee joint which can happen at any age. Symptoms. Pain during and after physical activity. Grating feeling and at times even a grating sound. Stiffness and diminished flexibility. Hard bumps in and around the joint (bone spurs). Ligament Problems The ligaments are thick bands of tissue that provide stability to the joint.
There are several different groups of ligaments in the knee, including the patella ligament, collateral ligaments and cruciate ligaments (anterior, posterior and medial). These ligaments can become strain or even torn. When these ligaments are affected, the knee no longer has the same degree of stability. It can lead to the bones abnormally rubbing together and even lead to dislocations if several joints are torn simultaneously. Symptoms. Knee pain.
Swelling of the knee. Knee “gives in” when standing or walking Dislocation The knee has various support structures including muscles, tendons, a capsule and ligaments. Dislocation is where the bones in the knee joint slip out of position. It is rare unless most of the ligaments are torn simultaneously.
The kneecap (patella) can become dislocated on its own even though the other bones are held in place within the joint. The most common causes of dislocations are related to trauma. Sporting injuries, falls and car crashes are the more likely causes of knee and kneecap dislocation. Symptoms. Severe pain in the knee. Slight deformity (knee may look “crooked”). Cannot stand on knee.
Popping sensation and sound during dislocation and if the knee relocates into the normal position. Loss of sensation, lack of pulse on lower leg and inability to move the lower leg and foot are rare but serious symptoms.
I am in my 30s and several years ago I was dieting with a group of ladies I work with. I lost down to where I was very happy with myself, in the process I was exercising regularly. I had started with walking, which I love, and eventually made it to jogging about 2 to 3 miles a night. I had never did this before and it felt great.
I hurt a little in my knees but never really thought much about it. I only did this for 2 to 3 months. Now I have a problem. My knees do not hurt but the crack and creak when I go up and down stairs or when I squat down. I know this isn't normal for someone my age, and I am worried about my future. Is this something I will have a lot of trouble in my older years? My mother is concerned and I guess I should be trying to find the problem.
Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I do plan on questioning my doctor about it the next time I go to see him. Thanks for any help. I have had the 'cracking' noise in my knees for years now and I am 27.
It is more then likely the cartalage in your knees. It is no longer smooth like it should be hence the noise you hear. I think I got the cracking noise because I have bone sper behind the knee cap. You can go to the doctor. Past experiece tells me that they will not be able to do anything for you. It is something that you will end up having to live with. As long as you can get up and down with out the assistance of something near.
That you continue to have no pain. I think you will be alright. But if you are worried go to the doctor. Alot of doctors wont do surgery on the knee unless it is ABSOLUTELY nessecery. There are therepies to do cortizone injections.
Stuff like that. GL let us know what you decide. I have had the 'cracking' noise in my knees for years now and I am 27. It is more then likely the cartalage in your knees. It is no longer smooth like it should be hence the noise you hear. I think I got the cracking noise because I have bone sper behind the knee cap.
You can go to the doctor. Past experiece tells me that they will not be able to do anything for you. It is something that you will end up having to live with. As long as you can get up and down with out the assistance of something near. That you continue to have no pain. I think you will be alright. But if you are worried go to the doctor.
Alot of doctors wont do surgery on the knee unless it is ABSOLUTELY nessecery. There are therepies to do cortizone injections. Stuff like that.
GL let us know what you decide.show. I started having cracking in my knees when I was pregnant in my mid 20's and now 12 years later it has gotten much much worse. In the beginning I did not give it much thought like most of the comments on here and now the minor cracking has become a major problem with even the slightess bending of my knee as well as pain, some inflamation, discomfort and almost not enough circulation from what it feels like.
Crack Sound In Knee
My left knee has also started on the same path but at the earlier stage of the problem. Please take this advice and don't wait until you get worse. Try to make an appt. With your doctor or specialist as soon as possible. Monitor your knees constantly because it can alter your lifestyle eventually, making it worse to get any physical activity on your legs in which you will loose even more muscle as the years pass on. Best of luck!
I started having cracking in my knees when I was pregnant in my mid 20's and now 12 years later it has gotten much much worse. In the beginning I did not give it much thought like most of the comments on here and now the minor cracking has become a major problem with even the slightess bending of my knee as well as pain, some inflamation, discomfort and almost not enough circulation from what it feels like.
My left knee has also started on the same path but at the earlier stage of the problem. Please take this advice and don't wait until you get worse. Try to make an appt. With your doctor or specialist as soon as possible. Monitor your knees constantly because it can alter your lifestyle eventually, making it worse to get any physical activity on your legs in which you will loose even more muscle as the years pass on. Best of luck!.show.
A few days ago I hit my left knee against a desk drawer. I can tell you it did not feel good. Since then I've been hearng a cracking or snapping sound whenever I bend to sit down or walk downstairs.
I don't have any pain or any difficulty walking, but it is annoying. The cracking sounds like someone snapping their finger. My knees usually crack some whenever my legs have been bent for a while, but they've never sounded like that. I just hope I won't have any problems later on in life. I'm 43 years old, and now sound as if I'm 93. A few days ago I hit my left knee against a desk drawer.
I can tell you it did not feel good. Since then I've been hearng a cracking or snapping sound whenever I bend to sit down or walk downstairs. I don't have any pain or any difficulty walking, but it is annoying.
The cracking sounds like someone snapping their finger. My knees usually crack some whenever my legs have been bent for a while, but they've never sounded like that. I just hope I won't have any problems later on in life.
I'm 43 years old, and now sound as if I'm 93.show. I know how you feel. I had had pain in my right knee since I was 10, went to the doctor when I was 15. I was told I have 3 torn ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL), fluid in the knee, little to no cartilage, the inside of my knee looks like that of a 70 or 80 year old.
I take anti-inflammatory meds like Tylenol, Aleve, or Advil. I also use ace bandages and knee braces.
I use ice sometimes. Hopefully this helps you. My doc recommended surgery, but to this day I still have not had it.
@Jonsey420 I would recommend wrapping or bracing overnight and taking pain meds when it hurts. I know how you feel. I had had pain in my right knee since I was 10, went to the doctor when I was 15.
I was told I have 3 torn ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL), fluid in the knee, little to no cartilage, the inside of my knee looks like that of a 70 or 80 year old. I take anti-inflammatory meds like Tylenol, Aleve, or Advil. I also use ace bandages and knee braces.
I use ice sometimes. Hopefully this helps you. My doc recommended surgery, but to this day I still have not had it. @Jonsey420 I would recommend wrapping or bracing overnight and taking pain meds when it hurts.show. I finally had my knee go out completely with a bucket handle tear that i am having surgery on this thursday.after examining my MRI the dr asked did I have a previous injury to my knee. I did hurt my knee many years ago while incarcerated and was refused any medical treatment.
My dr told me that I had torn a ligament a long time ago and that now it had shriveled up and went away. What does this mean for me now? I have been unstable on that knee but I had no idea why that was until now.
Does anyone know anything about this and if so please let me know. I finally had my knee go out completely with a bucket handle tear that i am having surgery on this thursday.after examining my MRI the dr asked did I have a previous injury to my knee. I did hurt my knee many years ago while incarcerated and was refused any medical treatment. My dr told me that I had torn a ligament a long time ago and that now it had shriveled up and went away. What does this mean for me now? I have been unstable on that knee but I had no idea why that was until now. Does anyone know anything about this and if so please let me know.show.
Hi, I am 29 now and since last winter I have felt the weirdness in my knees, esp left knee when I walk downwards (and now even sitting on the toilet!), weirdness being slight cracking sound + the feeling that my knee joints are not as 'oiled' very well! The warm weather has done me some good so far and my legs feel stronger and better supported when I wear those knee wraps/braces. My doc said it was sorta common among young women and is called 'chondromalacia patella', or runners' knee.
The funny thing is that i dont really like running and only run occasionally (and has not been doing much at all since my diagnosis). I have been working out using low impact machines such as bikes and elliptical trainer and some quadracep excises to strengthen my thighs (to take more impact away from the knees). Though my thighs are beautifully shaped now (i think), i still feel the weakness of the knees inside and really rarely, my left leg will weaken all of a sudden for like a sec, feeling that i could hv fallen down:(.
Hi, I am 29 now and since last winter I have felt the weirdness in my knees, esp left knee when I walk downwards (and now even sitting on the toilet!), weirdness being slight cracking sound + the feeling that my knee joints are not as 'oiled' very well! The warm weather has done me some good so far and my legs feel stronger and better supported when I wear those knee wraps/braces. My doc said it was sorta common among young women and is called 'chondromalacia patella', or runners' knee. The funny thing is that i dont really like running and only run occasionally (and has not been doing much at all since my diagnosis). I have been working out using low impact machines such as bikes and elliptical trainer and some quadracep excises to strengthen my thighs (to take more impact away from the knees). Though my thighs are beautifully shaped now (i think), i still feel the weakness of the knees inside and really rarely, my left leg will weaken all of a sudden for like a sec, feeling that i could hv fallen down:(.show. My knees.first began popping when I was 9.
I was sitting at my desk in class for awhile and went to stand up and it felt as of they were locked. I was scared to get up! Then I started stretching them and they popped. It started doing it more and more ever since. Now they pop all the time. At times when im walking the left knee will feel as if it wants to pop.
And almost always when im sitting they will want to pop. I became morr active at that age walking to school. And later played sports, mainly basketball. My knees only hurt on one occassion when I ran down tge stairs they hurt. And if im sitting for a few hours or.more my knees will pop every half hour or so and then begin to feel achy and uncomfortable. And im 23 year old female btw 5'7' 125lbs.
My knees.first began popping when I was 9. I was sitting at my desk in class for awhile and went to stand up and it felt as of they were locked. I was scared to get up! Then I started stretching them and they popped. It started doing it more and more ever since.
Why Do Knees Crack
Now they pop all the time. At times when im walking the left knee will feel as if it wants to pop. And almost always when im sitting they will want to pop. I became morr active at that age walking to school. And later played sports, mainly basketball. My knees only hurt on one occassion when I ran down tge stairs they hurt.
And if im sitting for a few hours or.more my knees will pop every half hour or so and then begin to feel achy and uncomfortable. And im 23 year old female btw 5'7' 125lbs.show. Knees makes cracking sounds I am in my 30s and several years ago I was dieting with a group of ladies I work with. I lost down to where I was very happy with myself, in the process I was exercising regularly. I had started with walking, which I love, and eventually made it to jogging about 2 to 3 miles a night. I had never did this before and it felt great. I hurt a little in my knees but never really thought much about it.
Knee Injury Popping Sound
I only did this for 2 to 3 months. Now I have a problem. My knees do not hurt but the crack and creak when I go up and down stairs or when I squat down.
I know this isn't normal for someone my age, and I am worried about my future. Is this something I will have a lot of trouble in my older years?
My mother is concerned and I guess I should be trying to find the problem. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I do plan on questioning my doctor about it the next time I go to see him.
Thanks for any help.show. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action.
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