If you're dealing with regular knee popping, with or without pain, you might wonder what is causing it, if you should be concerned, and if you should see a doctor. Knee popping, or a sensation of audible or palpable clicks, snaps, or cracks in the knee joint, is a common concern among many people. While it can be alarming, it's often not indicative of a severe problem. However, understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek professional help is crucial for maintaining knee health.
Knee popping can occur for various reasons, some benign, while others require medical attention.
One of the most harmless causes of knee popping is the release of gas bubbles from the synovial fluid in the joint. This phenomenon, known as cavitation, occurs when the pressure in the joint changes and gas bubbles form or collapse.
Gas bubbles in the knee joint can release and cause popping during specific movements, particularly when there's a change in joint pressure. A typical example is when you're performing a deep knee bend or squat. As you bend your knee deeply, the pressure within the joint changes, which can cause gas bubbles to form and then rapidly collapse, producing a popping or cracking sound.
Similar to cracking your knuckles, this phenomenon is usually harmless and not associated with pain or damage. It's simply the result of the release of gas from the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint.
A ligament or tendon may move over a bony prominence, causing knee popping or knee clicking Although this may sound concerning, this type of popping is usually not painful and doesn't indicate a significant problem.
An example of experiencing ligament or tendon popping across a bony prominence is during activities involving knee flexion and extension, such as when rising from a seated position or climbing stairs.
For instance, the iliotibial (IT) band, a thick band of tissue running along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin, can sometimes snap over the lateral femoral epicondyle (a bony prominence on the outside of the knee). This can cause a popping sensation or sound as the IT band moves over the bone, especially when the knee transitions from bent to straight. This type of popping is generally not painful but can sometimes be felt as a slight flick or snap on the outside of the knee.
A tear in the meniscus, the cartilage in the knee, can cause knee popping, especially if accompanied by pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the knee.
An example of experiencing popping due to a meniscus tear can occur when twisting or rotating the knee, especially if the foot is planted firmly on the ground. For instance, if you quickly pivot while playing sports, such as basketball or soccer, your meniscus—a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee—can get caught between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia).
This sudden twist can cause a tear in the meniscus, leading to a popping sound or sensation. Along with the popping, you might experience immediate pain, swelling, and a feeling like the knee is catching or locking. These symptoms can make it difficult to fully straighten the knee or bear weight on the affected leg.
After a meniscus tear, you might continue to experience intermittent popping or clicking sensations in the knee. This can occur when torn meniscus pieces catch in the joint during movement. For example, the torn cartilage may shift when walking, squatting, or climbing stairs, causing a popping sensation or sound.
Additionally, the knee might feel unstable or as though it's giving way, especially during activities that involve bending or twisting. Swelling, stiffness, and difficulty fully extending the knee can also persist after the tear. In some cases, the knee might lock or catch, preventing smooth movement. These ongoing symptoms often indicate that the torn piece of the meniscus is still interfering with normal joint function and may require medical evaluation and treatment from an orthopaedic knee specialist.
Damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee joint can result in knee clicking or knee popping. This damage may be associated with arthritis or other degenerative conditions.
Cartilage damage in the knee, such as that caused by osteoarthritis or an injury, can lead to a roughened or uneven surface on the cartilage that lines the joint. When the knee moves, this damaged cartilage can cause a grinding or popping sensation, often accompanied by discomfort or pain, especially during weight-bearing activities.
You might experience cartilage damage popping when walking on uneven ground or climbing stairs. For instance, if someone with osteoarthritis bends their knee while stepping up onto a curb, they might hear or feel a popping or grinding sensation. This occurs because the roughened cartilage surfaces are rubbing against each other rather than sliding smoothly. This popping can be particularly noticeable during activities that involve putting extra pressure on the knee joint, like standing up from a seated position or kneeling.
If the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal alignment, it can cause a popping sound that may be accompanied by discomfort or instability in the knee.
Patellar tracking issues occur when the kneecap (patella) does not move smoothly within its groove on the femur during knee movements. This misalignment can cause the patella to shift out of place, often resulting in a popping or clicking sensation, as well as pain, particularly around the front of the knee.
You might experience popping due to patellar tracking issues when extending your knee after it has been bent for a while. For instance, if you're sitting for an extended period with your knees bent and then stand up quickly, you might feel or hear a popping sensation as the patella realigns itself within the groove. This sensation can also occur during activities like running, jumping, or squatting, where the knee is subjected to more stress. In addition to popping, you may experience a feeling of instability, pain around the kneecap, and discomfort during activities that require frequent bending and straightening of the knee.
If your knee popping or knee clicking is not accompanied by pain or swelling, you might not need to take any specific action. However, if you experience discomfort or other symptoms, consider these home treatments for immediate action:
Although knee popping can be common and not a cause for concern, you should pay close attention to the severity of it, and you should consult an orthopedic surgeon if:
To uncover the cause of your knee clicking or knee popping, an orthopedic surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation of your knee. This may include:
At our six ONJ divisions, our orthopedic knee specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating knee conditions, including knee popping. Our team is committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to your needs, ensuring the best possible outcome for your knee health.
OrthoNJ is different from your typical medical provider. Unlike many in the industry, we prioritize patient care over profits. Our six divisions work collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. We believe in the "Power to Put Patients First," our doctors and divisional partners strive to uphold this commitment to our patients in every aspect of our medical care.
Knee popping can be a normal occurrence or a sign of an underlying issue. Understanding the causes and knowing when to seek professional help can make a significant difference in managing your knee health. For a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan, consider consulting the orthopedic knee specialists at ONJ Division. They are equipped with the expertise and resources to help you get back to your active life with confidence.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put additional stress on your knees, increasing the likelihood of issues and popping sounds.
Warm-Up and Cool Down: Always warm up before physical activities and cool down afterward to prevent strain and injury.
Use Proper Technique: Proper technique can help reduce the risk of knee problems when exercising or playing sports.
Activity Modification: Modifying or avoiding certain activities that exacerbate knee popping can be beneficial.
Ergonomic Adjustments: Making ergonomic changes in your daily activities or work environment can help reduce stress on your knees.
You don't have to stay in pain. Contact one of our ONJ divisions to schedule an appointment.
