Have you ever stood up from a chair or gone up a flight of stairs and felt a pop from your knee? That sound can be startling, and an orthopedic doctor in New York is best qualified to give you answers. In this guide, New York Spine Specialist explains why your knee clicks or pops and how to look out for your joint health.
Common Causes of Knee Clicking and Popping
There are several causes of knee clicking and popping. However, the sound you hear is often just gas escaping from the fluid that lubricates your joint. This process, called cavitation, also applies to cracking knuckles.
Pressure builds inside the joint capsule, and as tiny gas bubbles form and collapse, the knee produces a pop or a click. It’s most common during a deep squat or bend, and it usually doesn’t come with pain.
Diagnosing Knee Popping as Part of Sports Medicine in New York
According to American Family Physician, roughly 25% of adults experience knee pain. Considering the prevalence of actual problems, knee pain doctors will tell you that not every pop is harmless. A meniscus tear, for instance, often produces a popping sound during a sudden twist or pivot, especially during sports that involve quick direction changes.
Still, if a tear is behind the noise, you’ll usually notice swelling and a catching or locking sensation. You may also have difficulty fully straightening your leg. Cartilage damage is another possible cause of pops, particularly in people dealing with osteoarthritis.
According to the World Health Organization, the joint most frequently affected by osteoarthritis is the knee, with a prevalence of 365 million cases worldwide. This happens because cartilage wears down and the surfaces inside your knee become rougher. In this case, patients often experience a grinding or popping sensation during weight-bearing movements, such as climbing stairs.
Knee popping without pain is usually nothing to worry about, despite it being a regular topic of discussion during an orthopedic evaluation for knee pain. In fact, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, about 36% of pain-free people experience knee crepitus, compared to 81% of those with osteoarthritis. If the sound occurs occasionally and isn’t accompanied by swelling or stiffness, it might be a normal tendon movement.
When To See an Orthopedic Doctor for Knee Clicking
Knowing when to see an orthopedic doctor for knee clicking comes down to paying attention to your other symptoms. You’ll want to schedule an evaluation if you notice:
- Sudden pain: The pop is accompanied by sharp or immediate pain.
- Defects: The knee visibly swells or discolors.
- Sticking: The knee is difficult to move through its full range of motion.
- Instability: The knee feels like it might give way.
An orthopedic physician can assess whether your knee popping stems from a structural issue, such as a ligament or cartilage problem, or something more routine.
What a Sports Injury Doctor’s Evaluation for Knee Pain May Involve
Why does my knee click or pop? In most cases, it’s the result of normal joint mechanics, but a knee pain doctor can always do a thorough evaluation if you aren’t sure. Typically, they’ll start by measuring your knee’s range of motion and strength. Be prepared to share when the popping started or what activities triggered it.
If your doctor suspects something beyond normal joint movement, they may order imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, before giving any treatment recommendations.
Contact New York Spine Specialist for More Information on PRP Injections and Other Sports Medicine Solutions
If you’re active in sports, you might want to read about common sports knee injuries before you start worrying about your symptoms. If you have any back or neck pain, you can also call New York Spine Specialist at (516) 355-0111 to schedule an evaluation.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few common questions patients ask about knee clicking and popping.
Can Knee Popping Get Worse Over Time?
Yes, knee popping caused by cartilage wear or an untreated injury may worsen with time.
Should I Stop Exercising if My Knee Pops?
You typically do not need to stop exercising for painless popping or clicking. Pause activity and seek evaluation if pain, swelling, or instability develops.
Is It Normal for My Knee To Pop When I Squat?
Occasional popping during a squat is usually caused by gas bubbles releasing in the joint fluid. A knee pain doctor would generally consider this to be normal.