Translating those knee snaps, crackles, and pops is simpler than it sounds.
The human body is a spectacular creation and one that isn’t necessarily
quiet. Beyond the sounds we can make with our voices, there is a cacophony
of other “noises” that can emanate from us. Although not every
sound we make is joyful, some can be alarming or concerning, depending
on their origin. Among the nosiest of the joints in our bodies are the
knees. The knees can make popping, crinkling, or snapping sounds for a
variety of reasons. It’s important to know when those sounds are
normal and when they warrant medical attention.
When it comes to painless popping or snapping sounds arising from the
knee, these can occur from the negative pressure. Though it may sound
cringeworthy, negative pressure is just gas bubbles formed around the
knee joint, which are painlessly “popped” as the knee is bent
and flexed. Other possible causes of painless knee sounds can be tendons
snapping when the knee joint moves or softening of the cartilage surrounding
the knee (prevalent under the kneecap), which creates a popping noise
as the knee bends or straightens.
As I explained above, painless sounds arising from the knee are usually
normal. But if those sounds are accompanied by knee pain, you should consult
a doctor as soon as possible. It is important to understand that pain-related
knee sounds aren’t always the result of a recent or particularly
traumatic knee injury event. Many knee injuries occur over time from repetitive
use. In addition, if the sound and pain in the knee also feature a feeling
that the knee is locking or “giving out,” these too are reasons
to immediately consult a doctor. Painful popping sounds can indicate damage
or wearing of the knee cartilage, and painful locking or instability in
the knee can indicate a torn meniscus or a loose body in the knee that
is catching in the joint as you try to move it.
A variety of treatments are available for painful, noisy knees. After
an evaluation by a trained medical provider and depending on the root
cause of the painful noises, some knee concerns can respond well to non-invasive
treatments such as rest, ice, and avoiding the activity that causes the
pain. Physical therapy may also aid in strengthening the muscles surrounding
the knee joint, thereby lightening the direct load on the knee, which
can help alleviate the pain. In some cases, steroid, platelet rich plasma
(PRP), or hyaluronic acid injections into the knee can help to lubricate
the joint and relieve pain temporarily. However, when the knee mechanics
are malfunctioning, and the painful sounds are accompanied by locking
or catching, this can be due to a meniscus or cartilage tear that might
require surgery to repair the damage.
The most obvious and effective way to maintain healthy knees is to avoid
injuring them in the first place. Because damage to the knees can occur
over time, it might seem like the things you’re doing today don’t
have an impact on knee health, but many of them do! For example, a focus
on maintaining a healthy body weight for your height throughout your lifetime
is one of the most significant ways to maintain knee health across the
lifespan. Your knees experience an additional four pounds of joint reactive
force for each extra pound of body weight over the threshold of what they
were typically designed to carry. So, a focus on maintaining a healthy
weight can do wonders for the health of your knees now and later in life.
Additionally, maintaining good muscle tone and strength in the leg muscles
surrounding the knee is crucial for knee health. These muscles, including
the glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps, help protect the knee joint by
providing a cushioning, controlling, and load distribution effect for
your daily leg movements. Cycling is one great exercise to help strengthen
knee-supporting muscles because it is generally lower-impact than other
exercises like running.
If you are someone who has noisy knees that aren’t painful, continue
to do the healthy things that can keep them pain-free (if not noise-free)
as you age. But if those squeaky knees are also delivering a dose of pain,
listen closely, because those alarm bells are trying to tell you it’s
time to visit a doctor.