We’ve all heard the loud pop or cracks that can come with a full knee bend, whether it’s in yoga class, at the gym, or just stooping down to pick something up.
Because these signs can be concerning, we’ve pulled together a summary of the symptoms, possible causes and treatment options for cracking knees.
If you’re seeking medical care for your symptoms, find a physiotherapy clinic near you and book an assessment for cracking knees today.
Symptoms of Cracking Knees
The main symptoms that cause concern are a cracking or popping when the knee hits its full range of motion.
For most people, this is completely harmless: it happens as a natural result of aging. As the cartilage on the joint starts to wear, it becomes uneven in certain places.
What you hear could be the rough spots moving over one another, or the tissue that connects bones together (ligaments) tightening, or even just air bubbles “popping” from a change in joint pressure. All in all, nothing to worry about.
Cracking Knees With Pain or Swelling
It’s when the cracking noises come with pain or swelling that you’ll want to take the issue more seriously.
If you’ve noticed pain or swelling accompanying your cracking knees, book an assessment with a physiotherapist near you today.
Possible Causes of Serious Cracking Knee Issues
Pain or swelling in the knee, combined with the cracking noise, is a sign that something is out of alignment.
It could be one of the following:
Meniscus tear
The rubbery C-shaped disc (meniscus) is designed to cushion your knee, absorbing shock and spreading the weight of impact evenly across your bones.
Tearing can happen because of an unexpected twist or turn, especially during athletic activity, often when the knee moves but the foot stays planted.
As you age, you have a higher risk of tearing the meniscus, even with everyday activity.
Cartilage injury or wear
In an injury, knee cartilage can break off and catch on the joint, which causes pain and swelling.
Or, the cartilage may wear down from arthritis, which leads to a painful grinding feeling during movement.
If you’re concerned that either of these causes could have led to painful or swollen cracking knees, find a clinic near you and book a physiotherapy assessment today.
Treatments for Cracking Knees
Depending on the extent and location of the injury, as well as your current physical state, treatments could include the following:
- Rest
- Physical therapy
- For meniscus tears specifically: surgery (usually minimally invasive) to repair the tear or remove the torn section, either partial or total meniscectomy
The key is to seek treatment early, which leads to a faster and more effective recovery.
Book A Physiotherapy Assessment for Cracking Knees
If you’re concerned about symptoms of cracking knees, book an appointment with a qualified physiotherapist to get a full assessment and treatment plan in place.
