Is the popping and cracking you hear in your knee dangerous?
Often, we get the question in clinic if the popping and cracking sounds people feel or hear when they move their knees is dangerous. Some people may even change the way they move or stop activities from fear that they are damaging their body.
Noises in the knee can be put into 2 categories: pathological and physiological. Pathological is related to hearing a pop that came from a specific moment where you may have injured your ACL or meniscus for example while playing sports or making a quick movement. This may also result from conditions such as a symptomatic plica or post surgery. Usually these will be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, swelling, effusions and limited mobility.
The other category, and more common, is physiological noises. These cases are far more common and happen in normal knees. People find these kinds of noises harder to describe and can’t relate it back to a specific injury or trauma. When these aren't related to pain and function or swelling, the noise then represents a normal noise with nothing to worry about. Just keep exercising!
Are the cracks and pops in your joint are accompanied by swelling, pain, stiffness, effusions, etc.? At this point, it would be advisable to come see your physiotherapist to get a professional opinion.
Until next time!
Justin Supernault, MSc.PT
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