Knee makes a sound when I bend it?!
Question: I played water polo for a year in high school and whenever I would eggbeat for a long time, the side of my right knee (the left side of my right knee) would start to hurt. I don't play anymore, but my right knee makes this sound (I can't really explain it...I don't know if it's cracking or popping, but it sounds like the ligament(?) is moving up and down?) when I bend it. It doesn't hurt at all though. I can hear the sound best after a shower when I bend my knee. I don't know what this could be...
Is this a serious problem where I have to see a doctor?
How would I explain the sound?
All answers are appreciated. Thank you :)
Answers: I played water polo for a year in high school and whenever I would eggbeat for a long time, the side of my right knee (the left side of my right knee) would start to hurt. I don't play anymore, but my right knee makes this sound (I can't really explain it...I don't know if it's cracking or popping, but it sounds like the ligament(?) is moving up and down?) when I bend it. It doesn't hurt at all though. I can hear the sound best after a shower when I bend my knee. I don't know what this could be...
Is this a serious problem where I have to see a doctor?
How would I explain the sound?
All answers are appreciated. Thank you :)
I had the same exact problem when i was about 13...I went to the physical therapist, and he said my knees were weak and gave me some strengthening exercises.
I don't actually do the exercises anymore, and my knees are fine. It's probably not a serious problem.
If the cracking starts to become very painful, see a physical therapist.
My knee does that also I would describe the sound as a clicking sound. My doctor told me it might be a slight bit of arthritis, and I am only 27
The symptom of popping or snapping in the knee can be a sign of a few different problems. One of the key distinguishing factors is whether or not the popping or snapping causes or is associated with pain. Popping or snapping not associated with painful symptoms is often not a sign of a significant problem.
"Mechanical" Popping
Patients may experience a symptom of popping called a "mechanical symptom." This may feel as though something is caught within the knee and is popping as the knee bends back and forth.
This type of mechanical symptom is often a sign of a meniscus tear or a loose piece of cartilage within the joint. The torn meniscus or loose cartilage may catch in the knee as it moves back and forth causing a popping sensation.
"Crepitus"
Crepitus is the word used to describe a crunching sensation as the knee bends back and forth.
Crepitus can be seen in patients with cartilage irritation, as is the case in chondromalacia, or in patients with cartilage wear, such as knee arthritis. Unlike a mechanical popping where there is a sensation of something getting caught in the knee, the sensation of crepitus is a more constant problem.