HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Cracking Sound In Knees While Walking?

default
Posted on Sat, 11 Oct 2014
Question: Thank you for your advise last month. My skin fully recovered, I assume that the tiny red blood spots will disappear over time.

I have an unrelated question. Two weeks ago, I injured my right knee doing lunges, I just don't know how badly. I was doing the lunges, what I thought was a slow pace, following along to a Men's Health workout on DVD. I stopped doing the exercise after it felt slightly off.

Both knees feel a little weak or sore sometimes, but not most of the time, but don't really 'hurt.' I can walk just find.

My left knee will makes a small cracking or popping sound when I walking up stairs or sit down, but doesn't hurt. I can do a full knee raise and it doesn't feel any "wrong" motion or popping sound. Therefore, if I have to walk up stairs I don't fully extend it to avoid the cracking or popping on my right knee.

The symptoms haven't gotten any better or worse since. Will my knees recover over time or do I need to see a primary care doctor or specialist? Will I need surgery?

Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I have explained everything in detail sir

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

Thank you for writing to me.

It was my pleasure entirely to be of assistance to you the last time, and it will be my continued pleasure to assist you now and in the near future.

Let me provide you with some information about all popping/cracking sounds in the knee joint, for your better understanding. There are a few associated symptoms (mostly pain) and history that need to be taken into consideration to assume the kind of condition prevailing in the joint.

1. Popping or cracking sound without the presence of pain or a history of an injury to the joint are absolutely harmless and are nothing to worry about. This has to do with the usual movement of the joint and is nothing abnormal

2. Popping or cracking sound with the presence of pain and a history of an injury, and pain initiated and occurring only after the injury. In this situation, there has occurred some damage to the knee. In most cases, the damage is to the ligaments, tendons or the meniscus. This will have to be confirmed with certain manoeuvres (physical examination) conducted by the doctor. If an abnormality is suspected, an MRI of the knee might be advised or arthroscopy (minor surgical procedure involving two incisions the size of 2-3 cm each on either side of the affected knee).

3. Painful knee with popping and cracking sounds occurring without any history of an injury, but have been symptoms that have developed and worsened over a long period of time. Usually suspected to be bone related conditions (eg. arthritis, etc.)

Now that this is clear to you, in your specific case I am suspecting number 2 on the list which best describes your situation. As mentioned sir, if there is some injury requiring correction at the most an arthroscopy will be done. But if the injury is minor, only medical management will be advised.

I go about arthroscopies on a daily basis and trust me, most patients are laughing and narrating stories all through the procedure. It is a minor procedure and the only pain you will experience after the surgery will be that of a bruise, at the most. So please do not worry and visit a doctor for an evaluation in order to assess the degree of damage to the knee. As your damage is minimal, I do not think anything serious will be advised sir.

I hope you find my response helpful and informative. I am obliged to continue to be of assistance sir, as you already know you can write to me about anything. I am always here to help you.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 days later)
Dr. Shoaib XXXXXXX

Thank your for your advise and assurance. I'll make an appointment with my clinic.

All the best,

Josh
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
God bless

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Anytime XXXXXXX I am always here to help you.

Best of luck
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Cracking Sound In Knees While Walking?

Brief Answer: I have explained everything in detail sir Detailed Answer: Hello once again sir. Thank you for writing to me. It was my pleasure entirely to be of assistance to you the last time, and it will be my continued pleasure to assist you now and in the near future. Let me provide you with some information about all popping/cracking sounds in the knee joint, for your better understanding. There are a few associated symptoms (mostly pain) and history that need to be taken into consideration to assume the kind of condition prevailing in the joint. 1. Popping or cracking sound without the presence of pain or a history of an injury to the joint are absolutely harmless and are nothing to worry about. This has to do with the usual movement of the joint and is nothing abnormal 2. Popping or cracking sound with the presence of pain and a history of an injury, and pain initiated and occurring only after the injury. In this situation, there has occurred some damage to the knee. In most cases, the damage is to the ligaments, tendons or the meniscus. This will have to be confirmed with certain manoeuvres (physical examination) conducted by the doctor. If an abnormality is suspected, an MRI of the knee might be advised or arthroscopy (minor surgical procedure involving two incisions the size of 2-3 cm each on either side of the affected knee). 3. Painful knee with popping and cracking sounds occurring without any history of an injury, but have been symptoms that have developed and worsened over a long period of time. Usually suspected to be bone related conditions (eg. arthritis, etc.) Now that this is clear to you, in your specific case I am suspecting number 2 on the list which best describes your situation. As mentioned sir, if there is some injury requiring correction at the most an arthroscopy will be done. But if the injury is minor, only medical management will be advised. I go about arthroscopies on a daily basis and trust me, most patients are laughing and narrating stories all through the procedure. It is a minor procedure and the only pain you will experience after the surgery will be that of a bruise, at the most. So please do not worry and visit a doctor for an evaluation in order to assess the degree of damage to the knee. As your damage is minimal, I do not think anything serious will be advised sir. I hope you find my response helpful and informative. I am obliged to continue to be of assistance sir, as you already know you can write to me about anything. I am always here to help you. Best wishes.