In everyday life, we often experience a clicking sound from our knees. There are many reasons for this, and most of them are normal. However, sometimes the sound is a sign that there may be a problem with your knee health.
The most common cause of knee noise is the sound made when small air bubbles contained in joint lubricating fluid burst. In the knee joint, there is synovial fluid, which is a substance similar to water, and it plays a role in smoothing the movement of the knee. Air bubbles are created during movement and the bubbles burst due to pressure changes, producing a ‘click’ or ‘crackling’ sound.
It may also be a sound made by the ligaments or tendons of the knee rubbing against the bone when changing posture or standing up after sitting for a long time.
Director Heo Dong-beom of Yonsei Star Hospital said, “Sounds coming from the knees may become more noticeable when fatigue accumulates after activity or when the knees are overused. However, if they are not accompanied by pain, these sounds are normal and do not pose a major health problem.” He said, “However, if the sound is accompanied by pain or the sound occurs frequently, this may not be a simple phenomenon, so it is best to seek a diagnosis from a specialist.”
So what are the symptoms that require you to go to the hospital?
– When pain is accompanied by sound
If continuous pain occurs along with the sound, it may not be a simple friction sound. If pain on the inside or front of your knee gets worse, especially when you bend or stand up, it could be an early sign of cartilage damage, ligament problems, or arthritis.
In arthritis, the cartilage wears away and the joint surface becomes rough, causing noise and pain. In the beginning, a ‘crunching’ sound is heard, but when the wear of the cartilage gets so severe that the bones collide directly with each other, you can actually hear the sound of the bones grinding each time you move. This friction sound suggests the advanced stage of arthritis, and means that the cartilage that acts as a cushion between bones has almost disappeared.
– If there is a symptom of knee locking accompanied by a sound
‘Knee locked symptom’ refers to a condition in which movement function is limited, with the knee not straightening or bending well when bent and straightened. If the symptom of the joint locking with a sound occurs, it is likely due to damage to the meniscus or vitreous body (a piece of cartilage that has fallen off) within the joint. In particular, the feeling of something getting caught in the joint requires prompt treatment because it may be caused by a portion of the torn cartilage plate getting stuck between the joints.
Knee locking symptoms may be considered simply a temporary inconvenience, but if left untreated, there is a risk that it may lead to further damage to the joint. Depending on the situation, part of the torn cartilage plate may need to be excised or sutured using an arthroscope.
Knee locking symptoms may be considered simply a temporary inconvenience, but if left untreated, there is a risk that it may lead to further damage to the joint. Depending on the situation, part of the torn cartilage
– If you feel swelling, heat, or joint instability
If a sound from the knee is accompanied by swelling, heat, or joint instability, damage to the cruciate ligament should be considered. Knee ligament damage mainly occurs during sports activities, and a large external force is generated in movements such as soccer or basketball, where there is a sudden change in direction or a lot of rotation, which can cause pain along with a popping sound and swelling of the knee. In this case, you should immediately stop exercising, use cold compresses to relieve symptoms, and visit a hospital.
Jo Yoo-kyung, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
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What are the common causes of knee clicking or popping sounds?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Knee Health Expert Dr. Heo Dong-beom
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Heo Dong-beom! Thank you for joining us today. So many people experience that familiar clicking sound in their knees, but there seems to be a lot of confusion about when it’s a cause for concern. Can you shed some light on this?
Dr. Heo: Thank you for having me! You’re right; knee noises are quite common and often perfectly normal. The most frequent culprit is the sound that occurs when tiny air bubbles in the synovial fluid burst during movement. This fluid, which is essential for lubricating the joint, can create these sounds, particularly during activities that stress the knees.
Editor: That’s fascinating! So if someone hears a click but feels no pain, should they worry at all?
Dr. Heo: Not at all! If the clicking sound isn’t accompanied by any discomfort, it usually poses no significant health risk. However, if those sounds become persistent, particularly if pain develops, it’s essential to consult a specialist. Pain paired with knee sounds can indicate underlying issues.
Editor: You mentioned that pain might signal more serious problems. What specific symptoms should prompt someone to seek medical advice?
Dr. Heo: Great question. Here are a few key symptoms to watch for: First, if the clicking sound comes with continuous pain, especially when bending or standing, it may suggest issues like cartilage damage or the onset of arthritis. If the knee “locks”—meaning it doesn’t bend or straighten as it should—this can indicate a meniscus tear. Lastly, symptoms like swelling, heat, or a sense of instability often point to ligament damage, which commonly occurs during sports activities.
Editor: That’s incredibly helpful. Can you explain a bit more about this “knee locking” symptom? How does it manifest, and what should someone do if they experience it?
Dr. Heo: Of course. Knee locking happens when the joint becomes stiff, often due to a part of the torn cartilage getting caught in the joint. Individuals may feel resistance when trying to move their knees. This condition requires timely medical attention to prevent further joint damage. In some cases, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to either remove or repair the damaged cartilage.
Editor: It sounds like prompt action is crucial for anyone experiencing these symptoms. How about preventative measures? Can individuals do anything to maintain healthy knee joints?
Dr. Heo: Absolutely! Regular low-impact exercises can enhance knee stability and strength, while maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on the joints. Additionally, incorporating flexibility exercises can improve mobility and prevent injuries. Listening to your body after physical activity is important too—if you feel fatigued, it’s wise to rest and allow your knees to recover.
Editor: All valuable advice. Before we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts for our readers on maintaining knee health?
Dr. Heo: Yes, I encourage everyone to pay attention to their bodies. Any kind of unusual sound or pain should be treated seriously, and early intervention can lead to better outcomes. Make it a habit to seek professional advice when in doubt—your knees will thank you!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Heo, for your insights! This is incredibly helpful information that we hope our readers will take to heart.
Dr. Heo: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic!