Hearing a cracking, popping, or clicking sound from your knees can be unsettling, especially when it happens frequently during walking, bending, climbing stairs, or standing up. While knee noises (known as crepitus) are extremely common, many people worry they indicate something serious.The truth is, knee sounds can be completely harmless—or sometimes a sign that your joints need more attention.
Understanding what causes these sounds can help you manage them better and know when to seek medical advice, as explained by Dr Karthik Gudaru, a senior orthopaedic doctor and one of the best surgeons for knee replacement surgeries in Hyderabad and India.
Why Do Knees Crack or Click?
Knee joints are complex structures made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and fluid-filled spaces. When any of these components move, shift, or rub during motion, they can produce sounds. Most of the time, knee noises are normal, but persistent or painful clicking may indicate an underlying issue.
Understanding Why Knees Make Noise
The knee is a complex hinge joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and fluid-filled spaces that allow smooth movement. When any of these structures rub, shift, or stretch, a sound may occur. Not all knee noises indicate damage, but certain patterns can point toward underlying issues.
One of the most common and harmless causes is the formation and release of gas bubbles in the synovial fluid—the natural lubricant inside the joint. When you bend or straighten your knee, pressure changes within the joint cause these tiny bubbles to burst, producing a popping sound. This is very similar to cracking your knuckles and doesn’t signal any problem.....
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