What Causes Crackling Noises In The Knees While Climbing Stairs?

Posted on Thu, 8 Jun 2023

Question: I hear my knees making a lot of crunching/crackling noises especially when walking up steps. It's been like this for a couple of years but seems to have gotten worse lately. I wouldn't say it hurts a lot but it's uncomfortable. Should I pursue this with an orthopedist to get an MRI or exam or is this just part of the aging process and I shouldn't concern myself with it. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Due to osteoarthritic changes.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The crunching and crackling noises in the knee especially on walking up the steps is likely to be due to age-related degenerative changes in the knee joints. Your knee joints have undergone osteoarthritic changes.

The treatment options include pain killers, hot fomentation, lubricating agents like glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin, dycerin, etc. and some lifestyle modifications and physiotherapy. Since it is just uncomfortable right now you can start with calcium and joint lubricant supplements like Dycerin. In case the symptoms are persistent or aggravate then do consult an orthopedist and proceed with MRI scan for better prescription medicines.

I hope this answers your query.

Regards,
Dr. Praveen Tayal, Orthopaedic Surgeon

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar