What Is The Cause For Tickle Sound With Slight Pain In Knees And Joints?

Posted on Fri, 10 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 10 Jan 2014 Answered on

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Whenever I walk or climb up in the staircase, I get a tickle sound. I am not sure from when this started but it is there at least past 2 to 3 years. Around 5 months back I started going to Gym for Treadmill (20 mts, 4 days a week). Even though the sound continued, I did not feel any difference. But there is always a kind of uncomfortness may be cause of the slight pain in my knees and joints (ankles). Could you please advise what could be wrong? Can I continue the Treadmill? Is there some medication that I need to take on? Regards, XXXX

Answered by Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Please find the answer below. Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX This is just to let you know that sounds/noises occuring around a joint are of 2 types. INTRAARTICULAR (occuring from within the joint) sounds are usually termed as CLICKS which arise either from articular surface (joint surface) or from the meniscus in case of the knee joint. EXTRAARTICULAR (occuring outside the joint) sounds are termed as THUD'S which arise either from the tendons or ligaments surrounding the joint due to friction during the movements of a particular joint. A detailed direct physical examination is needed to know whether it an intrarticular or extraarticular sound. As the sounds are persisting for the past 2-3 years without any problem in your joints (in the form of either severe pain or swelling limiting your activities), most propably they might be extraarticular sounds, which are not a matter of concern. No medications are necessary, if they are extraarticular in origin. Before continuing the treadmill, I suggest you to consult an orthopedic surgeon to diagnose the exact problem and act according to the advice given. Hope I have addressed your query. I welcome any more clarifications Regards

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