Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Have Cracking Sound When Knees Are Bent. Is It Worth Worrying?

Hello, I m 24 years old and, during my middle school and all through high school years I was on dance teams. I noticed a couple years ago that when I bend my knees, kneel down, do any exercise with bending my knees or putting pressure on them I hear a weird cracking, almost grinding sound. It s not very painful, although it feels like my knee just gives out at times, and it gets uncomfortable to where I hate working out. Just wondering if thats something that I need to get looked out or if it is just really common since I use to do a lot of dancing. I also notice that its getting worse with age and both knees make the sound but my right knee is a lot worse.
posted on Tue, 16 Oct 2012
Twitter Thu, 18 Oct 2012 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 19 Oct 2012 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hello,

Thanks for writing in.

As you describe the symptoms as painless loud crunching noise, I do not think we have any reasons to worry.

Sometimes as a normal phenomena, fluid (synovial fluid) that lubricate the joint release bubbles which pop and crackle with movement. This occurs very commonly after a period of inactivity or during certain movements. I am not sure if this is what you have, but this is my most likely explanation to your symptoms.

You don't need to worry if there is no associated joint pain; but you have to do some conditioning exercises to improve the overall integrity of the joint - stronger muscle will take the weight of the joint and help to reduce the pressure on articulating surfaces, thus preventing any damage to the joint.

Regards
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Synovial fluid


Loading Online Doctors....
Have Cracking Sound When Knees Are Bent. Is It Worth Worrying?

Hello, Thanks for writing in. As you describe the symptoms as painless loud crunching noise, I do not think we have any reasons to worry. Sometimes as a normal phenomena, fluid (synovial fluid) that lubricate the joint release bubbles which pop and crackle with movement. This occurs very commonly after a period of inactivity or during certain movements. I am not sure if this is what you have, but this is my most likely explanation to your symptoms. You don t need to worry if there is no associated joint pain; but you have to do some conditioning exercises to improve the overall integrity of the joint - stronger muscle will take the weight of the joint and help to reduce the pressure on articulating surfaces, thus preventing any damage to the joint. Regards