Why do my knees pop when I walk?

December 12, 2023
Posted by Justin T
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In this article, Fivali is going to explore the cause of knee popping when walking and available treatment options. Popping in the knees is a complaint many people have. It can result from one or many reasons that include ligament damage and air bubbles in the joint, amongst others. Besides covering diagnosis and available treatments for knee popping, it also gives some tips on how one can prevent the condition. The article shall endeavor to explain more about the knee joint as a way of helping the readers protect the knee.

Causes

Following can be some of the causes for knee popping when walking:

Air bubbles in the joint: When air bubbles are formed within the joint, there is a popping sound when the knee is moved.
The harm to the ligaments or cartilage of the knee: When ligament and cartilage damage to the knee occurs, there can be a popping sound which can be related to pain and swelling.
Arthritis: Infection in the knee that gives rise to inflammation can cause stiffness, discomfort, and popping of the knee.
Patellofemoral syndrome: A problem where misalignment between the thigh bone and the kneecap, due to muscle imbalance, overuse, or injury to the muscles of the knee.
Meniscal Tears: When someone tears a meniscus, they experience instability in the knee joint, together with pain and a popping sound.
ITBS (iliotibial band syndrome): ITBS is one of the common overuse injuries of runners and other athletes, which results in inflammation and tightness of the iliotibial band as it pops at the knee joint.

Diagnosis

The doctor will perform the physical examination and review the detailed medical history of the patient to determine the cause of knee popping when walking. The doctor may also request imaging tests such as MRI, ultrasound, or X-rays to exclude several conditions that may be the cause of knee popping. Other investigations include functional tests that review the strength, flexibility, and balance of the knee joint.

Treatment

Treatment of knee popping depends upon the underlying cause for the problem and severity of symptoms. Various modalities commonly adopted include:

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): These methods help alleviate discomfort and inflammation in the knee.
Activities for physical therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises improve muscle balance and flexibility around the knee joint and limit the risk of re-injury.
Medication: Corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to reduce pain and swelling.
Surgery: When conservative measures do not work, the physician may need to operate to repair the torn ligament or cartilage.
Knee supports or braces: Knee braces add more protection and stability to the knee joint to minimize further risks of injury.

Prevention Tips

While some causes of knee popping cannot be prevented, there are several things a person can do to minimize their risk of experiencing knee problems and knee popping. Some prevention tips are:

Keeping a healthy weight: Overweight exerts additional stress on the knees and is a risk factor for developing knee problems.
Wearing supportive footwear: For workouts, supportive shoes can help decrease stress in the knee joint.
Low-impact exercises: Skiing, running, and leaping are well-known high-impact sports and exercises that exert a great amount of stress on the knee, thereby causing injury to the knee. Swimming and cycling are two low-impact activities that can help reduce the risk of knee injury.
Warming up and stretching before exercise: These actions can be conducted to reduce the risk of injuries and strained muscles.
Exercises for strengthening muscles: For better strength, the muscles of quadriceps and hamstrings that surround the knee joint will be able to give more stability and support to it.
Preventing sudden changes in activity level: By gradually increasing the level of physical activity, the body will adapt to new demands better and reduce the risk of injury.