What do crunchy knees mean

However, if the noise occurs regularly and is painful, it may indicate osteoarthritis , rheumatoid arthritis , or patellar dysfunction.

Many things can cause the creaking or crunching sensation while flexing and extending the knee. A doctor can conduct a clinical exam to determine if knee symptoms are caused by arthritis or another something else, such as patellar motion. See 6 Types of Arthritis that Affect the Knee. Most people experience the occasional knee pop or crackle, especially when kneeling to the floor or with repetitive knee extension and flexion.

If creptius is painless, it is usually not a concern. If the person experiences pain and stiffness after an injury or surgery, they should see a doctor. The doctor may recommend monitoring the knee, and it may need treatment. Often, however, crepitus that follows an injury or surgery is not serious. Doctors suggest that , for some people, the crepitus may have been there before, but an increased awareness how the joint is reacting makes it more noticeable now.

Treatment may not be necessary. If it is, the options will depend on the cause, as outlined above. When exercising, people should always listen to their body. If there is pain, they should stop.

Always exercise in moderation and stretch before exercising. These are muscles in the front of the thigh. Stronger quadriceps can decrease the load on the patellofemoral joint, reducing the risk of cartilage wearing away. Exercises can help, but people who are concerned about their knees should consult a physician before starting a new exercise regime. Walking and swimming are also good activities for strengthening the leg muscles.

In turn, this will contribute to better knee health. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a condition that involves pain around the knee or the kneecap. Symptoms include a dull, aching pain that may become…. Cartilage is a tough, flexible connective tissue, that reduces friction between joints, holds bones together, and helps support weight. When cartilage…. Corticosteroid injections may relieve pain in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. There are other injections, but experts do not currently….

Knee effusion, or water on the knee, happens when fluid builds up in or around the knee joint, causing swelling and pain. Common causes include…. What's to know about crepitus of the knee?

Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Structure of the knee Causes of crepitus Managing crepitus Protecting the knees It is not unusual for people to hear a noise or feel a cracking, crunching, or popping sensation when they move their knee. Structure of the knee. Share on Pinterest Air bubbles or changes to the structure of the knee can lead to crepitus.

Causes of crepitus. Share on Pinterest Crepitus of the knee refers to a cracking or popping sound or sensation in the knee joint. Managing crepitus. Share on Pinterest Keeping physically active and warming up before exercise can help protect the knees. Protecting the knees. If you do not have any other symptoms, no specific treatment is necessary for crepitus.

If you develop other knee problems, however, you should see a doctor to have your knee evaluated. Crepitus is caused by the rubbing of cartilage on the joint surface or other soft tissues around the knee during joint movement. When knee snapping or catching is painful, that is usually a result of scar tissue, a meniscus tear or a tendon moving over a bony prominence within the knee joint.

The patellofemoral joint — where your knee cap meets your thigh bone, or femur — is typically the source of knee crepitus. Cartilage, the smooth, elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones, normally allows the bones to glide easily in the joint.

But over time, the cartilage surface may start to lose its smoothness. The crunching you hear likely is due to the cartilage in your knee becoming rough, so the bones cannot slide as easily in the joint as they normally do.

Knee crepitus typically happens when the knee is bent, such as when you are squatting, going up or down stairs, or rising from a chair. By itself, crepitus generally is not a cause for concern.