Why Do My Knees Crack?
By Andrew Heideman PT/ATC
Why Do My Knees Crack?
Cracking the knees with motions such as squatting or stair climbing can be very common though it is usually harmless. Why do your knees crack then? Through the normal aging process, the cartilage covering the joint surfaces of bones can develop uneven or rough areas that can create a sound when gliding across each other.
Image of Dislocated Patella
Soft tissues such as the joint capsule, muscles, and fascia can also create a popping or cracking noise as they glide and stretch across other tissue layers due to joint movement. Other times, an audible popping noise can be heard when the pressure quickly changes in the joint capsule as the space between the two joint surfaces expands. Occurring most commonly in the hand’s knuckles, this rapid expansion of the joint space releases gas as the pressure changes within the joint and an audible pop or crack is heard. Your doctor or physical therapist can determine whether the painful popping results from a meniscus tear, severe cartilage wear, or even ligamentous instability.
Causes of Knee Cracking or Popping
Popping that is painful should be evaluated by an orthopedic professional.
- Arthritis breaks down the padding in the joint
- Loose cartilage
- Previous knee injury
- Synovial popping
What are Exercises for Knees That Crack?
- Hip flexor Stretch
- Calf Stretch
Calf Stretching
- IT band stretch
iliotibial band ITB stretch with belt
Quad set for Strengthening
The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute offers physical therapy at 12 convenient locations across Northeast Florida. Physical therapy is a conservative approach to treating disease, injury, or deformity.
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By Drew Heideman, MPT, ATC, PES
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