Have you ever heard a bone cracking sound while walking? It often happens and makes people wonder, “Why is my knee popping with every step?” This sound your knee produces is called crepitus. It can also cause the knee to feel like it’s stuck in a certain position.
Therefore, you feel an urge to move it in specific ways to free it. The popping could be due to a minor issue or something more serious.
The Knee Anatomy
It’s best to look into how your knees are designed to develop a better understanding of the causes behind popping knees. Each of the following components can trigger knee popping or discomfort.
- Bones: The knee includes the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), fibula (smaller bone beside the tibia), and patella (kneecap). The way these bones move relative to each other can be a factor.
- Cartilage: Cartilage is present between the femur and tibia on both the inside (medial) and outside (lateral). You can also find it between the kneecap and the femur, as well as between the tibia and fibula.
- Meniscus: It’s the name of two pieces of cartilage. One is on the outside (lateral meniscus), and one is on the inside (medial meniscus).
- Ligaments: Ligaments connect bones and help stabilize the knee. These include deep ligaments like the ACL and PCL and surface ligaments like the LCL and MCL.
- Tendons: Tendons attach muscles to bones, such as the quadriceps tendon and the patellar tendon.
- Muscles: Muscles like the quadriceps and hamstrings help move the knee.
Why Does My Knee Keep Popping and Hurting?
Many exercises or daily activities can cause your knee to pop. However, if it happens with pain or swelling, the following can be the causes.
- Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) happens when the soft tissue in joints wears down over time. This can make knee movements less smooth, leading to creaking, scraping, or popping noises along with pain. People with OA may feel pain during exercise or after resting. - Patellofemoral Syndrome (PFS)
Also known as runner’s knee, PFS occurs when the kneecap doesn’t move correctly along the joint or is under too much stress. This can cause grinding, popping, or catching at the kneecap when bending or straightening the leg, usually around or behind the knee. - Cartilage Damage
Damaged cartilage in the knee can cause popping noises, inflammation, limited movement, and swelling. - Surgery
Knee surgeries can sometimes lead to ongoing issues like popping or pain. - Avascular Necrosis
This condition occurs when bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply, causing pain and limited movement. - Ligament Tear
Tears in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common knee injuries that cause a loud popping sound, severe pain, and significant swelling. After an ACL tear, a person may not be able to stand on the injured leg. Other knee ligaments can also be torn. - Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is a tough tissue between the thigh and shin bones. It can tear if the knee is suddenly twisted or bent with force, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and a catching or locking sensation. The knee may also give way. - Patellar Tendon Tear
The patellar tendon connects the top of the kneecap to the shinbone. A tear in this tendon can cause a popping or tearing feeling, pain, bruising, difficulty straightening the leg, and an indentation at the bottom of the kneecap.
Wrapping Up
“Why is my knee popping with every step?” is a common concern. However, it can indicate serious underlying issues as well. Therefore, it is better to consult an orthopedic doctor for a detailed diagnosis and the right treatment.
Visit Dr. Ugo at Ugo Ihekweazu, MD. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon performs robotic and minimally invasive surgeries, leveraging modern technology. Call us at (713) 799-2300 for an appointment.