Is Your Knee Noise A Red Flag For Arthritis? Here’s What Experts Say

Our knee is a complex joint made up of a variety of structures, including tendons, bones, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. These structures work together to make our knees function and bear the body weight. However, sometimes the knee starts making noise which can be an indicative sign of arthritis. We spoke to Dr Vaibhav Bagaria, Director of Orthopaedics, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, to understand more about creaky knees.

What Are Creaky Knees?

Do your knees pop and creak with movement? Also referred to as crepitus, it's generally no reason to panic and not something you should be worried about. But occasionally, it can be a sign of a problem lurking underneath that ranges from very innocent to very nasty.

Why Do Knees Make Sound?

Dr Vaibhav highlighted the following reasons for knee sound:

• Collapsing air bubbles in joint fluid.
• Wearing out of cartilages with uneven surfaces against each other.
• Tendons or ligaments gliding on bones.

When Should You Be Worried?

Dr Vaibhav said a bit of creaking with no pain is all alright. But seek a doctor's advise if you experience:

• Pain or swelling – This can be arthritis, a torn meniscus, or a ligament sprain.
• Locking or instability – This can be a sign of cartilage or ligament problems.
• Grinding persisting – This can be a sign of osteoarthritis.
• Creaking after trauma – This may indicate structural damage.

Common Causes Of Creaky Knees

Here are some of the common causes of creaky knees:

• Osteoarthritis – Wear and tear on the cartilage due to age.
• Runner's Knee – Misalignment inflammation of the kneecap.
• Meniscus Tears – Cartilage wear or injury.
• Chondromalacia Patellae – Softening of the cartilage in the knee.
• Muscle Weakness & Poor Posture – Overuse of joints.

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Prevention And Self-Care

Here are some of the ways to prevent your knees:

• Strengthening of muscle – Quadriceps, hamstrings, hips.
• Healthy weight – Knee stress reducer.
• Routine stretching – Reduced strain and improved flexibility.
• Wearing proper footwear – Proper knee alignment support.
• Adjustment of high-impact exercise – Elimination of repetitive stress on the knees.

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When To See A Doctor?

Dr Vaibhav said, if knee sound is frequent, painful, or associated with swelling, locking, or instability, refer to an orthopedic specialist.

Creaking knees are usually not an issue, but if they interfere with your lifestyle, don't neglect them. Muscle building, exercise, and early referral to the physician can help keep your knees healthy and pain-free.

Image Courtesy: Freepik