Is it normal to crack your knees

An injury or chronic condition in the knee may require treatment to alleviate your pain and restore your range of motion. If the cartilage in your knee has undergone excessive wear and broken down, such as from arthritis, you will likely be recommended conservative therapies to manage your symptoms. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, can gradually damage the cartilage in your knee and make it difficult to move normally without pain.

In these cases, knee replacement surgery may eventually become necessary if other treatments do not provide adequate relief. While the knees are prone to gradual wear as we age, often leading to popping and cracking sounds, this is typically not cause for concern unless pain and swelling are present. Misiura, there are a few different reasons why knees, or any joint for that matter , makes noise. So a good rule of thumb is, if there's no pain, you're likely OK.

But here are some things it can mean if your knees crack or pop, according to experts. Crepitus typically occurs in older or inactive individuals. Misiura, "This is the 'bone on bone' cracking or noise that occurs when the smooth cartilage that separates either side of the joint starts to erode and the interface becomes less congruent.

It's important to note that some level of joint breakdown is normal, especially if you're moving around a lot. This is less common with knees, but it does occur. Cavitation is the "official word" for what happens when you crack your knuckles or when someone cracks your back. While Dr. Misiura says the exact mechanism is still a little fuzzy, "it is thought that the sound comes from the gas inside the joint 'popping' back into the middle after the tissues have been stretched slightly passed their end range.

If there are no painful symptoms involved, you don't have to worry. The sound is caused by the cartilage rubbing on the joint surface and other soft tissue when the knee moves. What if it hurts when my joints pop or grind? You should be concerned if you have joint noise that is accompanied by pain, discomfort or swelling. This could be a sign that medical attention is required.

Two of the most common cause for knee pain are:.