The “cracking” or “crackling” sound that many individuals expertise when squatting, climbing stairs, or stretching after sitting for a very long time is medically known as “crepitus.” Some of the frequent causes is cavitation, says Dilip Chand Raja S, senior advisor in bone, joint and backbone surgical procedure at Cauvery Hospital, Vadapalani. Cavitation is a course of by which small air bubbles type inside the synovial fluid of the knee throughout movement and collapse, producing an audible sound.
Prasad Daksinamoorthy, advisor orthopedic surgeon at SRM World Hospitals, factors out that this phenomenon is “one of the crucial frequent the explanation why sufferers of all age teams search session”, including that knee sounds are sometimes misunderstood as an early signal of arthritis. “Usually, there isn’t a want to fret, particularly if there isn’t a ache or swelling,” he stated.
Medical doctors additionally word that related sounds can happen when tendons and ligaments briefly transfer over the floor of bones when bending or stretching. S. Manivannan, senior orthopedic surgeon at Apollo Specialist Hospital, Vanagaram, describes this as a “regular mechanical phenomenon in a wholesome joint”.
Why do my knees crack?
Though occasional painless popping sounds are normally benign, consultants agree that sure traits ought to trigger concern. Persistent cracking accompanied by ache, swelling, stiffness, locking of the knee, or a sensation of the joint “breaking” could point out an underlying medical situation.
“These signs could point out meniscal tears, cartilage injury, ligament injury, patellar monitoring points, or early osteoarthritis,” Dr. Raja explains, including {that a} popping sound within the knee after a fall or twist harm ought to at all times be evaluated to rule out inside accidents.
Dr. Dakshinamoorthy stated folks with danger elements, comparable to older age, weight problems or a historical past of knee accidents, could have to be cautious even when popping is painless. He identified that an estimated 28-30% of Indians above 45 years of age undergo from knee osteoarthritis, making vigilance extra essential as we age.
Exercise and coordination
Getting old performs an essential position within the sound of your knees. Over time, cartilage naturally thins and loses its smoothness, which will increase friction inside the joint and makes sounds extra noticeable. “As we age, joint lubrication additionally decreases, which might enhance stiffness and crepitus,” Dr. Dakshinamoorthy says.
Exercise stage can also be essential. Athletes and people who repeatedly carry out workouts that put stress on their knees could develop a popping sound attributable to overuse or muscle imbalance. Then again, the sedentary way of life frequent in city areas can weaken thigh muscle tissues and scale back joint stability. Common low-impact train, comparable to strolling, stimulates synovial fluid manufacturing and helps hold joints lubricated.
Joint alignment is one other issue. Circumstances comparable to bow legs – a situation by which a toddler’s legs bend outward on the knee. Medical doctors say a knee strike or irregular motion of the patella can change the distribution of weight throughout the knee, which might result in recurrent sounds.
Care prevention technique
Most signs of popping knees might be handled conservatively. Strengthening workouts for the quadriceps and hip muscle tissues, flexibility coaching to scale back tendon friction, weight administration, and exercise modification are typically really useful. Correcting posture and motion patterns based mostly on bodily remedy might also be useful.
Dr. Dakshinamoorthy recommends avoiding sitting for lengthy durations of time and sudden high-impact actions, in addition to participating in common low-impact train comparable to strolling, biking, and swimming. “Knee clicking is normally innocent, however you must by no means ignore your physique,” he stated, stressing that early warning indicators and way of life modifications can stop long-term joint issues.
Specialists stress that surgical procedure isn’t essential. “Most individuals enhance with correct train and care,” Dr. Manivannan stated, including that well timed analysis will help determine mechanical issues earlier than they progress.
issued – January 26, 2026 1:40 PM IST
