My knees crack a lot when I exercise. Why?

Posted , 3 users are following.

My knees started cracking a lot about a year and a half ago. It happens when I'm going down the stairs, sitting down, or doing any exercise that involves using my knees. For example, I did about 80 lunges once, and throughout EVERY single one, my knees cracked. It wouldn't bother me so much if it was just the cracking I hear, but it feels uncomfortable too. Not so much painful, just more like, "Ew. I can feel them crack. It feels weird. Should I stop?' kind of thing. Does this happen to anyone else? Should I talk to a doctor about it?

0 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

  • Posted

    Your knees are cracking possibly is due to osteoarthritis. You probably have worn down all of the cartilage between the tibia , femur and patella. I think you should consult an orthopedic surgeon for his/ her opinion. I had all the cracks that speak of and had my left knee replaced. I only hear cracks from my right knee now. I will be having it replaced in the near future.

    Mark

    • Posted

      Wow. Thank you for your reply. Is osteoarthritis still possible in a 16 year old (me)?
    • Posted

      Now I see your age. There is a dynamic in young people that's given a lable. Its called growing pains. The body is growing faster than the soft tissue around the joints. Consequently there isnt enough support from ligaments, tendons and muscles and the joint itself just sort of floats around in there. What you think is strengthening is actually damaging the joint. I have know a lot of young baseball players that blew out their elbows and shoulders because the coaching was so negligent that they were allowed to throw as many pitches as they want plus got into breaking balls way t o early. Joints, especially knees because of all the torque . from sudden and violent movement are the most suseptablecto damage. Remember you are young an d have a long life a gead of you. Don't go through it as a cripple because you are trying to be superman. This advice from a guy that turns 79 next week, was an athlete and spent many years coaching youth sports. I never had any serious joint problems till I was 65 and wound up with a rare tumor that has held me hostage ever since. Good luck and listen to your Dr not some gym rat that thinks he is the smartest guy ever.
  • Posted

    Pretty good sign the cartilage is about gone. You didn't give your age but I would expect arthritis is already set in. Squats and lunges are the two hardest things on the knee joints. You need an MRI asap and confer with your orthopod. They might give you some additional life with an injection of either cortisone or Synvisc. Ice your knees for about 20 mins after any kind of excercise. Y ou might get a little relief from one of the glucosamine pills on the market but once the cartilage is gone 60th d damage to the actual bone has started. Where you are located seems to make a difference in the protocol that is followed. I'm in the central part of the US and that's pretty much the way its handled. If you currently do not have an orthopedic surgeon and see close to a teaching hospital, that's a good place to start. They have people that specialize in hip/knee for you start with. They also have arm/shoulder and others. Generally there isnt much a wait to see a Dr and Short waits to get MRI,s. Other parts of the world you might have to wait 6 mos to a year. Keep us advised. Lots of caring people on here the have been through a lot and will help you cross the bridge even in high water.
    • Posted

      Oh man. That's not what I wanted to hear. I thought it would just be something minor like air/fluid buildup in my knees. I'm 16 by the way. Thank you for your reply.
    • Posted

      Where are you located.?. One other thing....try and find an ortho that is a sports med Dr. The hospital I use is the facility that the local professional baseball, football and soccer teams use. My physical therapist has a doctorate and specilizes in sports med and was himself a Division I college soccer player. He just got back from the annual international physical therapy conference in Las Vegas last month. These guys are upon every new technique and idea that comes along. Much better than the guy that hasn't changed mehods in 20 years.
    • Posted

      I am located in California, US. I will definitely try out your advice and look for those kind of doctors.
    • Posted

      I'm in Kansas City and use the University of Kansas medical center. If you are in the central valley try UC Davis. If in the bay area either U of San Francisco or Stanford. SoCal. Possibly UCLA. Check and see where the Dodgers, Ducks, Lakers etc or if you are close to a really good children's hospital. Those places have unbeliveably good Dr's in every phase of care. We have one in Kansas City , Children's Mercy, that has a couple of pediatric of this that are fabulous. I have a grandson who is now a Jr at KU and a typev1vdiabetic. He's been going there since he was 10 and diagnosed. He wised he could still go there but was cut off when he hit able 19. I know, the 1st thing that comes to mind, you think its only for little kids and you are too old and your friends will give you a had time. Your 1st priority is finding the very best for you do you can get the treatment that will get you healed and back in the game. Go get 'em
  • Posted

    P.S. stop the heavy impact type stuff till you see a Dr. Riding a stationary bike or swimming I s best
  • Posted

    Pretty good sign the cartilage is about gone. You didn't give your age but I would expect arthritis is already set in. Squats and lunges are the two hardest things on the knee joints. You need an MRI asap and confer with your orthopod. They might give you some additional life with an injection of either cortisone or Synvisc. Ice your knees for about 20 mins after any kind of excercise. Y ou might get a little relief from one of the glucosamine pills on the market but once the cartilage is gone 60th d damage to the actual bone has started. Where you are located seems to make a difference in the protocol that is followed. I'm in the central part of the US and that's pretty much the way its handled. If you currently do not have an orthopedic surgeon and see close to a teaching hospital, that's a good place to start. They have people that specialize in hip/knee for you start with. They also have arm/shoulder and others. Generally there isnt much a wait to see a Dr and Short waits to get MRI,s. Other parts of the world you might have to wait 6 mos to a year. Keep us advised. Lots of caring people on here the have been through a lot and will help you cross the bridge even in high water.
  • Posted

    You're young, so it's most likely not associated with arthritis or any injury. Since you have no pain with the 'cracking' sounds I think you were right and the sounds are from dissolved gases in the joint fluid that are rapidly released, causing the cracking sound. It's the same as if you 'cracked' your knuckles and hear that popping sound. If there's no pain or swelling associated with your knee then I wouldn't worry about it.
    • Posted

      Correct on the arthritis. When I mentioned that i didn't know the age factor. With that many lunges and for an extended period of time i still believe she should see an ortho or sports med Dr. Kids get in a gym and start trying to one up each other and that s when permanent damage can be done. They get to going to fast, too many, too much without quality supervision and the damage us done.
    • Posted

      So I actually got my xray results today, and there's nothing wrong with my knees. Totally fine. Should I still see a sports med dr? Or someone else?
    • Posted

      I guess it depends on if you are still in pain and having trouble with the knee. If you are, yes you should have a 2nd opinion. Xrays only show bones.....mri's show soft tissues. Did the Dr have any opinion as to the problem or give you advice. If he didnt, speak up and ask what you should be doing.
    • Posted

      Its not pain my knee is causing just cracking, and its uncomfortable. I told my Dr everything and before she sent me to get xrays she said I should take some calcium supplements, probably because I don't drink milk daily (that's what she asked.)
    • Posted

      Go ahead and take her advice....gradually work back into you excercise routine and aee what the next 2 or 3 weeks bring. It'll take a little while for the calcium to get into the sysem. Be sure and drink Lots of water with the the calcium.

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