Experiencing clicking or popping sounds in your knee after surgery or injury can be concerning. However, not all joint noises indicate a problem. Understanding the causes and knowing when to seek professional advice, like a biokineticist, can help alleviate worries.

What Causes Knee Clicking?

Knee clicking can result from various factors, including:

• Gas bubbles: The release of gas bubbles in the joint fluid can create popping sounds.
  
• Ligament or tendon movement: Structures moving over bony prominences can produce clicking noises.
  
• Scar tissue: Post-surgical scar tissue can cause sounds during movement.
  
• Meniscal tears: Damage to the meniscus can lead to clicking, especially if the tear interferes with joint movement.
  

When Is Clicking Normal?

In many cases, knee clicking is harmless, especially if:

• There’s no pain: Clicking without discomfort is often benign.
  
• It occurs during specific movements: Sounds during certain motions can be normal.
  
• It’s infrequent: Occasional clicking isn’t usually a cause for concern.
  

Post-surgical patients often experience clicking as part of the healing process. As the knee strengthens and scar tissue remodels, these sounds typically diminish.

When Clicking Might Signal a Problem

Consider consulting a professional if:

• Clicking is accompanied by pain or swelling: This could indicate inflammation or injury.
  
• The knee locks or gives way: These symptoms may suggest mechanical issues within the joint.
  
• There’s a history of injury: Previous damage could contribute to current symptoms.

Persistent or worsening symptoms warrant a thorough evaluation to rule out underlying issues.

How a Biokineticist Assesses Joint Sounds

A biokineticist will:

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment: Evaluating strength, flexibility, and movement patterns.
  
• Identify contributing factors: Determining if muscle imbalances or movement dysfunctions are causing the clicking.
  
• Develop a tailored exercise programme: Addressing the root causes to alleviate symptoms.

This approach ensures that any underlying issues are managed effectively, promoting optimal joint health.

Safe Exercises for a Noisy Knee

Engaging in specific exercises can help reduce knee clicking:

• Strengthening exercises: Focusing on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles to support the knee.
  
• Flexibility routines: Improving the range of motion can alleviate tension contributing to clicking.
  
• Balance and proprioception training: Enhancing joint stability and coordination.
  

It’s essential to perform these exercises under professional guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness.

👉See our article on the best exercises for your knees

When to Get a Professional Opinion

If knee clicking is persistent, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms, seeking a professional assessment is advisable. Early intervention can prevent potential complications and facilitate a smoother recovery.

Concerned about your knee? Book a movement screen and put your mind at ease.