What causes the crunching sound in your knee and is physical therapy the answer?

Sometimes, knees “pop.” We’ve all heard it. You squat down to pick something up or tie your shoes, and your knees let off a loud “crack” on the way down. This may be concerning to you, so let’s break down some of the main causes of the crunching sound you hear in your knees and the most common treatment options. 

First things first, the crunching sound you hear in your knee has a medical term called crepitus. For many people, this noise does not indicate a problem. However, if you have pain that accompanies the crunching sound, or additional symptoms that we’ll go over shortly, you may want to seek physical therapy treatment to help find relief. 

Common reasons for the crunching sound in your knee

Most adults will experience crepitus at some point in their lifetime. It is typically harmless, and is often caused by the following reasons:

• Gas buildup in the knee — Over time, the knee can develop little gas bubbles that will burst when you bend your knee. This can create a crunching sound in your knee, but is normal and not anything to worry about. 

• Stretching ligaments — Sometimes the ligaments and tendons in your knee will pass over a bone spur on your kneecap, which will create a crunching noise. Again, nothing to worry about as long as there is no pain associated with the sound/movement. 

• Knee flexibility — Some people have more flexible kneecaps than other people. That simply means that your knees may offer more flexion and movement, which may make them a little noisier than someone else’s knees. 

While most of the causes for a crunching sound in the knee are normal, sometimes this sound can indicate an issue that should be addressed by physical therapy. These issues include:

• Arthritis in the knee — Arthritis is often caused by the natural degradation of the cartilage that protects the joints in our bodies. Because the knees bear much of the body’s weight and movement, arthritis can develop faster in those who are overweight or who have been extremely active over the years, such as catchers in baseball. As the protective cartilage wears down, the bones may begin to rub against each other, causing a crunching sound in your knee. This is often accompanied by pain and soreness.

• Injury to the knee — A knee injury can cause damage to the joints and/or patella (kneecap) or even cause a meniscus tear. All of these will be accompanied by a sharp pain during movement or a dull, chronic ache. 

If you are experiencing pain with the crunching sound in your knee, you should consider seeing a physical therapist. 

Physical therapy for knee treatment

A physical therapist can target the cause of your knee pain and popping, and create a personalized treatment plan specific to your needs and your ultimate lifestyle goals. 

Most physical therapy treatments for knee pain will include:

• Guided exercise and stretching to help improve mobility and flexibility.
• Manual therapy and manipulation to help relieve joint pain.
• TENS therapy to address ligament and muscle issues.

Our team at Advent Physical Therapy specializes in knee pain treatment. With our direct access care, you can schedule an appointment today without a referral from your doctor. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.