Is It Normal for My Knees to Crack All the Time?

Many people experience popping or cracking in their knees when squatting, and while this can sound concerning, it is actually very common. As long as you don’t have pain or swelling associated with your knee popping, you most likely don’t have anything to worry about. There are a few reasons why your knees may develop these sounds. As we get older, the cartilage in the knees can develop uneven areas due to wear and tear. The ligaments in the knee joint could also be tightening or shifting as you move, creating an audible sound. 

If the popping or cracking in your knees is painful or leads to swelling, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to be evaluated. 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. If you are ever concerned about whether your knees or other joints are functioning properly, please feel free to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified orthopaedic surgeons at All-Star Orthopaedics. They can perform an in-depth evaluation to determine the health of your joints and how you can prolong their function for years to come.