What Does Crepitus Or Cracking Of Knees Signify?

Overview

Most people would have experienced or heard a cracking sensation accompanied by a crunching or popping noise when they move their knees. Usually occurring when a person kneels down or gets up from a kneeling position, this cracking or popping sensation is called crepitus. According to orthopaedics in Gurgaonworking at an orthopaedic hospital there, it usually happens when air bubbles develop in body tissues.

However, crepitus can also occur when the tendons or ligaments snap over the bony structures in the knee, or as a result of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS), torn cartilage, or osteoarthritis (OA).Although crepitus is often harmless, if it happens after a trauma or if there is pain and swelling, it may need medical attention.In this article we’ll discuss what crepitus could mean with the help of orthopaedic doctors at the leading orthopaedic hospital in Gurgaon .

What Could Cause Crepitus?

A renowned ortho doctor in Gurgaonexplains that aur bubbles are the most common cause of crepitus. Air seeps into the soft tissue, finding its way into the area around the joint and causing tiny bubbles in the synovial fluid.When a person bends or stretches their knees, the bubbles can burst with a popping or cracking sound. This is a harmless event. Other causes, which are described as follows, may not be quite so harmless.

• Damage to the knee joint:

If there is pain as the knee snaps or catches, it can be because scar tissue, a meniscus tear, or a tendon moving over a protruding bone within the knee joint.These issues need medical attention.

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome:

When the pressure between the kneecap and the femur is greater than usual, the cartilage in the joint can start to soften and wear away.As it loses its smoothness, it can lead to a condition called patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS), or "runner's knee." PFS results from trauma or overuse. Individuals with PFS may experience crepitus when climbing stairs or after sitting for a long time with the knees bent, along with pain, swelling, puffiness, and stiffness.

• Torn Cartilage:

Crepitus can also be a sign of a torn meniscus. A meniscus can tear during sports activities, such as when a person twists their knee. It can also happen as people get older and the meniscus wears thin. A torn cartilage usually also causes symptoms such as swelling, stiffness anddifficulty extending the knee.

• Osteoarthritis of the knee:

If crepitus occurs with pain, this can be an early sign of osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is normally a result of wear and tear, and it tends to develop and worsen with age.

The hospital in Gurgaonmentioned above is a super-speciality institution which specializes in orthopaedics. If you require any treatment of an orthopaedic nature, or even knee replacement surgery in Gurgaon, you can book an appointment at the hospital’s website.