How do you treat crunchy knees?

Crunchy knees, often accompanied by sounds such as cracking, popping, or grinding when moving the knees, can be a common occurrence for many people. While it is not always a cause for concern, it can be bothersome or indicate an underlying issue. If there is no pain associated with your crunchy knees, they are best left alone. If you do have pain with your crunchy knees, then a combination of exercises with or without a steroid injection usually has a good chance at success. Here at Easy Orthopedics in Colorado Springs, we frequently see patients with crunchy knees.

Why are my knees so crunchy?

Crunching or cracking sounds in the knees, also known as crepitus, can have several potential causes. Here are some common reasons why knees may be crunchy:

Air or gas bubbles: Sometimes, the popping or cracking sounds in the knees can be caused by the release of air or gas bubbles within the joint space. This can happen when you move your knee joint, and it is generally harmless and not a cause for concern.

Tendons and ligaments: The tendons and ligaments surrounding the knee joint can sometimes make popping or snapping sounds as they move over bony structures. This can occur when the knee is flexed or extended. Again, this is usually not a sign of a problem unless it is accompanied by pain or other symptoms.

Cartilage wear and tear: The knee joint has cartilage, which helps cushion the bones and allows for smooth movement. Over time, wear and tear or age-related changes can occur in the cartilage, leading to roughening or irregularities. These changes can cause crunching or grinding sounds during knee movement. This may be more common in individuals with conditions such as osteoarthritis. This is especially true 

Patellofemoral syndrome: This condition involves the kneecap (patella) not tracking properly over the femur. It can cause crunching or grinding sensations in the knee, particularly with activities like squatting or going up and down stairs. Patellofemoral syndrome can be associated with factors such as muscle imbalances, overuse, or improper alignment of the kneecap.

Other underlying conditions: Certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or injury to the knee joint, can contribute to crunching sounds. In these cases, the sounds may be accompanied by pain, swelling, stiffness, or other symptoms.

Can knee crepitus go away?

Knee crepitus, which refers to the crunching or cracking sounds experienced in the knee joint, can vary in its duration and resolution depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, knee crepitus may go away on its own, while in others, it may persist or require specific treatment. Here are a few possibilities:

Benign causes: If knee crepitus is caused by factors such as gas bubbles or movement of tendons and ligaments, it is generally considered harmless and may resolve on its own without treatment. These benign causes of knee crepitus often do not require specific intervention.

Lifestyle modifications: Making certain lifestyle modifications can help alleviate knee crepitus and improve joint health. This may include maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees, engaging in low-impact exercises, wearing supportive footwear, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms. These measures can support overall joint health and potentially reduce the occurrence of knee crepitus.

Physical therapy and exercise: Participating in targeted exercises and physical therapy can help improve knee strength, flexibility, and alignment. Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint can provide better support and stability, potentially reducing crepitus. A physical therapist can guide you on the appropriate exercises and techniques to address any muscle imbalances or weaknesses contributing to knee crepitus.

Addressing underlying conditions: If knee crepitus is associated with an underlying condition, such as osteoarthritis, patellofemoral syndrome, or meniscus tears, treating the underlying cause may help alleviate the symptoms, including crepitus. This may involve interventions such as medications, injections, physical therapy, or, in some cases, surgery.

How can I strengthen my crunchy knees?

If you are experiencing crunchy knees, it may be beneficial to focus on strengthening the muscles around the knees to provide support and stability. Strengthening exercises can help improve joint alignment, reduce strain on the knees, and potentially alleviate symptoms. Here are some exercises that can help strengthen your knees:

Straight Leg Raises: Lie on your back with one leg straight and the other bent. Lift the straight leg off the ground, keeping your knee extended, and hold it for a few seconds. Lower it back down slowly. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions on each leg.

Wall Squats: Stand with your back against a wall and your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly slide down the wall into a squatting position, making sure your knees are aligned with your ankles and your back is against the wall. Hold the squat for a few seconds, then push through your heels to rise back up. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.

Step-Ups: Stand in front of a step or platform. Step up onto the platform with one foot, pressing through the heel, and fully extend the hip and knee. Step back down and repeat with the other foot. Perform 10-15 repetitions on each leg.

Clamshells: Lie on your side with your knees bent and feet together. Keeping your feet together, lift the top knee while keeping the feet in contact with each other. Lower the knee back down. Perform 10-15 repetitions on each side.

Hamstring Curls: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and hold onto a chair or wall for balance. Bend one knee and lift your heel toward your buttocks, feeling the contraction in your hamstring muscles. Slowly lower your foot back down. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions on each leg.

Calf Raises: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold onto a chair or wall for balance. Rise up onto your toes, lifting your heels off the ground as high as you can. Slowly lower your heels back down. Perform 10-15 repetitions.

Mini-squats: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and toes pointing forward. Bend your knees slightly, as if you were sitting back into a chair, and then return to a standing position. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.

Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and start with exercises that are appropriate for your fitness level. If you experience pain or discomfort during any of these exercises, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist for proper guidance and to ensure that you are performing the exercises correctly.

I hope we were able to answer some of your questions about how you treat crunchy knees. If you would like us to evaluate your crunchy knees and are in the Colorado area, contact us below to make an appointment at Easy Orthopedics.