Why Does My Knee Crackle? - Knee Pain Treatment In Bergen County

Knee Pain Treatment in Bergen County NJ: Understanding Crepitus and Knee Joint Noise

Schedule an appointment today with our Bergen County NJ orthopedic team if knee pain or crackling sounds are affecting your daily movement

What Is That Crackling in Your Knee

Do you ever hear a faint cracking or popping noise when bending your knee This sensation is often referred to as crepitus a term used by medical professionals to describe the sound or feeling of grinding popping or crackling within a knee joint While it may be alarming crepitus is common and not always a sign of a serious problem

Crepitus can occur in various joints including the shoulder and spine but is especially noticeable in the knees If you are not experiencing knee pain swelling or stiffness treatment may not be necessary However if crepitus is paired with discomfort or other symptoms of knee pain it’s time to seek expert help from a pain management specialist in Bergen County NJ

What Causes Knee Crepitus

The knee is a complex joint made up of cartilage ligaments tendons and fluid filled sacs called bursae Crepitus may be the result of one or more of the following

• Air bubbles in the joint fluid The popping sound may come from nitrogen bubbles bursting during movement
• Ligament and tendon movement As ligaments or tendons stretch over bone they may snap into place causing a cracking sound
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome Overuse or alignment issues can create friction in the knee joint leading to crepitus and knee pain
• Tissue damage A sudden increase in noise and pain may signal an injury such as a ligament strain or tendon tear
• Cartilage tear Injuries like a meniscus tear often cause crepitus along with swelling and limited motion
• Osteoarthritis As knee cartilage wears down bones may grind together causing pain and crepitus
• Surgery Following knee surgery artificial joint materials or healing tissues may produce crepitus

When Should You Be Concerned

Occasional knee crackling with no other symptoms is usually harmless However you should reach out to an orthopedic specialist if you experience

• Persistent or worsening knee pain
• Swelling redness or warmth around the joint
• Limited range of motion
• Pain during activity or rest

At New York Sports Medicine Institute our team helps patients throughout Bergen County NJ find relief from joint pain and related knee conditions through accurate diagnosis and effective treatment

Treatment Options for Knee Pain and Crepitus

If knee pain or crepitus is interfering with your daily life we offer a range of personalized treatment options depending on your symptoms and goals Our Bergen County NJ orthopedic team will assess your condition and create a treatment plan that may include

• Physical therapy for knee pain
• Anti inflammatory medications and pain relief techniques
• Bracing or joint stabilization
• Exercise adjustments and lifestyle modifications
• Heat or cold therapy
• Injections for joint inflammation

In more advanced cases involving knee arthritis or mechanical damage we may recommend imaging evaluation or minimally invasive procedures

How Physical Therapy Helps Knee Pain

Physical therapy for knee pain is a highly effective way to restore joint function improve strength and reduce the risk of further damage Our physical therapists work with patients throughout northern NJ to develop safe exercise programs that build surrounding muscle without increasing strain on the joint

We also monitor your range of motion and provide education to help you prevent future injury or deterioration

Contact Our Knee Pain Team in Bergen County NJ

If you are dealing with knee pain crackling or limited function the orthopedic specialists at New York Sports Medicine Institute are here to help We provide comprehensive treatment options for knee arthritis sports injuries joint degeneration and more using non surgical and surgical orthopedic approaches as needed

To learn more about your treatment options and begin a plan tailored to your needs schedule an appointment with our knee pain treatment team in Bergen County NJ today