Snapping Knee – Causes & Management
Knee pain is a prevalent issue that can escalate and disrupt your daily life, particularly when it’s coupled with symptoms like swelling, tenderness, or inflammation. It’s crucial to seek medical advice under these conditions.
At Complete Orthopedics, our expertise lies in managing pain post-knee replacement surgery with customized treatment plans and surgical options. We prioritize a deep understanding of your symptoms, accurate diagnosis, and implementing the most effective approaches to reduce pain after surgery or to consider further surgical interventions.
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Explore the different causes of knee pain and the available treatment options, including the circumstances where additional surgery may be necessary.
Overview
A large number of patients experience a snapping or popping sound in their knees. The sound is often described as an audible click, pop, or a snapping sensation while moving the knee. While mostly a normal finding, in some cases, it may signify an underlying pathology. The pathological snapping is usually associated with pain, swelling, and a history of injury.
The knee joint is the largest joint in the human body. The joint is formed by the lower end of the thigh bone and the upper part of the shinbone. The kneecap forms a joint with the thigh bone and acts as a lever for straightening the leg. The kneecap accounts for the smooth gliding of the quadriceps tendon during the straightening or bending of the leg.
MRI of the knee in the coronal section showing various structures.
The articular cartilage is a glistening white smooth tissue covering the end of the bones forming the joint. The cartilage also covers the inner surface of the kneecap. The cartilage is toughened yet flexible enough to allow smooth gliding of the joint surfaces.
The anterior cruciate ligament and the posterior cruciate ligament provide stability at the front and the back of the knee. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments provide stability on the sides of the knee joint.
There are small pads of tissue known as meniscus on the inner side and the outer side of the knee joint. The menisci cushion the impact on the ends of the bones and provide additional stability to the joint. The meniscus has a limited blood supply.
The tissue lining the inner surface of the joint is known as synovium. The synovium secretes a watery thin, clear, and sticky fluid known as synovial fluid. Just like machine oil, it acts as a lubricant allowing smooth gliding of the joint. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs helping in smooth gliding of the structures around the knee joint.
Alignment between the femur and tibia is necessary for the proper distribution of joint forces. Muscles crossing the knee joint allow for bending and straightening the knee.
The abnormal sound may either be a normal finding or a sign of any underlying disease process. Normal knee sounds are generally not associated with pain and swelling. There is usually no history of any previous injury. The sounds are inconsistent and occur sporadically.
Causes of Snapping Knee
Intra-Articular Causes:
Meniscal Tears: The menisci act as shock absorbers in the knee. Tears in this cartilage can lead to a catching sensation.
Discoid Meniscus: An abnormally shaped meniscus that is more prone to injury.
Loose Bodies: Small pieces of bone or cartilage that float within the joint space can cause snapping.
Extra-Articular Causes:
Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Tightness of the iliotibial band, usually from overuse, where it snaps over the outer knee.
Hamstring Tendon Snapping: The tendons at the back of the knee can snap over the bones of the knee joint.
Biceps Femoris Tendon Subluxation: This rare condition involves the lateral knee pain due to the tendon slipping over the head of the fibula.
Pathological snapping/popping sound is commonly associated with pain and swelling. The sound is consistent and generally aggravating in nature. The sound may have a sudden onset in cases of acute meniscal or ligament injury. Old meniscal tears, ligament imbalance, and cartilage damages have a more chronic course.
- Meniscal tears may result in popping, clicking, or snapping sounds. There may be associated swelling. The patients often describe a catching sensation and a feeling of giving away.
- Loose cartilage in the knee joint often results in an abnormal knee sound. The patients commonly describe a feeling of having something caught within the knee. The sensation resulting in a clicking/popping sound as they bend/straighten the knee.
- Inflamed tendons may result in a snapping sound while bending the knee back and forth. The iliotibial band may get caught over the bony surface at the end of the thighbone and result in snapping.
- A grinding or grating sensation also known as crepitus is more often a result of arthritis.
- The softening of the inner surface of the kneecap cartilage may result in a popping/snapping sensation. Also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome or runners knee.
Symptoms
The primary symptom is the audible snap or pop that occurs during knee movement. This can be accompanied by pain, swelling, or a sensation of instability in the knee.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and may be supplemented by imaging techniques like MRI or ultrasound to observe the structures in motion and pinpoint the exact cause of the snap.
Whilst the normal sounds in the knee joint may just need reassurance, pathological sounds require further investigation. A sports specialist physician may order investigations such as an X-ray or MRI after a thorough physical examination.
Meniscus tears rarely heal on their own due to limited blood supply, especially on the inside. Early diagnosis and management are important as chronic tears may lead to early arthritis.
Management Strategies
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen and stabilize the knee, and stretch tight tissues.
- Bracing or Taping: To provide stability and reduce stress on the knee.
- NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
Surgical Treatments:
If non-surgical methods are ineffective, surgery may be considered. The type of surgery depends on the underlying cause but may include:
- Meniscus Repair: For meniscal tears.
- Loose Body Removal: If loose pieces of bone or cartilage are causing the snapping.
- Tendon Release: For severe cases of tendon-related snapping.
Preventative Measures
Prevention focuses on maintaining good physical health through:
- Regular Exercise: Strengthening the muscles around the knee.
- Proper Warm-up: Before engaging in physical activities.
- Avoiding Overuse: Being mindful of the intensity and frequency of knee-involved activities.
Conclusion
While snapping knee syndrome can be unsettling, understanding the underlying causes and appropriate management strategies can help mitigate its effects. With proper treatment, either conservative or surgical, most individuals can return to their normal activities without discomfort.
Do you have more questions?
What exactly causes the sound of a snap in the knee?
The snapping sound typically occurs when a tendon or ligament moves over a bony prominence within the knee joint, snapping back into place after being momentarily displaced.
Is snapping knee syndrome always painful?
No, snapping knee syndrome can occur without pain. When pain is present, it usually indicates inflammation or damage to the knee structures.
Can snapping knee lead to more serious knee problems?
Yes, if left untreated, the repetitive snapping can lead to irritation, inflammation, and eventually degenerative changes in the knee joint.
Are certain people more at risk for developing snapping knee syndrome?
Athletes, particularly those involved in sports that require frequent bending and extending of the knee, are at higher risk. Age and previous knee injuries can also increase risk.
How do I know if I need to see a doctor for my snapping knee?
You should see a doctor if the snapping is associated with pain, swelling, or instability in the knee, or if it limits your daily activities or athletic performance.
What types of physical therapy exercises are beneficial for snapping knee?
Exercises that strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, as well as stretching exercises to improve flexibility, can help alleviate symptoms.
Can changes in activity or lifestyle improve snapping knee symptoms?
Yes, avoiding activities that trigger the snapping or modifying how you perform activities can help reduce symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight can also relieve pressure on the knees.
What surgical options are available if conservative treatments don’t work?
Surgical options depend on the underlying cause but may include removing or repairing torn cartilage, resecting a part of the bone, or releasing or repositioning tendons.
How long is the recovery after surgery for snapping knee syndrome?
Recovery can vary depending on the type of surgery performed but typically ranges from a few weeks to several months.
Are there any new treatments or technologies in the management of snapping knee?
Advances in arthroscopic techniques have improved the management of snapping knee, allowing for more precise treatments with shorter recovery times.
Can snapping knee syndrome recur after treatment?
Yes, especially if the underlying biomechanical issues are not addressed, recurrence is possible.
How effective are knee braces or taping in managing snapping knee syndrome?
Knee braces and taping can provide stability and reduce stress on the knee, which can be particularly helpful during physical activities.
What dietary supplements could support knee health in cases of snapping knee?
Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin are often recommended for joint health, although their effectiveness can vary among individuals.
Can snapping knee syndrome occur in both knees?
Yes, it can occur in both knees, but it is not uncommon for symptoms to be more pronounced in one knee.
What is the long-term outlook for someone with snapping knee syndrome?
With appropriate management, most people can expect a good long-term outlook and return to their usual activities without ongoing issues.
Is snapping knee syndrome common in children or adolescents?
It can occur in children and adolescents, often related to growth spurts or high levels of physical activity.
Are there any particular stretches that can prevent snapping knee syndrome?
Stretches that target the hamstrings, quadriceps, and iliotibial band can help maintain flexibility and reduce tension around the knee.
Does footwear impact snapping knee syndrome?
Proper footwear that provides adequate support and cushioning can help reduce knee strain during activities.
Can snapping knee syndrome be completely cured?
In many cases, with the right treatment approach, snapping knee syndrome can be effectively managed or completely resolved.
What role does body weight play in snapping knee syndrome?
Excessive body weight can increase stress on the knee joints, exacerbating symptoms of snapping knee syndrome.
How do I prevent snapping knee syndrome from worsening?
Regular exercise, avoiding overuse, and seeking early treatment for knee problems can help prevent the syndrome from worsening.
What imaging tests are used to diagnose snapping knee?
MRI is commonly used to diagnose the underlying causes of snapping knee, providing detailed images of both soft tissues and bones. Ultrasound may also be employed to observe the knee’s structures in motion.
Can yoga help with snapping knee syndrome?
Yoga can improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the knee, potentially helping to alleviate symptoms by stabilizing the knee and reducing tension.
What complications can arise from untreated snapping knee syndrome?
Untreated snapping knee can lead to chronic pain, inflammation, and joint damage, which might require more invasive treatments later.
Is snapping knee syndrome linked to arthritis?
Frequent joint snapping or popping, if associated with underlying joint conditions, could contribute to the development of osteoarthritis by promoting wear and tear.
My name is Dr. Suhirad Khokhar, and am an orthopaedic surgeon. I completed my MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery) at Govt. Medical College, Patiala, India.
I specialize in musculoskeletal disorders and their management, and have personally approved of and written this content.
My profile page has all of my educational information, work experience, and all the pages on this site that I've contributed to.
