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Some people feel a constant cracking in the knee, especially when standing, sitting or exercising. What are the causes of knee cracking? Is it dangerous to health?

Causes of cracking of the knee:

Knee cracking does not have to be because of a health problem, it can be normal as a result of the flow of fluid between the joints when they are moved or stretched.

But among the causes of pathological cracking of the knee that lead to its occurrence, are the following:

1. meniscus tear

One of the most common knee injuries, this rupture causes swelling, stiffness and pain in the knee, and also leads to cracking, which is one of its most prominent symptoms.

This injury often results from a sudden twisting of the knee during sports or as a result of a collision in an accident, and the chances of a meniscal rupture increase with age.

2. Arthritis

Arthritis leads to cracking of the knee, and it occurs as a result of the lack of viscous material between the joints, and thus the chances of friction during movement increase, and also the possibility of infection with the lack of viscous material, joint friction and inflammation increases with age.

3. Muscle weakness

With the increase in weight, it leads to pressure on the ligaments and increased friction of the tendons, and this is what makes it one of the causes of knee cracking.

4. Knee erosion

It is one of the most common injuries that occur in the elderly, as they become weak and prone to erosion, and cause pain and a sound from them during movement.

5. The joints are separated from each other

Which causes a gap between them that leads to bubbles of liquid that surrounds them, and the explosion of these bubbles causes a crackling sound, and thus it is one of the reasons for the crackling of the knee.

Is the knee cracking dangerous to health?

It cannot be confirmed that this emergency crackling is caused by a health problem, as we mentioned earlier that it can occur naturally.

But if the crackling continues and occurs frequently and noticeably with any movement, it may indicate the presence of one of the previous diseases, such as; Arthritis and other infections, and then you should consult a doctor.

And what indicates the presence of a problem in the knee, that this crackling is accompanied by other symptoms such as; Knee pain, difficulty moving, and inability to walk for long periods as a result of feeling pressure on the joints.

The cracking of the knee may sometimes indicate the possibility of osteoporosis later, because it may indicate its weakness. Also, if swelling appears on the knee, you must go to the doctor immediately, to find out the cause and start treatment.

Knee crack treatment:

If the cracking occurs without a pathological problem that needs treatment, there are a group of methods that help relieve this cracking by reducing pressure on the joints, including:

Knee massage: gently moving it up and down, this helps to return the joint to its place and strengthen the knee muscles.

Maintaining weight: Weight gain increases the chances of developing knee problems that are accompanied by crackling, so you must maintain a healthy diet and exercise that softens the muscles and helps in their flexibility and strength.

Avoid standing or sitting for long periods: because this causes the ligaments to tighten and put pressure on them, and therefore the position must be changed whenever the opportunity arises to avoid cracking the knee.

Exposing the knee to warm water: during the shower, so that it remains in the warm water for 5 minutes, this helps to comfort the knee and eliminate the sounds that come from it.

If the cause of the crackling is pathological, the doctor will ask you for some tests, and then prescribe the appropriate treatment for you, which is often:

Physical therapy for the knee: In case the problem is the result of the joint moving from its place or the presence of muscle weakness.

Taking certain medications: such as medications that help treat arthritis or vitamins to strengthen bones, especially for people who suffer from vitamin D deficiency and weak bones.

Using injections or changing the joint: These solutions are resorted to in the event of a medical problem that requires it, as the injection helps to return the lost liquid substance and strengthen the bones and joints, but if there is erosion in the joint, the doctor will have to make a change to this joint.

Exercises to reduce joint cracking:

In addition to the previous methods of treating joint crackling, there are some exercises that are recommended to be done to maintain the knee joints and reduce the crackling that comes from them, namely:

Moving the knee: While sitting on the floor, fold and straighten the knee several times, this helps in strengthening the muscles and supports the stability of the knee joint.

Squatting: One of the most important exercises that are beneficial to the body in general and to the knees in particular, as it contributes to weight loss, strengthening the joint and bones and maintaining their flexibility. It is recommended to repeat the squatting exercise 10 times a day, and it is preferable to do three sets a day.

Jogging: Jogging helps move all the muscles of the body, including the knees, and this improves joint movement and flexibility, and ensures the maintenance of activity and health in general.

Stretching and stretching exercises: It is advised to keep extending the legs forward on a daily basis, because this contributes to activating the taut muscles and making them more flexible, thus ridding them of crackling, and it is possible to sit on the ground and start extending the leg forward as if you were pushing a ball, and exchanging legs together with this exercise.