A knee pop is a loud and audible noise produced by a knee joint. It’s common during weight bearing activities, such as squatting. When you hear a pop, it’s a good idea to get medical advice from a doctor or other qualified health care professional. This is because, while popping isn’t necessarily dangerous, it can be a sign of serious problems that need to be treated.
There are several reasons that you might have a pop in your knee, and it’s important to determine what’s causing the noise. One of the most common causes is arthritis. In this condition, the padding in the knee joint wears down and interferes with its function. Squatting puts a lot of pressure on the joints, which can cause them to crack.
Another reason why you might have a pop in your knee is because of the gas bubbles that form inside the synovial fluid. These bubbles burst when you bend your leg and make an audible “crack.” As long as the bubbles aren’t painful, there’s no reason to worry.
The best way to prevent a knee pop is to strengthen the surrounding muscles. You should also try to move as much as possible, as this can help your joints to perform at their optimum level. If you need advice about how to reduce the risk of a crack, a therapist can offer you some pointers.
Other causes of a pop include a previous knee injury or surgery. People who’ve had knee surgery report that their joints are noisier than before. However, if the popping sounds are only minor, you should consider trying some simple exercises, such as a series of 30-second to one-minute sets.
Squatting can be a very beneficial form of exercise. But it’s also important to make sure you’re doing it correctly. For example, when squatting from your hips, it’s crucial that you sit back and keep your heels on the floor. Additionally, you should make sure you engage your glutes and spine. To keep your knees safe, you can use a tennis ball to roll over any tension that may be preventing you from moving properly.
While popping and cracking knees are not uncommon, they can be uncomfortable and a cause for concern. Cracking can be a symptom of knee arthritis, which is the most common cause of knee pain in adults over 60 years of age. So, if you hear a pop during squatting, or if it occurs while you’re doing other types of exercise, you should seek professional advice.
Finally, it’s important to recognize that there are many reasons why your knees might be cracking. Some of the more obvious reasons are incorrect exercise technique, wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee, and arthritis. Also, some people develop creaking sounds during squatting for other reasons.
Luckily, there are a number of ways you can eliminate the chances of cracking your knees. Losing a little weight, improving your squatting techniques, strengthening your knees and surrounding muscles, and keeping your joints in good shape with a few exercises will help you prevent a knee pop.