Our knees buffer us as we pursue the activities of day-to-day life. Over time, wear and tear can take a toll on knee function. We review common knee symptoms, and explain the potential causes for each problem.
Our knees serve us faithfully for years. Then, suddenly we notice a popping sound when we straighten up, or wake up with swelling we never had before. Symptoms of knee problems can range from stiffness in the morning to a feeling of pain when we descend stairs. Although only your doctor can properly diagnose the cause of knee symptoms, we have listed some of the most common knee problems that people experience, and identify some probable underlying causes.
- Swelling. A swollen knee is common with a number of different knee problems. If the swelling is immediate, and follows an injury, it could be the result of a severe injury to an internal joint structure, and should be seen by a physician right away. When the swelling develops gradually in the hours or days following an injury, the damage is usually less severe. The cause could be a torn meniscus or a ligament sprain. If the swelling occurs without a preceding injury, the most common cause is osteoarthritis. Other less common causes of swelling include gout, inflammatory arthritis, or a joint infection.
- Limited mobility. Arthritis is the most common cause of limited knee mobility. If knee motion becomes restricted following an injury, the probable cause is injury-related swelling, or a torn structure in the knee.
- Instability. Your knee joint is supported by ligaments that connect the shin bone to the thigh bone. When these ligaments are stretched or torn, your knee may feel as though it is giving way.
- Popping or clicking sounds. Pops and snapping noises are quite common. As long as the sounds are painless, they are probably not a symptom of a problem. However, if pain accompanies these noises, it’s time to consult your doctor.
- Crunching, or grinding sounds. These sounds are more serious than popping and clicking, and usually flag a cartilage problem. Damaged cartilage causes a crunching sensation when the knee is bent. Knee arthritis can also cause a crunching or grinding sensation.
- Locking. If you cannot bend or straighten your knee, there could be something physically blocking knee motion—like a torn meniscus, or pain could be preventing ease of movement. Your doctor might use a numbing medication to determine the cause. Once the knee is numb, you’ll be able to move your knee if pain caused the locking. If a structure is preventing movement, the numbing medication won’t make you any more mobile.
Whenever a knee problem is accompanied by persistent pain or affects your day-to-day activities, your physician should evaluate it.
When to seek treatment for your arthritis
Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. If nonsurgical treatments fail to support your lifestyle goals, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will consult with you and discuss appropriate surgical options. Summit is home to innovative joint replacement options. Our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center is one of only two surgery centers nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.
Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
Knee Related Resources
- Medical Discovery May Improve Treatment of Knee Injuries
- High-Intensity Workouts For Bad Knees
- Be Kind to Your Knees
- Knee Replacement Surgery: Don’t Wait Too Long