A popping sound when you straight your knee

It is a common problem. Not only can it affect your ability to walk and carry out your usual activities, knee hurts when straightened can also really affect your sleep.

Also known as posterior knee pain, pain behind the knee may develop gradually over time, or suddenly with an injury. However, there may be a general ache, leg movements may be restricted by swelling or there may be a sharp pain at the back of the knee. 

How Does The Pain In The Knee Appear When Bending or Straightening?

Knee pain can vary greatly depending on many factors including the actual source of the pain, the severity of the injury, normal health, and level of activity. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of knee pain.

• Popping Sound

The noises that flow down your knee can be very frightening. It may be sudden at first or it may occur gradually over time. In most cases, it is harmless and is the release of small bumps from joints or abnormal movement of lines and muscles over skeletal areas. If the outgoing sound is associated with pain or swelling there is cause for concern. If you insist on consulting your doctor it is indicated.

• Knee Pain Generally

Knee pain can be occasional or recurring. which may stabilize, develop, or grow. or can be done somewhere or light up the floor or the leg. Also, It can be dull, sharp, itchy, painful, or hot. It may be associated with inflammation and blockage in the range of motion.  However, you may also feel a sharp stabbing pain in knee Comes and goes. 

• Pain with Joint Locking

Many times the knee will just close to cause pain and inability to walk. One walks for one minute and then the next knee bends. The pain is sudden and occurs when you try to bend or straighten the knee. Injuries to the meniscus or loose body can cause this type of pain.

• Pain Behind Knee 

Pain in the back of the knee can stop you in your tracks which makes bending and straightening very difficult at times. The pain can be sharp and moving or dull. Possible causes of back pain include a Baker cyst, irritation of the hamstring tendon or swelling, ligament instability, and damage to the posterior meniscus.

• Pain on the Outside of the Knee

Pain outside the knee is often called lateral knee pain. It can be caused by injury or repetitive work. Pain can be occasional or constant. There are many causes of joint knee pain including osteoarthritis, meniscus injury, ligament laxity, and dysfunction of the iliotibial band.

• Pain on the Inside of the Knee

Pain in the knee is common. It can be so or occasionally. It usually occurs below or below the joint line. Common causes of moderate knee pain include osteoarthritis, damage to the middle meniscus, and swelling of the lower leg muscles. The latter is called pes anserine bursitis.

Have a look upon the causes:

Knee pain can occur with a variety of specific causes, whether running downhill or kicking a ball. The rapid increase in activity or repetitive function of new movements can cause muscle spasms, which cause inflammation or pain.

If you feel pain while straightening the knee, it is probably due to a sprain or injury to the joint area between your large leg bones (femur and tibia), Nightingale said. When you stretch your knee, the contact between these bones increases, which can cause painful pressure. This damage is usually the result of an injury.

Here, we will break down the most common injuries that cause this type of knee pain, which can be classified as overuse or traumatic injury.

• Meniscus Injury
• Tendon Injury
• Imbalance  
• Nerve Injury
• Bone Injury
• Referred Pain
• Cartilage Injury
• Ligament Injury

How can we treat it?

People who have knee pain or symptoms of knee pain should see their doctor. Early treatment can prevent further damage to the cartilage and alleviate pain.

1. Lifestyle remedies

In general, unusual treatments for knee hurts when straightened are effective. They include:

• Low-impact exercise: Walking and swimming are great options for strengthening the legs and keeping the muscles strong without compressing the knee. It can also improve mood and sleep quality.
• Orthotics, or shoe placement: This can support the foot arch, if necessary.
• Avoiding painful activities: Most people should avoid stairs if climbing causes pain. Instead, they should do casual exercises. This can help prevent further damage to the cartilage.
• Diet: Following a variety of foods can ensure nutrient balance and help maintain a healthy weight. Too much weight can damage the cartilage of the knee and put pressure on the knee.
• Sleep hygiene: Get enough sleep, as this will help reduce pain and fatigue.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help control discomfort.
• Knee support straps: There is a lack of proof that these are working. Some people have reported side effects, such as discomfort and abrasions. Orthotics and knee support devices are available for purchase online. Your doctor can advise you on whether or not to use a knee support device.

 1.Some Professional help

Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and prevent the problem from getting worse. If a physical exam reveals muscle imbalance, some exercise can help balance the muscles and restore the kneecap to alignment.

If the outside of the muscle is stronger than the inside, for example, a health professional may recommend exercise to strengthen weak muscles. The physiotherapist works with patients to perform special and simple tests. They will suggest specific tests, depending on the cause of the problem and the muscles that need to be strengthened.

 2.Medications and surgery

Ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation in cartilage. Surgery will only be needed if the pain is severe and other treatments do not help.

This may involve removing the rough surface of the cartilage to reduce pain. The surgeon may also be able to release strong muscles and ligaments. This can help to align the kneecap.

Without treatment, sharp stabbing knee pain that comes and goes can lead to patella-femoral arthritis. This happens when the cartilage gets very old due to damage. In severe cases, the bones may be rubbed together. When this happens, the pain can be debilitating, and a person may feel restless.

A healthy lifestyle, combined with exercise, is good for the knees and all joints. It is important to ignore knee pain. Pain during certain activities may be a warning sign of chondromalacia or another condition.

Some people wear kneepads while working in the garden, scrubbing the floor, or doing other activities. Properly supported shoes also help the knees.

Keeping both feet straight can help keep your leg muscles in balance, and quality shoes can help keep you hydrated from walking and running.

Here are a few Exercises which may help:

Depending on the underlying cause, the healthcare professional may recommend a series of exercises. Examples of exercises to stretch and strengthen the quadriceps muscles include:

• Semi-squats: Stand with feet apart from the hip distance and bend the knees to 40 degrees.
• Step-ups: Place one foot on a 10 cm (cm) ladder, then another foot, then down one foot, and then down the other.
• The straight leg lifts: Sit with the legs straight forward, lift one leg and lower it slightly, then do the same with the other leg.
• Lifting the sitting leg: Sit on a chair or bed with the feet down and the back of the knee resting on a chair or bed. Lift slightly and lower each leg alternately.

Do each of these 3 times and relax, then repeat 10 times. After doing this every day for 6 weeks, a health worker may recommend increasing the weight.