Noisy Knee

December 6, 2005 12:43 PM

My right knee is making strange noises when I flex my leg.

It's not popping but it is making a grinding sound like things are audibly rubbing. I can feel it as well. It is a little sore but not bad enough to interfere. There also seems to be some swelling. I've been jogging lightly for about 2 months. I have not fallen on it. I also haven't had any pain like a ligament tear ( I did that about 8 years ago so I know the feeling). It doesn't quite seem like a match for the previous questions and answers with the knee tag

posted by srboisvert to health & fitness (12 comments total)

IANAD, but crepitus?
posted by Rothko at 12:49 PM on December 6, 2005

Torn meniscus?

If you can, go to a physio.
posted by the cuban at 12:51 PM on December 6, 2005

My wife (a physical therapist) had a torn meniscus after an ACL replacement. Knee surgery sucks bad, and they're never the same again.

Go see a PT or physio ASAP, and they'll let you know whether your exercise routine has to stop/change in order to prevent you ending up with wooden knees.
posted by 5MeoCMP at 1:02 PM on December 6, 2005

Patella femoral disorder? http://www.drlintner.com/PFPrehab.htm
I was in physical therapy for three months because of it. The good news was that the physical therapy for PFP involves building your muscles up, so that rather than sidelining my exercise routine, I actually had to start weight lifting.
posted by Sara Anne at 1:08 PM on December 6, 2005

It could be Chondromalacia Patellae. You should see a doctor to be sure, because knee problems are no joke.
posted by amarynth at 1:35 PM on December 6, 2005

If there is swelling and soreness, then yes... you should see someone. Schedule an appointment with an ortopedist... someone who specializes in knees and feet. They will make the call about what you need to heal... rest, rehab or surgery.

In the meantime, advil and ice are your best friends! Good Luck!
posted by BobFrapples at 1:57 PM on December 6, 2005

Can I piggyback onto this question?

I've got a similar problem - two audible clicks coming (seemingly) from the front of my right knee when I go up stairs or otherwise straighten the leg while bearing weight. It's been going on for the past four months, and occasionally is painful. I haven't noticed any swelling. Thoughts?
posted by Coffeemate at 2:01 PM on December 6, 2005

That sounds similar to the knee problems I began to experience a few years back which were diagnosed as the aforementioned Chondromalacia Patellae.

srboisvert, does it hurt more goind downstairs than going up?
posted by jennyb at 2:29 PM on December 6, 2005

Going! Hello!
posted by jennyb at 2:29 PM on December 6, 2005

You probably have to many thetans
posted by delmoi at 3:33 PM on December 6, 2005

Crepitus, which you describe clearly, is something joints do for a number of reasons. The next step is a diagnostic study to determine what that reason might be. I've always favored a knee x-ray, and an orthopedist to read it.
posted by ikkyu2 at 6:20 PM on December 6, 2005

"be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they're gone"
posted by suni at 5:24 AM on December 7, 2005