The knee is a complex joint comprised of cartilage, bone, ligaments and other soft tissues. Due to the involvement of the joint while walking as well as being subjected to wear and tear during athletic activities, the knee is susceptible to injuries that cause knee pain.
The knee pain with occasional popping while walking might be an indication of a soft tissue injury or even a fracture. If an individual starts to experience these symptoms, it is best to set an appointment with a doctor so that thorough assessment of the knee can be carried out.
Meniscal tear
A meniscus tear is one of the common injuries affecting the knee joint. The meniscus is the cartilage in the knee that is positioned amidst the thigh bone and the shin bone which serves as a shock absorber while walking.
Most cases of meniscal tears occur while playing sports, but the elderly can also develop a degenerative type of this injury. Take note that this injury can cause significant knee pain associated with locking and popping while walking. In most cases, a MRI is required in order to properly diagnose a meniscal tear.
Osteoarthritis
A possible cause for the knee pain and popping while walking might be osteoarthritis. This is a wear and tear condition that results to the deterioration of the cartilage in the knee joint which leads to the formation of small-sized bone spurs within the joint. Once the bone spurs rub against one another while walking, knee pain is triggered along with the occasional popping and cracking.
An X-ray is used to assess the development of bone spurs in the knee. Most of the treatments utilized are conservative in nature, but severe cases require knee replacement.
Chondromalacia patella
Chondromalacia patella can cause knee pain along with popping while walking. This condition involves the unusual alignment of the patella in the knee joint which causes the back of the kneecap to irritate the soft tissues and bones in the knee.
The damage to these structures can result to the distinctive knee pain and popping sensation in the knee. In such circumstances, getting enough rest, reconditioning and physical therapy are the conservative treatments that can help improve the symptoms. In severe cases, realignment of the patella via surgery might be required.
Patellar fracture
If the individual recently sustained a fall on the knee or a direct strike on the knee, there is a possibility that the patella is fractured. A patellar fracture can cause intense knee pain while the bony fragments occasionally pop while walking.
Once a fracture is suspected, the individual should seek immediate care. In most circumstances, the doctor can apply a cast to the affected knee if there is no displacement of the bones. Nevertheless, if the bones are drawn apart or evidently displaced, surgery might be needed to repair the patella.