[46F] Experiencing knee pain and popping

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the most likely causes of your knee pain and popping could be:

• Meniscal Tear: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that provides a cushion between your femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). Tears are often caused by twisting or turning quickly, with the foot planted while the knee is bent. Meniscal tears often cause pain, swelling, stiffness, a catching or locking sensation in your knee, and the inability to fully straighten your knee.

  • Treatment may involve physical therapy, medications for pain relief, and in some cases, surgery.

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: This condition causes pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap. It's often seen in people who participate in sports, but it can also occur in those who don't. The pain and popping sensation you're experiencing when straightening your knee could be due to this condition.

  • Treatment usually involves physical therapy exercises to improve muscle balance and alignment of the kneecap.

• Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and stiffness in the joints. In the knee, it can cause a grating or catching sensation when moving the joint, and pain that worsens with activity.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medications to manage pain and inflammation.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other conditions could also be causing your symptoms.

What you can do

While waiting for your appointment with a healthcare provider, here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

1. Rest: Try to avoid activities that aggravate your knee pain.
2. Ice: Apply ice to your knee for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
3. Compression: Use a compression bandage or knee brace to help support your knee and reduce swelling.
4. Elevation: Try to keep your knee elevated as much as possible to help reduce swelling.
5. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce pain and inflammation.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your knee pain is severe or worsening
• You're unable to bear weight on your knee
• Your knee is significantly swollen
• You have a fever in addition to your knee symptoms
• You notice an obvious deformity in your knee or leg

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.