My knee popped in class tonight. It wasn't from a leg lock, I think I just twisted my leg awkwardly. The thing is, it isn't swollen or anything and it doesn't feel any differently (ie, no pain). However, I think I've heard people say before that knee poppage = cartilage tearing. For those of you who have popped your knee, did it end up being damaged? And when it happened was it painful? Is this an indication of an (x)CL tear? I know I'll get the inevitable "go see a doctor, why are you asking medical advise on a forum". Well, I've already had a ton of doctor visits in the past year, and I don't think I have the money to see a doctor and get an MRI. I've had an MRI before and it cost 1000 dollars. I don't have that kind of money right now, so if I do end up having to go to a doctor, I want to be sure as possible that something is wrong with my knee. Should I be worried?
If it doesn't hurt at all and isn't swollen it shouldn't be a big problem. Obviously you never know and seeing a doc would be the best thing but you should be fine if it doesn't start swelling. Just take it a little easy for a couple days and baby it. That being said I only have limited medical training but have seen quite a few knee injuries so take it FWIW.
I would not be worried at all. Getting your knee popped in just casual rolling is no big deal. It happens frequently enough to me in my joints that I don't really notice or care very much. If you are in a heel hook or something and hear a pop, that usually means damage. Your knee will be swollen up a lot and hurt quite a bit afterwards. However, if you are just rolling and hear a pop, it's usually just the joint cracking. There are lots of things that can cause it to crack, and if you don't have any pain or swelling, it's not a big deal.
Thanks guys. That's somewhat relieving. I'll have to wait until tomorrow or a few days before I'm absolutely certain I'm fine. I'm still going to class tomorrow, and if everything is still fine, then I'm probably just going to forget about it.
Yeah, I have my shoulders pop all the time, and my knees do so as well. I don't think it's a big deal in your case, and I really hope it isn't in my case either.
Knee popping can be serious, but isn't necessarily. If you've torn your ACL it'll swell up. In any case, if you're worried about it (ie if it doesn't feel right) go to a good sports physio ... they tend to know more about knees than your typical GP. Some things you can shrug off, but knees (and backs, spines etc) should be looked at by a pro if you've doubts - way easier to fix when the damage is minor than after repeatedly weakening it. Most important, don't get your medical advice from an internet forum ... even the folks who really know knees (and there are physio's and the like on forums like this) can't diagnose your knee without manipulating it.
I popped by knee last week, I was attempting DLR guard (I think) and I got some pressure and heard it pop. It is ok now but it is still kind of stiff and sore. Follow the RICE formula and maybe throw a knee sleeve on it if you have one for a few days because it will be weaker than normal for a while.
My knee popped once in class rolling but I think it was just my patella (kneecap) snapping back into place from being moved. It didn't hurt at all it was just weird how it popped so loud and nothing bad happened.
Probably nothing. If in the future that knee feels like it might "give out" or lose lateral stability from time to time, then that would be a bad sign. Othewise no pain + no swelling most likely equals no problem.
My knee 'popped' from a heel hook a few weeks ago, if it aint sore or swollen it will prob be ok. In my case my knee made a noise like when you crack your knuckles.
If there is no swelling or pain then it shouldn't be a problem. I'd just take it easy for the next week or so and see if something changes. Also the previous RICE suggestion goes without saying for any injury. You might want to look up exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee as my knee pops after my surgery and the therapists tell me it's a result of the knee cap coming out of alignment from the muscles not being strong enough to maintain the stability. If you can't find any feel free to PM me and I'll see what i can dig up for you. Nothing more I can do than rehab and internet these days.
Trust me...you'll know when you need to see the doc. I just got back from seeing mine after the MRI. I have torn the cartilage...but I had other "repetitive use" injuries to that knee, as well. My tendons and ligaments are swollen, but they are healing. My doc even said I could go another few months before having the surgery (just not ready to stop training just yet). If it starts to hurt, lock up, or swell....go see the doc.
mine popped during a scramble or something, my training partner heard it and thought my leg was going to come off... went to class the next day, took it light, and recovered over the weekend
If it doesn't hurt then I wouldn't worry about it. My knees snap crackle and pop for ever little thing I do, just loose ligaments I guess.
Not always true... I got hip tossed and felt my knee popped. Trained on it and then went and got a MRI. Thought it was fine, but just for precautionary measures. Results came back and I had a torn ACL and torn Meniscus. Get it checked out ASAP. I still fought on mine and then got reconstructive surgery. GET IT CHECKED!
Knee surgery is expensive tho so is the MRI and everything. I wouldnt go to a doctor unless you cant walk on it or its swollen.
My knee ponpped loudly when my instructor knee barred me the other day. He freaked out and I didn't at first. It happens every now and then because of scar tissue. His being freaked out got me thinking about it though and then I got freaked out. Almost an ugly scene.
[Resurrect] My knee also popped today; we were working back escapes. Didn't hurt, but just now (about 4-5hrs later) the head of the fibula (the bony prominence on the outside-bottom of the knee) is really sore. It doesn't feel like normal hyperextension joint pain (which I've gotten in my elbows) it feels more like a bruise, combined with some tightness in my knee. I'm not really sure what to make of it. Any thoughts experience? Thanks in advance!
