Knee Clicking Treatment in NYC - Manhattan PT

Knee clicking can be concerning and uncomfortable, but with the appropriate treatment, relief is within reach. To achieve the best results, it's important to consult with knowledgeable professionals. At Manhattan Physical Therapy in Midtown Manhattan, NYC, we specialize in personalized care and targeted treatments designed to address knee clicking, helping you return to your active lifestyle.

Led by physical therapist Erica Cole, PT, DPT, and our dedicated team, we offer exceptional care that surpasses standard physical therapy practices. With a wealth of experience in managing various knee conditions, we've earned the trust and satisfaction of our clients. Don’t let knee clicking slow you down—schedule your appointment today by calling (680)-208-3884.

Common Causes of Knee Clicking

Knee clicking can be caused by various factors, some of which are benign, while others may indicate a more serious condition:

1. Gas Bubbles: The most benign cause of knee clicking is the formation and popping of tiny gas bubbles within the synovial fluid that lubricates the knee joint. This type of clicking is usually painless and harmless.

2. Ligament or Tendon Movement: Sometimes, ligaments or tendons around the knee joint can catch on the bones or other structures as you move, leading to a clicking sound. This is often harmless but can cause discomfort if the tissue becomes irritated.

3. Patellar Tracking Disorder: This condition occurs when the kneecap (patella) doesn’t move smoothly within its groove at the end of the thigh bone. This can cause clicking, especially when you bend or straighten your knee. It is often associated with pain and can lead to further complications if left untreated.

4. Meniscus Tear: A tear in the meniscus, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, can cause clicking, especially when twisting or turning the knee. This is a more serious condition that can lead to instability and pain.

5. Osteoarthritis: In older adults, knee clicking can be a sign of osteoarthritis, a condition where the cartilage in the knee joint wears away, leading to bone-on-bone contact and resulting in a clicking or grinding sound. This is often accompanied by pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

6. Chondromalacia Patellae: This condition, also known as runner’s knee, involves the softening and breakdown of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap, leading to pain and clicking during movement.

Symptoms Accompanying Knee Clicking

While knee clicking can occur on its own, it is often accompanied by other symptoms that may indicate an underlying issue:

• Pain: Pain may occur alongside the clicking, especially in cases of injury, arthritis, or misalignment.

• Swelling: Swelling around the knee joint can indicate inflammation or injury.

• Stiffness: Difficulty moving the knee or a feeling of tightness can be a sign of arthritis or other joint issues.

• Instability: A sensation of the knee giving way or feeling unstable may suggest ligament damage or meniscus tears.

• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee can indicate structural issues within the joint.

Diagnosing Knee Clicking

Accurate diagnosis is essential to effectively treat knee clicking. At Manhattan Physical Therapy, our experienced team uses a combination of thorough clinical examination and advanced diagnostic tools to determine the cause of knee clicking.

1. Physical Examination: We begin with a comprehensive physical examination, assessing the knee’s range of motion, stability, and alignment. The examination also includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and any activities that may contribute to the condition.

2. Imaging Studies: In some cases, imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be required to get a detailed view of the knee’s internal structures. These studies help identify issues like meniscus tears, cartilage damage, or joint misalignment.

3. Movement Analysis: Our specialists may also perform a gait analysis or movement assessment to observe how your knee functions during walking, running, or other activities. This can reveal abnormalities in movement patterns that contribute to knee clicking.

Treatment Options for Knee Clicking

At Manhattan Physical Therapy, we offer a range of non-invasive treatment options specifically designed to address the underlying causes of knee clicking. Our approach emphasizes relieving symptoms, restoring function, and preventing the recurrence of issues.

Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for knee clicking. Our skilled therapists create a personalized exercise program that targets strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving joint stability, and enhancing flexibility. By focusing on these areas, targeted exercises can help correct imbalances, improve patellar tracking, and reduce stress on the knee joint, effectively addressing the root cause of knee clicking.

Manual therapy is another key component of our treatment approach. Hands-on techniques, such as massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation, are employed to relieve tension in the surrounding muscles and tendons. These techniques can alleviate the clicking sound and enhance overall knee function by ensuring the tissues around the knee are relaxed and functioning optimally.

In cases where patellar tracking disorder or instability contributes to knee clicking, we may recommend taping and bracing. These supportive devices are designed to keep the kneecap in proper alignment and provide stability during movement, which can significantly reduce or eliminate the clicking sound.

For patients with biomechanical issues contributing to knee clicking, orthotic devices can be highly effective. Custom orthotics or shoe inserts are prescribed to correct these issues by evenly distributing weight across the foot and leg, thereby reducing stress on the knee joint and mitigating the clicking noise.

Finally, for patients experiencing inflammation or joint degeneration, injection therapies such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid may be recommended. These injections help reduce inflammation and lubricate the joint, providing relief when other conservative measures are insufficient. By addressing inflammation directly, these therapies can reduce the frequency and severity of knee clicking, allowing for improved movement and comfort.

Contact Us 

To make an appointment, you are requested to call at 680-208-3884. Also, you can book your appointment online. Visit us here: 385 5th Avenue, Suite 503, New York, NY 10016.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my knee to stop clicking?

To stop knee clicking, you can try wearing proper footwear, adopting the right sleeping posture, using supplements and vitamins, doing compression therapy, and ensuring an appropriate warm-up before physical activity.

Will clicking knee go away?

Knee clicking often isn't a cause for concern and may not require treatment. However, if it's accompanied by other symptoms, it's wise to consult a doctor to rule out underlying issues.

Why does my knee click every time I bend it?

Knee clicking when bending is usually due to air bubbles forming in the synovial fluid, which lubricates your joints. As you move, these bubbles can pop, causing a clicking sound.

Which exercise is better for the knees?

Low-impact exercises like cycling, swimming, and walking are gentle on the knees while strengthening the surrounding muscles. Additionally, specific exercises like leg lifts, hamstring curls, and mini squats can help improve knee stability and function.

When should I see a doctor for a knee click?

You should see a doctor for a knee click if it’s accompanied by pain, swelling, instability, or if it interferes with your daily activities. Additionally, if the clicking persists or worsens over time, it's important to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying conditions.