Knee crepitus, more commonly known as knee grinding, is a crunching sensation in the knee joint that is sometimes accompanied by a popping sound. This condition can be harmless, a simple sign that gas is trapped under the kneecap. However, knee grinding is also one of the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that can severely impact your quality of life. Here’s when to discuss your knee grinding symptoms with a joint expert. 

Knee Grinding and Arthritis

Nonpainful knee grinding is typically the result of air bubbles have seeped into the soft tissue around the knee joint, causing a popping sensation when the knee stretches or bends. This condition is benign and will disappear with time. 

However, if specific symptoms accompany your knee grinding, it may be a presentation of knee osteoarthritis. These symptoms include:

• Pain

• Stiffness

• Swelling

• Instability

• Deformity

• Knee locking or catching

• Reduced range of motion

There is no cure for osteoarthritis. If diagnosed early enough, the progression of the disease can be slowed with lifestyle changes and conservative treatment strategies such as:

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Weight loss

• Physical therapy

• Steroid injections 

Sometimes the knee's cartilage is only worn down in a specific area. In these cases, a knee cartilage transplant can repair the damaged cartilage. This is typically performed for younger, more active patients as a total knee replacement implant lasts an average of twenty years.

If nonsurgical treatments have no impact or the osteoarthritis is severe, Dr. Cafferky may recommend total knee replacement surgery. 

It’s important to note that several conditions can cause painful knee grinding. Having your knee assessed by an orthopaedic professional is the only way to diagnose the cause of your symptoms accurately. 

Knee Grinding After a Joint Replacement

A recent study showed that up to eighteen percent of knee replacement patients will experience knee grinding. Sometimes this is the joint adjusting to the design and fit of the knee implant and will resolve itself over time. Other times, this can signify a more serious condition that will require surgical intervention. 

There are two common reasons for painful knee grinding after joint replacement surgery:

1. Scar tissue

2. Implant failure

Scar tissue can occasionally develop in the knee after surgery, especially if the arthritis developed due to trauma. This will cause stiffness and pain in the joint in addition to the grinding sensation. A minimally-invasive procedure known as a knee arthroscopy can remove the scar tissue and resolve the issue. 

An implant failure is a more severe condition that requires knee revision surgery. This is when the original implant is removed and replaced with a new prosthesis. Signs your implant has started to fail include:

• Swelling

• Instability

• Reduced function

• Pain

• Stiffness

Knee implant failure and scar tissue stiffness will only worsen over time and make everyday movements difficult. It’s essential to make an appointment with a joint replacement physician if these symptoms persist. 

Painful Arthritic Knee Symptoms? Contact Team Cafferky Today!

If you are experiencing knee grinding or other painful knee osteoarthritis symptoms, contact Dr. Cafferky and his team at The Steadman Clinic today! As the leading knee replacement orthopaedic surgeon in Eagle and Summit County, Dr. Cafferky is here to help his patients stay active and move forward. 

Schedule your appointment by calling (970) 476-1100 or via Dr. Cafferky’s online portal.