Joints creak, pop, and crack may happen even more often when we age. In certain joints, like knees, creaking sounds may be pretty loud. Yet, does the sound indicate that the joint is wearing down or needs to be replaced, partially or fully?
Let’s discuss why joints make noise, if or when you may need a partial knee replacement, and where you can go in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte for outstanding orthopedic care.
Why Do Joints Creak?
Although the primary reason behind joint creaking is unclear, orthopedic doctors have explained two possible reasons for a popping sound:
- A quick move and release of ligaments – the tissue that connects the bones and keeps joints stable –over the joints.
- Compression of nitrogen bubbles in the joints while moving.
Joint popping is expected from time to time, but if popping is followed by pain and swelling, it could indicate joint-related issues that may or may not need surgery.
When Joint Creaking Is an Issue?
If your knee is wearing down and daily activities become painful, like transitioning from sitting to standing, going upstairs, and walking, this is a cause for concern. If you hear more continuous pops, like a grating sensation, especially during movement, followed by pain and swelling, you could have osteoarthritis. This is the most common joint disease and occurs due to the wearing down of the cartilage, which can be very painful.
Creaking Joints and Partial Knee Replacement
If you are diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the knee, your doctor may recommend a partial knee replacement. This is a procedure in which only the worn-down parts of the joint are removed and replaced with metal implants, and the healthy parts are preserved. Since only a small part of the knee is replaced, it requires a smaller incision during surgery, with faster recovery. It also feels more natural and comfortable than a total knee replacement.
Orthopedic Surgeon Near Me
If you have any of the symptoms above, visit no other than the Advanced Orthopedic Center. At Advanced Orthopedic Center, in addition to traditional knee replacement surgery, we offer MAKOplasty, which uses advanced CT scan images of the knee to customize the replacement parts for your knee along with the Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic (RIO) System to remove diseased bone accurately and precisely place the implants.
Our highly trained and board-certified orthopedic physicians are eager to help you get your joints moving properly and feeling better in no time.
To schedule a consultation, call us today at (941) 629-6262, or fill out our convenient online appointment request form. For your convenience, we have an office in Port Charlotte as well as Punta Gorda, FL.
We look forward to getting you back to your best mobility and health possible!
