Popping or Clicking in Your Knee on the Stairs: Patellofemoral Arthritis
You hear a click or crunch in your knee as you climb stairs and you do not know why. Dr. Amr Elyamany explains that this is often patellofemoral osteoarthritis, wear behind the kneecap.
What is happening?
The cartilage behind the kneecap wears down. That makes every movement between the kneecap and the thigh bone painful, and sometimes you hear the popping or clicking that so many people complain about.
Why does it happen?
There are many causes. The most common are an abnormal alignment of the kneecap itself, of the hip joint, or of the leg. All of them change how pressure is shared around the kneecap joint, and this leads to roughness and wear of the joint surface. When wear begins, noises and symptoms appear.
What makes it worse
- Going up or down stairs
- Sitting for a long time, especially with the knee bent
- Exercises such as squats and lunges, which increase the pressure around the kneecap
How is it assessed and treated?
A thorough clinical examination checks for any misalignment in the kneecap, thigh bone or shin bone. An MRI shows how much cartilage is left and whether there is wear. Treatment may be physiotherapy, medication or, in some cases, surgery, depending on the cause.
Key takeaway: Do not ignore clicking with pain on the stairs: the sooner the cause is found, the more can be done without surgery.
When to see a doctor
- Pain at the front of the knee on stairs or after sitting
- Clicking or grinding that comes with pain or swelling
- Symptoms that are getting worse or limiting your exercise
Need advice about your own case? Book a consultation with Dr. Amr Elyamany in Dubai.
This article is for general education and does not replace an in-person medical examination. If you have symptoms, please consult a qualified doctor.