What causes joint popping during exercise?

Generally, joint popping during exercise may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as meniscus injury or osteoarthritis. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

During physical activity, joint popping may result from collision or friction between articular cartilages. Additionally, rubbing between ligaments and bones around the joint can also produce such sounds. These are considered normal physiological phenomena and typically require no treatment.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Meniscus Injury

The meniscus helps cushion pressure within the joint. When a meniscus injury occurs, clicking or popping sounds may be heard during movement. Patients may also experience symptoms such as joint locking or "giving way" (buckling of the knee).

2. Osteoarthritis

In cases of osteoarthritis, damage to the articular cartilage may lead to joint noises during movement. These are primarily due to joint degeneration and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as joint swelling and pain.

Besides the above causes, joint popping could also result from iliotibial band contracture. It is recommended to visit a hospital for further evaluation to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.