Should I be concerned about the cracking in my knee?

Question

At the beginning of the month I went to Park City Utah to promote the film we're making at work (www.anamericanopera.com). Park City is one big hill and I had been walking up and down this hill for about a day and a half when I went to take a step down a set of stairs at a parking garage, and all of a sudden I got a sharp pain in my left knee as I was bending it to step down with my right foot. Well then I couldnt bend it to go down stairs for about 4 or 5 days without a stiff severe pain. Going up stairs was almost as bad, but not quite. I still had two days of walking to do there, just trying to avoid stairs and limping a little. It got a little swollen, but no bruising or redness. After the 5th day of being injured I could finally go up and down stairs with only mild pain. Now, the pain is gone but EVERY TIME I take a step upward my knew cracks pretty loudly. I dont have insurance and was just wondering if anyone had any idea what might be wrong and if it could be serious?

Answer 1

Hey! Crepitus is the sound that you're hearing. I had knee surgery years ago from torn cartilage and chondromalacia (knee-cap tracking improperly). You may have strained or torn ligaments or torn some cartilage. If it gets inflamed or starts acting up again you really need to get checked... It may come and go for years and then really incapacitate you.. The crepitus you are stuck with.. I still have it even after surgery, it can be a sign of arthritis coming on due to the previous injury! Sorry!

Answer 2

In most states you can see a physcial therapist without a doctor's referral. Most private practice PTs I know will give their patients who pay cash a discount.

It is time to invest in your health here. This thing is not likely to go away on its own, and things left to themselves tend to go from bad to worse.

Go to APTA.org, click on "Find a PT", and search your home area.

Good luck!