Is Painless Cracking and Popping of Knees a Concern?

A common concern among BJJ practitioners is the painless popping or cracking of the knees. This is often experienced when extending the knee and can be a source of worry, even though it is not accompanied by any pain. However, it is important to note that being overly vigilant about every single noise or abnormality in our body can lead to unnecessary stress.

For those who have been practicing jujitsu for a while, some level of degeneration in the knee is expected. However, this does not necessarily mean that it is a cause for concern. Generally speaking, if there are noises, pops, clicks, or crunching that are not followed up by any pain, and there are no performance deficits in that knee, it is not something to worry about.

However, if you notice a clear deficit side to side, such as one leg being clearly weaker or more stiff, or if you are avoiding certain positions due to the noise, it may be worth addressing. This could involve working to get the strength and range of motion equal on both sides, so you can play jujitsu on either side without any limitations.

In conclusion, if the noise is not limiting you and it's not painful, it is typically not something to worry about. It could simply be the meniscus catching temporarily, or just how your body is moving.