Help for Hip Pain
Many people develop hip pain as they get older. Here’s what you can do about it.
Keeping Muscles Strong
Strong muscles are an important component of moving well and avoiding injuries. Learn more.
Keep Your Knees Healthy
Don’t let a knee injury keep you on the couch. Learn what you can do to protect these vital joints.
Bones, Joints and Muscles Topics
Ask an Expert
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
My knee popped out of place two weeks ago. I popped it right back, and the swelling and pain have gone away. Is this normal, or does it indicate a problem?
A cracking noise heard with kneeling that is not painful and not associated with swelling can be secondary to soft tissue folds moving over the edges of the knee joint. Most people have experienced this sensati... continue reading about My knee popped out of place two weeks ago. I popped it right back, and the swelling and pain have gone away. Is this normal, or does it indicate a problem?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
I recently heard about a new knee procedure that uses medical separators rather than total knee replacement to relieve pain from osteoarthritis degeneration. Can you tell me about this and where to find out about getting it done?
Thanks for the great question. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain - it is the "wear and tear" degeneration of the knee's cartilage layer that occurs over time. In basic terms, it is like the brake pa... continue reading about I recently heard about a new knee procedure that uses medical separators rather than total knee replacement to relieve pain from osteoarthritis degeneration. Can you tell me about this and where to find out about getting it done?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
My knee pops out consistently when I work out. I’m 19 years old, at a healthy weight and have an active lifestyle. I have quit working out several times due to painful cracks and pops. Is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening?
A knee that decides to "pop" or make cracking sounds can be quite alarming. I think that all of us at one time or another have kneeled down and had our knees make a loud noise, but no pain occurs. In the majori... continue reading about My knee pops out consistently when I work out. I’m 19 years old, at a healthy weight and have an active lifestyle. I have quit working out several times due to painful cracks and pops. Is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
I am 79 years old and fairly fit, but I have some problems with balance and a lot of pain in my knees. An orthopedist said I had "bone-on-bone" issues. Do you have any advice for me that could help me make a decision about knee replacements?
This is an extremely common question, and I'm glad you brought it up. Osteoarthritis of the knee is a "wear and tear" phenomenon that affects the majority of the population during their later years. It is not a... continue reading about I am 79 years old and fairly fit, but I have some problems with balance and a lot of pain in my knees. An orthopedist said I had "bone-on-bone" issues. Do you have any advice for me that could help me make a decision about knee replacements?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
My knee locks up on occasion and pain radiates up to my hip and down my leg into my ankle. Is this something to be alarmed about? I do not have trouble walking, but it does ache more when sitting or laying in bed.
Knee pain is an extremely common complaint in an orthopedic surgeon's office. Some of the questions that we use to help sort out the cause of knee pain include:Is this an acute problem, or has is it started slo... continue reading about My knee locks up on occasion and pain radiates up to my hip and down my leg into my ankle. Is this something to be alarmed about? I do not have trouble walking, but it does ache more when sitting or laying in bed.
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
What's the fastest way to recover from Achilles tendonitis? I have a case of insertional tendonitis, and it's been six weeks since I've been able to run. I'd like to get back to my activities.
Thanks for the question - this is one that we get frequently! Achilles tendon issues are quite common and can vary in severity from annoying to debilitating. Mild tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendon, can ... continue reading about What's the fastest way to recover from Achilles tendonitis? I have a case of insertional tendonitis, and it's been six weeks since I've been able to run. I'd like to get back to my activities.
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
Why might I get swelling behind my knee when I run?
Swelling is a common concern when dealing with knee pain and knee injuries. Besides the appearance of a swollen knee, many patients complain of the discomfort and lack of motion that may coincide with the knee ... continue reading about Why might I get swelling behind my knee when I run?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
I had an X-ray and MRI on my right knee for severe pain. The radiologist said there was an ACL tear, but my doctor attributed it to arthritis. I don't have swelling and the pain is intermittent. If it were arthritis, wouldn't I have other symptoms?
This is a complicated question, so I'll try to break it down into two issues.First, let's talk about the ACL tear diagnosis. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main stabilizers of the knee.... continue reading about I had an X-ray and MRI on my right knee for severe pain. The radiologist said there was an ACL tear, but my doctor attributed it to arthritis. I don't have swelling and the pain is intermittent. If it were arthritis, wouldn't I have other symptoms?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
My right knee pops out with every step that I take, and it hurts all the time. It’s been doing this for about two years. I’ve been to a doctor, but was told that nothing is wrong. My knee would not be hurting like this if it was nothing. Help!
This is a very common complaint in my office. The sensation of "popping out of place" or "giving way" can be very frustrating to patients because they really can't seem to trust their knees. Secondary injuries ... continue reading about My right knee pops out with every step that I take, and it hurts all the time. It’s been doing this for about two years. I’ve been to a doctor, but was told that nothing is wrong. My knee would not be hurting like this if it was nothing. Help!
More Resources
Healthwise Resource Library
Look up helpful health information.
Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.
Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.