About this video
Last updated: 9 October 2026
The video says a sudden pop is often described as a snapping or tearing sensation inside the joint. It says a pop might happen during a sudden twist or pivot, an awkward landing from a jump, or a direct blow to the knee.
Key points
- It says a pop is commonly associated with an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear, meniscal injuries, kneecap dislocations, or sometimes cartilage damage.
- It says the pop is often followed by swelling soon after, stiffness, or a feeling that the knee is not stable.
- It says that when pain settles after a few days, the joint has not always healed, and ligament or meniscal injuries may continue to affect how the knee moves.
- It lists a pop with swelling soon after, instability when turning or going downstairs, or clicking, locking or loss of motion with pain as reasons to have the knee assessed.
Questions this video answers
What can a popping sound in the knee mean?
The video says a pop is often described as a snapping or tearing sensation and is commonly associated with an ACL tear, meniscal injury, kneecap dislocation or sometimes cartilage damage. It says swelling, stiffness or an unstable feeling often follow.
How does the video say a knee that popped is assessed?
It says a clinical examination and, if needed, an MRI scan can help work out what is going on and what the next step should be.
