Many parents find that their child’s knees make sounds during activities, which confuses and worries them, raising concerns about potential bone problems. In fact, this phenomenon needs to be analyzed based on each child’s specific situation and cannot be generalized. There may be several reasons for the sounds in an infant’s knee joints.
Under normal circumstances, joint movement should not be accompanied by sounds. One possible situation is physiological sounds, which occur because the infant’s joint structures, such as cartilage and joint capsules, are not yet fully mature, leading to sounds during movement. Another situation is the presence of abnormal tissues within the joint, which can produce clear sounds during activity, possibly accompanied by a sensation of popping or pain. For infants under one year of age, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of congenital hip dislocation and seek medical attention if necessary to ensure timely treatment.
Infants have relatively weak ligaments, shallow joint sockets, loose surrounding ligaments, and softer bones, with the ends of long bones covered by cartilage. When these joints perform bending or stretching movements, they may produce sounds similar to “popping.” As the child grows, the ligaments and muscles gradually strengthen, and these joint sounds typically disappear naturally. Even in adults, improper joint movements may cause similar sounds, which is usually a normal phenomenon and not something to be overly concerned about.
Sometimes, a child’s shoulder joint sounds are also noteworthy, which may indicate “snapping shoulder,” caused by the friction between the acromion and tight tendons. This situation is often related to individual differences in the shape of the scapula; if there is no pain or limited movement, special treatment is generally not necessary, and some children may find relief from symptoms as they age.
With an understanding of the common causes of sounds in infants’ knee joints, parents can feel more at ease. If the child has no other abnormalities besides the joint sounds, this is very likely a normal phenomenon in the growth and development process. Of course, when faced with uncertain situations, it is always wise to consult a professional doctor.
