A knee pop is one of the biggest nightmares amongst Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. But what does it mean when the knee pops? When should I be concerned?
Knee injuries are a common occurrence in BJJ due to the nature of the sport. BJJ involves a lot of twisting, turning, and quick changes of direction, which can put a lot of stress on the knee joint. Additionally, BJJ involves a lot of grappling, which can also put the knee joint at risk for injury.
What is a knee pop
A knee pop can occur during training or competition and may be accompanied by pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee joint. Knee pops can be caused by a variety of knee injuries, including ligament sprains, meniscus tears, or even a dislocated knee cap.
A knee pop can be a sign of an acute knee injury, such as a ligament sprain (e.g. anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament) or meniscus tear. Ligament sprains occur when the ligaments in the knee are stretched or torn, which can cause pain and instability in the knee joint. Meniscus tears occur when the cartilage in the knee is torn, which can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee joint.
A dislocated knee cap is a serious knee injury that can cause a knee pop. A dislocated knee cap occurs when the patella (kneecap) is forced out of its normal position, usually to the outside of the knee joint. This can cause sudden pain and swelling in the knee joint, and may make it difficult to bear weight on the affected leg.
In some cases, a knee pop may be a benign phenomenon that occurs due to the movement of gas bubbles within the joint. This is known as a “benign knee crack” or “crepitus,” and it is typically not associated with pain or other symptoms. However, if the knee pop is accompanied by pain or other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out more serious knee injuries.
Presenting symptoms of common BJJ knee injuries
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) sprain / tear
The MCL is a ligament on the inside of the knee that helps to stabilize the joint. The presenting symptoms of an MCL sprain/ tear can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but some common symptoms include:
- Pain:
Pain is a common symptom of an MCL sprain. The pain is usually located on the inside of the knee and can vary in severity depending on the extent of the injury.
- Swelling:
Swelling around the knee joint is another common symptom of an MCL sprain. The amount of swelling can vary depending on the severity of the injury.
- Stiffness:
An MCL sprain can cause stiffness in the knee joint, making it difficult to move the knee or perform certain movements.
- Bruising:
Bruising around the knee joint may also occur with an MCL sprain, particularly if the injury is more severe.
- Difficulty bearing weight:
Depending on the severity of the injury, an MCL sprain can make it difficult to bear weight on the affected leg. This may make it difficult to walk or perform other activities.
- Instability:
In more severe cases of MCL sprains, the knee may feel unstable or wobbly, particularly when weight is put on the affected leg.
- The Anterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain / Tear
The ACL is a ligament in the knee that helps to stabilize the joint and prevent the shin bone from moving too far forward. The presenting symptoms of an ACL tear can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but some common symptoms include:
- A popping sound: In many cases of ACL tears, there is a popping sound that can be heard at the time of injury. This may be followed by immediate pain and swelling.
- Pain: Pain is a common symptom of an ACL tear. The pain is usually severe and can be located in the knee joint or the surrounding area.
- Swelling: Swelling around the knee joint is another common symptom of an ACL tear. The amount of swelling can vary depending on the severity of the injury.
- Instability: An ACL tear can cause the knee to feel unstable or wobbly, particularly when weight is put on the affected leg. This can make it difficult to walk or perform other activities. For example, immediately after the pop, you must stabilize your knee with both hands to walk.
- Limited range of motion: An ACL tear can limit the range of motion in the knee joint, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee fully.
- Difficulty bearing weight: Depending on the severity of the injury, an ACL tear can make it difficult to bear weight on the affected leg. This may make it difficult to walk or perform other activities.
- Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee joint that helps to cushion and stabilize the joint. A tear occurs when the meniscus is torn. The presenting symptoms of a meniscus tear can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but some common symptoms include:
- Pain: Pain is a common symptom of a meniscus tear. The pain is usually located in the knee joint and can vary in severity depending on the extent of the tear.
- Swelling: Swelling around the knee joint is another common symptom of a meniscus tear. The amount of swelling can vary depending on the severity of the injury.
- Stiffness: A meniscus tear can cause stiffness in the knee joint, making it difficult to move the knee or perform certain movements.
- Catching or locking of the knee joint: A meniscus tear can cause the torn piece of cartilage to catch in the knee joint, making it difficult to move the knee or causing it to lock in place.
- Popping or clicking sounds: Some meniscus tears can cause popping or clicking sounds when the knee is moved.
- Limited range of motion: A meniscus tear can limit the range of motion in the knee joint, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee fully.
- Patella Dislocation
Patella dislocation occurs when the patella (kneecap) is forced out of its normal position, usually to the outside of the knee joint. The presenting symptoms of a dislocated kneecap can include:
- Sudden pain: A dislocated kneecap can cause sudden and severe pain in the knee joint.
- Visible deformity: The patella may be visibly displaced from its normal position, causing a deformity in the knee joint.
- Swelling: Swelling around the knee joint is another common symptom of a dislocated knee cap. The amount of swelling can vary depending on the severity of the injury.
- Difficulty bearing weight: A dislocated kneecap can make it difficult to bear weight on the affected leg. This may make it difficult to walk or perform other activities.
- Feeling of instability: After a patellar dislocation, the knee may feel unstable or wobbly, particularly when weight is put on the affected leg.
- Numbness or tingling: In some cases, a dislocated kneecap can cause numbness or tingling in the affected leg or foot.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that you have dislocated your kneecap,. A dislocated kneecap is a severe injury that requires prompt treatment to prevent further damage to the knee joint
Injury Prevention
To prevent knee injuries during BJJ, it is important to use proper technique, warm up properly before training, and wear appropriate protective gear, such as knee pads. Additionally, it is important to listen to your body and avoid training through pain or discomfort. If you experience knee pain or discomfort during BJJ, it is important to seek medical attention and take the necessary steps to allow your knee to heal properly.
Treatment
Treatment for knee injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the underlying cause. In some cases, rest and physical therapy may be sufficient for treating a knee injury. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage to the knee joint.
Physiotherapy
In many knee injuries, including meniscus tear and ACL depending on severity, physiotherapy is sufficient for treating the injury. Physiotherapists uses different modalities and exercise-based rehabilitation for pain reduction, strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, improving range of motion, and retraining motor control, promote tissue adaptation and preparing the individual to return to sport. In most cases, people with knee injuries can return to BJJ with a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
Surgery
In some severe cases of knee injury, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage to the knee joint. Surgery may be recommended for injuries such as ligament sprains or meniscus tears that do not respond to rest and physiotherapy. A comprehensive rehabilitation designed and guided physiotherapist is essential to good outcomes post-operatively.
Surgical treatment for knee injuries may include:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that involves making small incisions in the knee joint and using a camera to guide the surgical instruments.
- Ligament reconstruction: A surgical procedure that involves replacing a torn ligament in the knee joint with a graft from another part of the body.
- Meniscus repair: A surgical procedure that involves repairing a torn meniscus in the knee joint.
In conclusion, knee injuries are a common occurrence in BJJ, and a knee pop is a cause for concern. Knee pops can be caused by a variety of knee injuries, including ligament sprains, meniscus tears, or even a dislocated knee cap. To prevent knee injuries during BJJ, it is important to use proper technique, warm up properly before training, and wear appropriate protective gear, such as knee pads. If you experience knee pain or discomfort during BJJ, it is important to seek medical attention and take the necessary steps to allow your knee to heal properly. Treatment for knee injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the underlying cause, but may include rest, physiotherapy, or surgery.
