Weird knocking sound when I walk!

[Emye343]

Hi,

This might sound odd but, lately, when I’m walking I am hearing a “knocking” sound emanating from either my hip or knee on the left side. It isn’t constant but stops and starts and I wondered if it was in my head(!) but my husband heard it clearly when we were walking today. There’s no pain to go with it and I have got oa as well as ra, so I suppose it could be linked to that. It’s just such a strange sound and I wondered if anyone on this forum had experienced it? I’m taking humira and that seems to be controlling most pain at the moment so I assumed the damage would have stopped too? I’d be grateful for any ideas! It’s very unlikely that I will be seeing my rheumatologist any time soon.

[KittyJ]

I don’t have OA but I have worked with a lot of people who have and quite a few have clunking sounds when they walk either from hips or ankles, I would speak to your doctor and get it checked out.

[Emye343 in reply to KittyJ]

Thanks KittyJ, I will. It’s rather disconcerting - just another thing to add to the ever growing list…

[KittyJ in reply to Emye343]

Let us know how you get on 😊

[Emye343]

Will do, thanks!

[Mmrr]

I have OA too and get strange clicking and grinding noises, but maybe best get things checked out by your GP.

[Emye343 in reply to Mmrr]

Thanks Mmrr, yes, I get clicking and grinding in my neck, but this is definitely knocking! I’ll mention it to my gp when I next see him.

[JEM95]

I have OA too and my knees and ankles make various crunchy sounds. When I stand up I get several loud clicks. Knocking sounds like you need to get checked out x

[Emye343 in reply to JEM95]

Thanks JEM95, I will make an appointment with my gp.

[Ascidian]

Hi, I have psoriatic arthritis and OA and recently started having clunking/knocking sounds from my knees - I get a double clunk from my left knee and a single from the right knee when I walk, especially going down stairs (quite distinct from the clicking/grinding noises I've had for 30 years). I am pretty sure it is caused by tendons or ligaments rubbing over bony lumps - i can even feel the movement of the tendon/ligament. Could this be what is happening for you?

[Emye343 in reply to Ascidian]

Hi Ascidian,Thanks for your reply. Yes, I’ve been wondering just today if it could be ligaments or tendons. I have had pain in both my hip and knee joints in the past (diagnosed with palindromic rheumatism in 2008 which morphed into ra in 2015), but never had them xrayed. But I would have expected pain with these “knocks “ and there isn’t any. Do you get pain with your clunking sounds?

[Ascidian in reply to Emye343]

No, no pain. The knees are stiff first thing in the morning, but that has been the case for a long time and has not got worse since the clunking started. I will probably talk to my GP at some time, just in case the rubbing might cause damage. But it doesn't feel urgent since it doesn't hurt

[Emye343 in reply to Ascidian]

Thanks for replying Ascidian,I’ve booked an appointment with my gp - I’m going to add it to the list of things I have to ask him. I’ll let you know what he says.

[Hallwood]

Hi, I would say whilst Humira alters (stops) the auto immune response so inflammation and pain reduces, an already damaged joint is going to 'click' or 'catch'. This has been my experience.If your issue is in a previously unaffected joint, I couldn't comment.

I've been taking Humira for 2 years, for 18 months it's been great but now I'm noticing that it's less effective. Today my consultant recommended some tweaks to the regime to trial for a couple of months.

[Ghugs in reply to Hallwood]

I would be interested to hear about the tweaks ... I too am feeling that the success of humoral is starting to wane. I am loath to start a new treatment as I have had a number of really good years with humoral that is so convenient. I use the pre-filled pen once a fortnight.

[Hallwood in reply to Ghugs]

Hi, thank you for asking...in addition to the fortnightly Humira pen I'll now be taking methotrexate weekly and regular steroid injections. I need to check the intervals for these, as can't remember what he said!Like you I'm reluctant to give up just yet on Humira but it hasn't controlled a recent general flare, nor for the first time in 18 months the very bad pain in several joints.

[Ghugs in reply to Hallwood]

Ok thanks. I stopped the mtx although it was recommended by my rheumatologist. It's a pretty severe drug from my research. I may have to rethink! Good luck