We can't say exactly what's going on but it certainly sounds like you have an injured knee that is getting worse due to lack of treatment and continued use of the knee for work.
Based on the pain and popping, you may have a torn meniscus. A meniscal tear is a tear in the meniscus, a shock-absorbing structure in the knee. There are two menisci (plural of meniscus) in each knee, one on the inside (medial), and one on the outside (lateral). The lateral may be torn in your case.
Symptoms may include:
"Popping" sound at the time of the injury
Pain
Tightness
Swelling within the knee, often called "water on the knee"
Locking up, catching, or giving way of the knee
If your knee locks up and is painful, your physician may determine that surgery is necessary to remove the damaged meniscus. For knees that are stable and aren't locking, the RICE treatment may be all that is needed, at least for a period of time.
RICE Therapy
Rest—Take a break from activities that stress the knee joint. With rest, the knee will be less painful. Some meniscal tears that occur on the outside of the meniscus will heal with time.
Ice—Apply ice in 15-minute periods during the first 24 hours after the injury and for several days after, if needed. This helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.
Compression—Wrap the knee in an elastic bandage. This will help stop swelling and provide support and protection for the knee. Do not pull the elastic tightly.
Elevation—Keep the injured knee raised for the first 24 hours, including during sleep. This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling.
Anon, please get your knee evaluated. It will not get better on its own and will get progressively worse, as you are experiencing.
Comment Reply
Hello Anon
Thank you for writing!
We can't say exactly what's going on but it certainly sounds like you have an injured knee that is getting worse due to lack of treatment and continued use of the knee for work.
Based on the pain and popping, you may have a torn meniscus. A meniscal tear is a tear in the meniscus, a shock-absorbing structure in the knee. There are two menisci (plural of meniscus) in each knee, one on the inside (medial), and one on the outside (lateral). The lateral may be torn in your case.
Symptoms may include:
"Popping" sound at the time of the injury
Pain
Tightness
Swelling within the knee, often called "water on the knee"
Locking up, catching, or giving way of the knee
If your knee locks up and is painful, your physician may determine that surgery is necessary to remove the damaged meniscus. For knees that are stable and aren't locking, the RICE treatment may be all that is needed, at least for a period of time.
RICE Therapy
Rest—Take a break from activities that stress the knee joint. With rest, the knee will be less painful. Some meniscal tears that occur on the outside of the meniscus will heal with time.
Ice—Apply ice in 15-minute periods during the first 24 hours after the injury and for several days after, if needed. This helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.
Compression—Wrap the knee in an elastic bandage. This will help stop swelling and provide support and protection for the knee. Do not pull the elastic tightly.
Elevation—Keep the injured knee raised for the first 24 hours, including during sleep. This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling.
Anon, please get your knee evaluated. It will not get better on its own and will get progressively worse, as you are experiencing.
Best,
August 16, 2018 - 5:32amSusan
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