Is this osteoarthritis?

[mhrocks]

I'm 32 and I've never had any sort of leg, knee, or joint problem.  Lately I've noticed that when I plant my left foot and pivot on it to turn my body to the right, my left knee makes a popping sound.  For a few days I could feel something move in the same knee when I would walk down stairs.  It felt like it was located to the left (outside) of the center of the knee.  That went away.  The right knee doesn't have any issues.  There is no pain, tenderness, or swelling involved at all.

Does this sound like it could be osteoarthritis?  I've been working on the computer all day every day for about 10 years and I'm wondering if that sort of extreme inactivity could have caused this.  I'm not overweight (6'1" 180lbs) and I run a mile on the beach once or twice a week.

I'm basically trying to prevent a future problem.

[mhrocks]

Thanks Dr. Santos.  There is no pain at all.  The tendons in both of my ankles pop VERY loudly as I walk and they have since I was a little boy.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
What other symptoms are present? I understand your concern regarding your symptoms. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and it  causes pain, swelling, and reduced motion in the  joints. if there is no pain associated with the joint cracks or pops, this may be caused by the soft tissue in a joint. Knee popping may also occur if the patella is slightly out of alignment, and rubs on the adjacent tissues. Other causes of joint noise is the snapping of tendons or scar tissue over a prominence, or  cavitation. Cavitation  occurs in synovial joints when a small vacuum forms in the synovial fluid and a rapid release produces a sharp popping or cracking sound.If it persists or other symptoms are present, it is best that you have this checked by your doctor for proper evaluation. Take care and do keep us posted.