Knee problem -- ACL? LCL?

[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.  In the last few days I've noticed that I can feel something move in the same knee when I walk down stairs.  It feels like it's located to the left (outside) of the center of the knee.  The right knee doesn't have any issues.  There is no pain or tenderness involved but I'm wondering if I should be taking some sort of action to prevent a future problem.

[EdwardPB]

No, I overlooked that you had not mentioned pain, it was a matter of habit to say take them.....
But I also hope you caught the mild sarcasm in my last sentence, and you will have it checked soon.

[mhrocks]

I should take ibuprophen even though there is no pain?

[EdwardPB]

Take some NSAIDS like ibuprophen. No, not really much else you can do IF it's a meniscus.
It's not a rush, but the longer you wait, the more damage you could be (will be) doing.

[mhrocks]

You know I might have noticed some really minor lock up.  I'll pay closer attention.  I started feeling it when going down stairs about 10 days ago, but that only lasted a few days.  I don't feel it when going down stairs now.  No recent twisting injury.  How urgently do you think I need to see an orthopedist?  Could I wait a month until I'm not on vacation?  Is there anything I can do in the meanwhile?

[EdwardPB]

It sounds like you have a torn (damaged) meniscus disk. Have it checked.
The symptoms are pretty classic.

Any times it feels like it locks up?
When did you first start feeling it? Have you had a recent twisting injury?