Knee Popping After Sprints

Question
QUESTION: Hello Nick,

One week ago I sprinted for first time 10 sprints 50m each with walking as the rest.

I had no problem during the sprints or any pain.
After the sprints when walking upstairs my left knee started to pop and click on every step no pain in the knee.
Lately some stiffness about the knee maybe was from hamstring workout don't know but no pain again.

I've been to Orthopedic and he told me I got torn meniscus without any X-Ray or MRI just by feeling it and gave me non-steroidal anti-inflammatory named trosicam.

I'm very active working out 4 days a week in a gym.
I've had problem with going downstairs and pain but I started taking Vitamin C and Glucosamine and no pain now going downstairs.

Thanks,
Asen

ANSWER: Asen, you've had an interesting experience. I don't see a question, but I'll comment on it and if you do have a question don't hesitate to follow up.  If Vitamin C and Glucosamine are helping then keep taking them.  It is a possibility that the meniscus isn't as inflamed so that's why you have less pain, but Vitamin C and Glucosamine can't hurt so keep on it for a while.  

Make sure to ice after your workouts to help prevent future inflammation.  

If you have any specific questions please follow up. I hope your pain stays away and you can continue to increase your performance!  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Nick,

Thank you very much for fast answer and info.

I have a friend in gym he tells me what I don't have meniscus tear I'm fairly young 20 years old and active only for a year.

Well I don't have any pain or swelling or locking as I've read on symptoms just some stiffness and its above the knee that started 2 days ago thats 5 days after the sprints and no pain however only the popping clicking is there.

I have no problem with popping because all my body I can pop my ankle fingers and knee's before but this is different type of popping when going upstairs.

I'm very active from 1 year so far.
I was 5 feet 6 inch and 203 pounds I didn't lost it with running only cycling in the winter now I'm 143 pounds 5,6 still.

What can i do to prevent any more damage ?
Can I wear knee support when running or working out ?
I'm taking multi-vatamin + Glucosamine and Vitamin C 500m after each meal.
Does fish oil is good?
What can I do more to stay of injuries?

Answer
What the Orthopedic doctor probably did was a few tests.  Depending on the tests he can have a certain level of confidence that it is a torn meniscus.  The variables are how good and experienced he is at performing the tests and how good the tests are.  If he used a combination of 3 tests there's a good chance he's 95% sure.  So it's possible you don't have a tear, but that's not the main issue.  Popping isn't always a bad thing as evidence from other joints in your body.  If there's no more pain over the next 3 weeks and only popping then don't worry about it unless you develop pain. Popping doesn't mean damage is being done.  

I do suggest always, always, always improving your form. You can go to youtube.com for tips or a local professional.  The number one key is to do what feels right.  You want to run lighter, easier, less force, and with no pain.  Don't do things that cause pain.

Don't use a knee support.  It can cause problems elsewhere.
Fish oil is good for your health, but won't have any effect on your knee.
Always work on your form when weight lifting and running.  Don't do things that cause injuries.

Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions!  Also, great job on losing the weight!