mayo - the popping might be the lateral collateral ligament, and if it is I'm not sure how to stop the sound.

It might also be the illiotibial band (ITB). You could try this stretch for both legs.

Stand up straight and cross one foot right over the other so there is no space between the feet.

Try to touch your toes and go as far as you can without pushing past that point. Keep your knees locked straight. You should feel a stretch on the outside of the knee of the crossed foot. This is the ITB being gently stretched.

Hold for 30 seconds to one minute. Slowly stand up, reverse the process for the other knee.

The ITB runs from the hip to just below the outside of the knee. The ITB usually gets tight in runners who do not stretch, and it can get tight if you haven't exercised in a while.

I hope this helps. If it doesn't, check with your doc.

(And yeah, it could be due to the swelling, and that will resolve over time.)