Do your joints click, crack or pop? Are you worried that this may be a sign of future problems?
It’s very normal for your joints to make noises and most of the time it’s absolutely nothing to worry about. It is often caused by a change in pressure in the joint cavity fluids and gasses.
Similarly, other soft and connective tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments) can also make noises as they move over nearby structures and bony parts.
One of the main things that separates “normal” noises with those that may require further investigation, is the presence of pain. Another is the joint locking up or giving way.
Neither of these mean anything sinister or significant is going on, it simply means that maybe it’s worth looking at a little closer.
So, generally speaking, clicking, cracking or popping noises without pain are nothing to be particularly worried about.
Runners Knee Injury:
Runners knee is the common name for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. This condition causes pain around and behind the knee cap. It is one of the most common overuse injuries in people who run, hence the name. Patellofemoral pain is most often a result of abnormal mechanics. These force the Patella (knee cap) to bump against the Femur (thigh bone). Women and those with flat feet are more prone to this problem due to the angles between their bones and joints.
There are two main causes of Runners knee:
- Weak hips (outer Glutes) and inner Quad muscles – These can be strengthened with specific exercises.
- Tight Hamstrings, Glutes and Piriformis – Stretching, Foam Roller and Massage should help.
These things may help:
Make sure you have the correct footwear for your foot type, take regular rest days and do some cross training when not running. Kinesiology taping may help get you through an important race by easing the load on your knees, but is not a cure.
Medical help should be sought if there is any swelling at the knee joint or the simple strengthening and stretching work mentioned above does not improve the situation within a few weeks. More prolonged Physiotherapy treatment may be necessary.
If you need help and advise with any injury and want to talk it through, feel free to contact me .