Are your knees making noise every time you go down the stairs, squat or get out of bed in the morning?
They sound crunchy or like Rice Krispies?
This is what is called “crepitus” and most of the time is nothing to worry about – as long as it doesn’t hurt, more than likely there isn’t cause of concern.
Crepitus can happen for many reasons and can sound different in each person – these causes can include:
Osteoarthritis
Gas release
Instability
Tendons or ligaments popping over bony areas
Injury or Surgery
The main thing to know with all those 👆🏻 is, if you are having pain, you need to see a PT or doctor.
Some things to know about the knee:
✨ It is a hinge joint so it mainly goes forward and backward (like you are kicking)
✨ It has a slight rotation component that is necessary for full extension (leg being straight)
✨ If surrounding joints are lacking motion, the knee will try to make up for it
✨ There are 2 joints (where movement happens) 1 between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone) and 1 between the patella (knee cap) and femur
✨ There is cartilage covering the surfaces of the joints that is needed for gliding of the bones on each other
So – how do we help decrease the noise?
We strengthen the muscles around the joint to help stabilize the structures and make sure all surrounding joints have good mobility.
If this sounds like something you need help with, fill out this form and we’ll get in contact to see if PT is right for you!