Many people are faced with the phenomenon when the knee crunches during physical exertion or even during a slow walk. Most often, a symptom is simply not paid attention. Nevertheless, if crunching in the knee joint becomes systematic, it is worth paying attention to the state of health, and it is best to consult a doctor.
Osteoarthritis crunches due to arthrosis
In fact, in most cases, crunching is one of the first signs of arthrosis. A similar disease is associated with the gradual wear of the cartilage tissue, which acts as a “gasket” between the articular surfaces of the bones. Arthrosis can occur for various reasons. For example, such a disorder may result from trauma or hemorrhage within the joint. It can also occur as a result of inflammation or an infectious disease. A similar disease is also accompanied by pain, swelling of the knee, as well as redness of the skin over the joint.
Cracks a knee due to a sedentary lifestyle
In fact, it is generally accepted that professional athletes are more likely to wear cartilage. Nevertheless, a sedentary lifestyle can also be attributed to risk factors. If you have sedentary work, you rarely walk and do not do physical labor, then blood circulation in the knee area slows down. Do not forget that nutrients and oxygen enter the tissues exclusively with the blood. Therefore, the lack of activity leads to the gradual development of hypoxia of the cartilage of the joint, which is why its thinning is associated.
Overweight knee crunches
The knee plays the role of a shock absorber, therefore it is this joint that constantly withstands almost the entire body weight. And obesity is often the reason that the knee crunches during extension, flexion, walking, running, squats, etc. After all, extra pounds increase friction between the articular surfaces, which, accordingly, leads to wear of the cartilage. By the way, professional athletes involved in weightlifting, who constantly have to lift a lot of weight, often suffer from the same problem.
Knee crunches due to malnutrition
Of course, proper, balanced nutrition is extremely important for the normal functioning of the body and, in particular, joints. With a deficiency of vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients, the cartilage tissue cannot function normally, resulting in its thinning.
What to do if your knees crack
In fact, in such situations, it is best to consult a doctor, especially if symptoms such as swelling, soreness, and redness are present. Only a specialist can correctly diagnose and determine the causes of crunching and clicks in the knee joint. As a rule, the treatment in this case is complex and includes the intake of vitamins and drugs - chondroprotectors, as well as the use of drugs that improve blood flow. An integral part of the treatment is proper nutrition, special gymnastics and physical activity (swimming will be extremely useful), as well as massages and physiotherapy.