In the human body over 360 joints. They allow a person to move freely: walk, sit down, turn his head and much more. Normally, the joints move silently and painlessly. The knee joint bears the most significant load and performs hard work.

Cracking and pain in the knee joint indicate wear and loss of elasticity of the cartilage tissue.

The structure and function of the knee joint

Knee-joint has a complex device and performs a large range of movements: flexion, extension, inward and outward rotation. It is formed by the articulation of the tibia and femur. Outside, it is covered by the patella - the patella, fixed by ligaments and tendons. In addition, the joint includes menisci - sickle-shaped cartilage to enhance shock absorption - and synovial bags, which cause severe swelling of the knee in case of injury.

Each of the articular elements of the knee performs its own function, as a result of which damage to one of its constituent parts leads to disruption of the entire joint. Pain and crunch in the knee should be alarming symptoms that indicate the development of pathological processes in the joint.

Ask your question to a neurologist for free

Irina Martynova. Graduated from the Voronezh State Medical University. N.N. Burdenko. Clinical intern and neurologist of BUZ VO \"Moscow Polyclinic\".

Expert opinion

Astafiev Igor Valentinovich

Neurologist - City Pokrovskaya Hospital. Education: Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd. Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after A.I. HM. Berbekova, Nalchik.

If you have pain and crunches in the knee joint, you should definitely consult a doctor. The doctor will prescribe the necessary studies, which will allow timely identification of the problem and start treatment.

Cause of knee pain

Why do joints hurt? The appearance of pathological signs of the functioning of the knee joint can be caused by several reasons:

1. Sedentary lifestyle;
2. knee injury;
3. Lack of collagen, calcium and vitamins in the body, resulting in the development of connective tissue dystrophy;
4. Hormonal disorders;
5. Excessive physical activity;
6. Constant hypothermia, which, coupled with the infectious process, can provoke an inflammatory process in the joint;
7. Overweight.

Expert opinion

Mitrukhanov Eduard Petrovich

Doctor - neurologist, city polyclinic, Moscow. Education: Russian State Medical University, Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd.

Only a specialist can determine why the knees crunch and hurt.

Don't try to self-medicate and take any medications without consulting a doctor.

As a result of these factors, various degenerative changes can occur in the joint. If the knee crunches and hurts for several days in a row, or if such symptoms disappear and reappear after a while, then a mandatory examination should be performed. These signs indicate the development of various diseases.

Arthritis

Arthritis is general designation of various diseases of the joint of an inflammatory nature in which cartilage is destroyed. Damage to the knee joint is called "drives." The most common type is reactive arthritis, which is swelling of the knee joint due to injury, exposure to cold, or infection. The most rare and severe form of the disease is rheumatoid arthritis, in which a defect in the immune system leads to irreversible destruction of the joint.

If symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis appear (fever, severe joint pain, weakness, weight loss), you should urgently consult a doctor and start treatment as soon as possible.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the disease directly depend on the type of arthritis. However, there are common symptoms that are characteristic of all forms of the disease:

1. Joint pain. Has a aching, rather intense character;
2. Due to the destruction of the cartilage, the tibia and femur begin to rub against each other, which causes knee pain and clicking when a person tries to change position or bend the leg;
3. Edema;
4. Redness of the skin in the knee area;
5. In the joint, the range of motion decreases as a result of the developed edema and lack of cartilage tissue;
6. An increase in body temperature is also a common symptom of arthritis.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of arthritis carried out carefully and comprehensively, since the disease has a large number of subspecies. The diagnosis is made by a rheumatologist and, if necessary, an infectious disease specialist. The doctor examines the patient and collects an anamnesis to identify the potential cause of the disease, after which he prescribes a series of studies:

1. Instrumental methods of examination: ultrasound, radiography. In some cases, an MRI is performed - magnetic resonance imaging;
2. Blood test for the presence of rheumatoid factor;
3. A biopsy is prescribed in the absence of the result of other diagnostic methods. A needle is inserted into the joint space and synovial fluid is taken from the patient. This allows you to identify the causative agent of the disease.

Treatment

How to treat arthritis doctor decides. Therapy largely depends on the type of disease. It necessarily includes anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroids, painkillers and supporting agents: collagen, vitamins, mineral complexes.

Simultaneously with the use of pharmacological agents, it is necessary to carry out electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises, maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat a sufficient amount of meat, fruits, vegetables and dairy products.

Gonarthrosis

Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases in which the joint capsule is affected, cartilage tissue is especially affected. Arthrosis of the knee joint is called gonarthrosis. The disease has a non-inflammatory nature, that is, it is not caused by any infections or viruses.

Gonarthrosis develops due to a violation of the blood supply to the joint, as a result of which the cartilage does not receive the necessary amount of nutrients and begins to break down: it becomes thinner, cracks, and exfoliates. The knee loses the ability to withstand the usual load.

The articular surfaces of the bones are partially destroyed and begin to grow to the sides - osteophytes are formed.

Symptoms

Disease proceeds in 3 stages. The longer it develops, the more severe and pronounced its symptoms become:

1. The pain syndrome is constricting, fettering in nature. As gonarthrosis develops, the pain syndrome increases markedly and affects, as a rule, the inner surface of the knee;
2. A crunch in the joint due to the thinning of the cartilage surface. This is the most characteristic symptom of arthrosis. Any attempt to bend the knee is accompanied by a click and a feeling of intense discomfort caused by the friction of the bones against each other;
3. A change in the shape of the joint occurs very quickly with arthrosis. With an aggressive form of the disease, articular deformity can occur in a few months;
4. Synovial effusion. It accumulates in the joint cavity as a reaction to the constant traumatization of the knee and causes the appearance of bumps and outgrowths.

Diagnostics

Treatment of the disease rheumatologist and orthopedist. An experienced specialist can easily determine gonarthrosis, based on the identification of characteristic signs and test results. Diagnostic methods include:

1. Examination of the patient: palpation of the affected joint, comparative measurement of both knees, checking the mobility of the joint;
2. Clinical analysis of blood and urine;
3. X-ray and ultrasound of the joint.

Treatment

In the treatment of gonarthrosis using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chondroprotectors for the restoration of cartilage tissue. Supportive care includes:

1. Warming gels and ointments. They stimulate blood circulation, as a result of which cartilage nutrition is enhanced;
2. - drugs to reduce muscle tension in the affected area;
3. Exercise therapy and physiotherapy to return motor activity to the joint;
4. Synovial fluid substitute injections. The synthesized component of articular cartilage softens movements in the joint and minimizes pain.

Meniscopathy

Rupture of the knee cartilage - most common form of knee injury. Menisci are cartilage plates that reduce the load on the joint during movement. Falls, bruises, dislocations and other injuries can cause a meniscus tear. Depending on the area of ​​the lesion, external and internal meniscopathy is distinguished.

This disease is especially susceptible to people already suffering from arthritis, arthrosis or sarcomatosis. In addition, professional athletes are at risk.

Symptoms

The disease can occur in both acute and chronic phases. In the latter case, the diagnosis is difficult, since the swelling of the joint, characteristic of most diseases of the knee joint, joins the symptoms of meniscopathy.

The most typical signs are:

1. Pain syndrome localized exclusively in the area of ​​the affected joint space. If, as a result of a sudden movement, your knee crunched, and then a sharp intense pain appeared, then it is likely that you have damaged the meniscus;
2. Restriction of mobility. Any attempt to change position causes strong discomfort;
3. The appearance of synovial effusion. It looks like a well-defined edema or bump.

Diagnostics

Treats meniscopathy orthopedic surgeon. The doctor examines the damaged joint while conducting a series of tests. When making passive movements, the knee clicks, and the menisci slide and move freely. For an accurate diagnosis, the following studies are carried out:

1. Arthroscopy - the introduction of an endoscope into the joint through a small incision;
2. radiography;
3. Ultrasound of the joint;

Treatment

After receiving diagnostic data, the doctor must decide what to do next. If the meniscus injury is minor and received for the first time, then conservative treatment is prescribed: anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotectors, physiotherapy to improve blood circulation in the injured area.

With the failure of drug therapy, they resort to surgical intervention - therapeutic arthroscopy. With the help of an endoscope, the affected tissues are removed through two micro-holes and a synovial fluid substitute is introduced.

subchondral sclerosis

Subchondral sclerosis - soft tissue sclerosis. It develops as a syndrome with any concomitant diagnosis.

Cartilage does not have its own blood vessels and receives the necessary substances from nearby tissues. Long-term inflammatory processes, injuries, compression and other causes lead to the fact that the cartilage tissue becomes thinner, degrades and is eventually replaced by connective bone tissue.

This problem is especially relevant for the elderly, in whom the amount of hyaline - the main building component of cartilage - in the body is not enough.

Symptoms

Syndrome has a fairly general clinical picture characteristic of many joint diseases. The patient's knees crunch, in the absence of treatment stiffness of movements develops, sharp discomfort appears when trying to straighten the limb.

With further progression of sclerosis, osteophytes are formed - growths of bone tissue. The joint is severely deformed and practically loses its mobility.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disease should be carried out comprehensively to identify the underlying disease. It includes:

1. Densitometry - ultrasound, to determine the density of bone tissue;
2. Clinical analysis of blood and urine;
3. Computed tomography;

Treatment

In addition to the treatment of the underlying disease, the patient is also prescribed symptomatic treatment:

1. Manual physiotherapy: massages, electrophoresis, magnetic wave therapy;
2. Painkillers;
3. Local medicinal applications.

Calcification of the knee joint

Deposition of calcium salts in the knee joint in most cases accompanies the development of any disease of the joints: arthrosis, gout or arthritis. The main reason for the development of pathology is a metabolic disorder. Iron and copper ions, as well as calcium pyrophosphate, are essential components in the formation of collagen and glycogen, which form cartilage.

If any processes in the human body occur incorrectly, then calcium crystals begin to accumulate on the surface of the cartilaginous tissue of the knee.

Symptoms

The following symptoms are typical for calcification of the knee joint:

1. My knees hurt and crack when I move. When the joint is extended, a click is clearly audible;
2. Periodic feeling of heat in the affected area;
3. Numbness of the knee or entire limb.

Diagnostics

A rheumatologist deals with the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Ultrasound, computed tomography and radiography are used to examine the patient.

Treatment

Syndrome therapy includes the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, the introduction of hormone-containing agents and artificial synovial fluid into the joint cavity, proper nutrition, and shock wave therapy.

When is it necessary to see a doctor?

, Aspirin, etc.

Physical impact: if the pain is dull and aching, you can massage the knee with gentle circular movements.

Do not rub or forcefully warm up the joint without consulting a doctor. This can lead to an increase in the inflammatory process.

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy - surgical manipulation used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Through 2-3 small incisions, an endoscope and the necessary instruments are inserted into the joint cavity. Arthroscopy is performed to diagnose pain in the knee joint.

Conclusion on the article

1. A crunch in the knee appears when the cartilage is worn out.
2. Pain and crunch are the initial sign of diseases of the knee joint. With timely diagnosis and treatment, the development of the disease can be avoided. Seek immediate medical attention.
3. Causes of damage to the knee joint are varied: sedentary lifestyle, obesity, nutritional deficiencies.
4. Possible diseases: arthritis, gonarthrosis, meniscopathy, subchondral sclerosis, calcification.
5. Each disease has its own clinical picture. A presumptive diagnosis can be made by evaluating other symptoms present.
6. You should immediately consult a doctor if: acute pain does not go away within a few hours, the knee crackles with every movement, the joint is very swollen and reddened, there is additional fever, weakness and other signs of malaise.
7. First aid: anti-inflammatory and pain medications, clockwise knee massage, pain relief gels for joints.

Crunching and pain in the knee during flexion and extension is a fairly common phenomenon that can be caused by physiological and pathological factors. It is impossible to neglect such a symptom, because every day the problem is aggravated due to the large load on the knee joint.

The human knee has a complex mechanism, as it consists of many elements: bone tissue, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, ligaments and cartilage layers - menisci. All these elements ensure the functionality of the foot, the ability to withstand daily stress. Usually the crunch is caused by damage to the hard structures of the knee. In rare cases, pathological processes affect soft tissues, provided that the congruence of the joint surfaces is disturbed.

Peculiarities

Pain and crunching of the knees is a characteristic problem of people whose age is at least 50 years. Despite this, in medical practice, such symptoms are increasingly common in young people. This is due to a large load on the legs, improper exercise technique, as well as inactivity in everyday life. The crunch in the joint doctors call crepitus. This condition is caused by both pathological and natural phenomena.

Crunch during extension and flexion

Depending on the cause and complexity of the problem, crepitus may occur without any additional symptoms. Sometimes during extension and flexion of the knee joint, characteristic signs join the crunch:

• tissue edema
• difficulty or limitation of mobility of the knee

If the crunch occurs due to the friction of the individual elements of the joint with each other, this phenomenon is considered pathological, and requires a thorough examination.

Cracking when squatting

The problem of crunching in the knee when squatting is caused by a violation of the functionality of one or more structures of the knee, namely:

• impaired quality or quantity of joint fluid
• violation of the structure of the components of the joint
• deterioration of ligaments and cartilage

If one of these problems is present, the risk of knee injury increases due to:

• metabolic disorders
• deteriorating nutritional quality
• the presence of pathological conditions: inflammatory processes of infectious or non-infectious origin

In the absence of problems in the body, crepitus occurs due to serious injuries: torn ligaments or cartilage damage. In this case, there is a pronounced symptomatology: severe pain and swelling of the tissues.

Why crunches and hurts the knee

Synovial fluid and cartilaginous tissue provide shock-absorbing functions, thanks to which a person's legs can withstand serious loads while running or squatting.

The presence of a crunch can occur for physiological reasons:

• rupture of air bubbles in the synovial fluid due to immobility
• weakened ligaments due to congenital features of the body
• grazing of the ligaments during the period of intensive growth of bone tissue

Nutrient deficiencies can cause joint problems. A metabolic disorder between the structures of the knee provokes stretching of the ligaments, membranes of the synovial bag, as well as difficulty in the functionality of the cartilage due to insufficient production of joint lubrication.

Causes

The root causes of a crunch in the knee are physiological and pathological. It is impossible to determine them on your own, for this you will need a doctor's consultation and a medical examination.

The physiological causes of crepitus do not pose any danger to human health, and pass on their own. In 90% of cases, pathological factors are accompanied by discomfort in the knee area and tissue swelling.

Pathological causes of crepitus:

• rheumatoid and psoriatic arthrosis or arthritis
• inflammatory processes in the joint and periarticular tissues
• injuries: sprains, fractures, torn ligaments

Also, dysfunctions of the knee joint cause phenomena associated with improper organization of the diet and rest:

• excessive body weight
• lack of movement
• excess salt and sugar in the diet
• incorrect exercise technique

Crepitus can develop against the background of endocrine diseases and acute respiratory infections, which provoke a change in the tissues of the ligaments and joints.

Gonarthrosis is the destruction of cartilage tissue as a result of excessive stress. It is manifested by pain in the knee in the morning, which eventually becomes permanent. In advanced cases, a crunch in the joint is accompanied by severe pain and a sharp limitation of motor activity.

Meniscus injury

Often a crunch in the knees occurs when the menisci are damaged. The problem is provoked by a sharp jerk or movement, as a result of which the shock-absorbing functions of cartilage are lost. When the meniscus is damaged, blood and lubrication accumulate in the joint cavity. Depending on the complexity of the rupture, healing can proceed on its own, but more often serious medical care is needed up to surgical treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a severe inflammatory disease that causes pain and deformity of the joints. The first symptoms are knee pain and soft tissue swelling. Unpleasant sensations are aggravated by bending the joint and pressing on the knee, especially after sleep. In advanced cases, the patient completely loses the motor activity of the knee.

Gouty arthritis

Gout is a disease that occurs due to the accumulation of excessive amounts of uric acid salts in the articular tissues. In most cases, it causes loss of motor activity and disability of the patient in the future.

Symptoms of gouty arthritis:

• Nighttime attacks of pain that do not improve after taking pain medications
• drastically limited range of motion
• crunching when flexing and extending the knee
• redness and swelling of the knee

The disease is more common in men after 40 years, but in women it is much more severe.

The progression of hypermobility syndrome is observed as a result of neurological, hormonal disorders. It is accompanied by pain and crunching in the knees and occurs in people with congenital joint flexibility. It is noteworthy that in women this disease occurs with more pronounced symptoms than in men, and, accordingly, is more often diagnosed.

Violation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism

Phosphorus-potassium deficiency or osteoporosis is a pathological change in the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the bone tissues of the knee. The disease develops against the background of hormonal disorders, diseases of the stomach or intestines, diseases of internal organs and unbalanced nutrition. Characteristic signs of the disease are crackling during flexion and extension of the joint, a decrease in motor activity.

Obesity

Pathological increase in body weight is accompanied by a violation of the functionality of the knee joints. Due to the heavy load, they are gradually destroyed, a characteristic crunch appears during movement. The higher the degree of obesity, the worse the condition of the joints.

Chondromatosis

Chondromatosis is a chronic disease in which the synovial membrane is converted into cartilage. In the process of pathological changes, small benign formations appear. In advanced cases, the diseased areas completely turn into bone. At the same time, the supply of the joint with blood worsens, and the formation of synovial fluid decreases.

Signs of chondromatosis:

• crunch in the knee
• accumulation of fluid in the joints
• decrease in motor activity
• local increase in temperature
• tissue swelling in the knee area

The disease can be asymptomatic until the formation is 1 cm in size.

Bursitis

A disease in which the synovial sac with fluid becomes inflamed is called bursitis. May be of infectious or non-infectious origin.

Possible reasons:

• knee injury
• infectious diseases

Symptoms of bursitis are redness and swelling in the knee area, pain, discomfort in the joint during movement and its increase. With infectious bursitis, body temperature rises, nausea appears, and there is a general deterioration in health.

Osteochondritis dissecans is a disease in which a small amount of cartilage flakes off from the bone around the joint. Symptoms of the disease depend on the stage:

1. Stage 1 - softening and death of a piece of cartilage tissue, the appearance of mild pain.
2. Stages 2,3 - the occurrence of an inflammatory process of the synovial membrane, necrotic cartilage tissue is displaced on the surface of the joint without breaking off. There is a crunch in the knee and prolonged pain.

• Stage 4 - the separated necrotic piece of cartilage moves into its cavity. Symptoms become pronounced: the intensity of pain increases, motor activity is blocked.

The most effective diagnostic methods are X-ray, CT, MRI. In advanced cases, surgery may be needed.

osteophytes

Osteophytes are bone formations from cartilaginous tissue that arise as a result of metabolic disorders in the body, heavy loads on the joints, as well as chronic diseases of cartilage and joints of non-inflammatory origin.

Symptoms of the appearance of osteophytes in the joints of the knees:

• crunch during knee flexion and extension
• discomfort in the knee when the weather changes
• knee pain
• difficulty extending the knee upon waking

The most reliable methods for diagnosing osteophytes are MRI and CT, which are used to scan the joint and determine the presence of growths. Treatment is performed by conservative or surgical methods.

dislocations

With a complete or incomplete dislocation of the joint, its functionality is impaired. At the moment of injury, a characteristic crunch is heard and severe pain is felt. Since the knee joint is securely reinforced with ligaments, knee dislocations are diagnosed infrequently. These include dislocations of the patella, lower leg, and head of the fibula.

Fractures of the bones that form the knee joint

A crunch in the knee can occur due to a fracture of the proximal tibia or patella, as well as the distal femur. During injury, joint capsules and soft tissues are damaged. Fragments of bone can cause a rupture of a nerve or a vessel in the knee.

Ligament injury

Stretching and rupture of the cruciate and collateral ligaments of the knee joint occurs due to excessive physical exertion and sudden exercises. This problem can lead to joint instability at the site of injury. Due to a violation of the anatomical features of the joint and an unevenly distributed load, clicks and crunches occur in the knees. As a result of these changes, the tissues of the joint wear out and deform.

Tendon injury

Due to knee injuries, tendon ruptures often occur, which are complicated by hemorrhages in the joint cavity. If the rupture of the tendons occurred at the point of attachment to the patella, you can hear a pronounced crunch.

Destruction of the cartilage at the back of the patella is called chondromalacia. Pathology occurs due to excessive thinning of cartilage tissues and the appearance of cracks on them. Gradually, the disease passes to the patella and condyles. Provoking factors are a strong load on the joints, injuries, anomalies in the development of the patella. The main symptom of the disease is severe pain, accompanied by clicks when moving.

Which doctor to contact

Cracking and pain in the joint - a reason to beware. Timely contact with a specialist will help prevent serious health problems. The first doctor to visit with crepitus is a general practitioner. He will conduct a visual examination, prescribe the necessary laboratory tests and studies for the diagnosis.

After examining the patient, the therapist will issue a referral for a consultation with a specialist doctor:

• orthopedist
• osteopath
• surgeon
• chiropractor
• traumatologist
• neurologist
• rheumatologist
• nutritionist

Treatment is prescribed after passing all the necessary studies and specialists.

Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose the disease, you will need a comprehensive medical examination, which includes a blood test to detect rheumatoid factor, x-rays, ultrasound of internal organs, MRI or CT. The referral is issued by the doctor after a visual examination and questioning of the patient. Based on the data obtained, further treatment is prescribed with the help of drugs, physiotherapy, nutritional adjustments or surgery.

The first thing to do to treat crepitus is to organize a proper balanced diet. A sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins in the body contributes to the production of synovial fluid. For this you need to use:

• vitamins of groups C and D
• B vitamins (2,5,9)
• collagen
• hyaluronic acid

The daily menu should include chicken, lamb and beef, as well as a sufficient amount of vegetables, fruits and berries. Nuts, vegetable or olive oil, eggs and legumes contribute to the improvement of the functionality of the joints and cartilage of the knee. In addition to the diet, it is recommended to do light exercise to improve metabolism. About what movements are allowed to be performed with pain in the knees, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

The doctor prescribes medicines for a crunch in the knee based on the diagnosis. If degenerative changes have been identified against the background of arthrosis or arthritis, then drugs are indicated aimed at restoring cartilage tissues and improving their functionality. After a knee injury, medications are prescribed to help relieve inflammation and reduce pain symptoms. If necessary, a cast or a tight bandage is applied to the patient's leg, after which rest is provided until complete recovery.

Appointed:

• corticosteroids and hormonal drugs
• painkillers in the form of ointments, tablets or capsules, injections
• joint fluid substitute injections
• preparations containing chondroitin to restore cartilage in the form of ointments, capsules or tablets
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - tablets or ointments
• chondroprotectors

In the treatment of crunch in the knee joint, warming ointments containing snake venom, pepper, camphor and peppermint help.

Surgical treatment

Surgical methods for the treatment of cracking can be used in cases where conservative therapy and physiotherapy do not work.

Prevention

To prevent crunching and pain in the knees, it is necessary to reduce the load on the joints. After active movements and physical exercises, stretching should be done, and the joints should be allowed to relax.

• avoid hypothermia
• drink enough water
• while sitting in one place for a long time, include short periods of squats
• choose comfortable shoes
• follow proper exercise technique
• in the presence of a predisposition to inflammation of the joints, wear orthopedic shoes with arch supports

Another important rule for the prevention of crunching in the joints is a balanced diet and the absence of bad habits. Excessive amounts of sugar and salt in the human diet contribute to the deterioration of the cartilage tissues of the knee joints.

Video: Osteoarthritis. Why do knees crackle

Crunch in the knee joints - a cause for concern! The disease occurs during degenerative-dystrophic processes affecting tissues and bone structures. If congruence is violated, then diseases of the musculoskeletal system develop. Some patients feel a crunch when walking, others when turning their legs. The cause of a crunch in the knee joint may be a pathology that forms in the distal section.

A crunch of the knee joint is a sign of a disease that disrupts the functions of the musculoskeletal system. In other situations, the pathology affects certain organs and also leads to a violation of its functionality. A common cause of crunch is obesity. If a person is overweight, the knees experience a lot of stress and there is a crunch when walking.

There are many other contributing factors. These are diseases such as:

• gonarthrosis;
• pathologies with damage to the meniscus;
• hypermobility syndrome;
• chondromatosis;
• bursitis;
• growths on cartilage;
• knee injuries - dislocations, sprains, fractures;
• chondromalacia of the patella.

Gonarthrosis

A common cause of a crunch in the knee joint is gonarthrosis. Pathology is accompanied by the development of a painful syndrome that forms in a calm state and intensifies if a person climbs the stairs.

Patients with gonarthrosis experience pain and crunching in the knee joint when squatting. Discomfort is aggravated if the body is exposed to hypothermia.

The disease is dangerous, as it can lead to disability. More often, pathology overtakes women than men and is regularly detected in the elderly.

The primary form of gonarthrosis is associated with metabolic disorders, the secondary - with injuries, fractures, dislocations. Pathology often occurs after the operation "Arthrodesis". As the disease progresses, the clinical picture becomes pronounced.

Consider the symptoms and signs depending on the stage.

• The first is the least dangerous. In this case, hyaline cartilage is affected, degenerative-dystrophic reactions occur in the tissues.
• On the second cartilage is covered with cracks, irritation of the synovial membrane occurs, as a result it develops.
• The third stage is characterized by synovial hyperplasia. Outgrowths form on the bone structures.
• The fourth stage is the most dangerous: during this period, a thickening of the capsule occurs.
• At the fifth stage of gonarthrosis, extensive damage to the joints is observed. The person becomes disabled.

The cause of the crunch in the knee is the friction of the articular surfaces. In some cases, the disease is accompanied by a pronounced pain syndrome, which affects the quality of life: the patient has difficulty walking, cannot straighten his legs at the knees. With gonarthrosis, it is difficult to climb the stairs. At the fifth stage, severe degenerative-dystrophic processes occur.

Pathologies of the musculoskeletal system with damage to the meniscus

Ailments of this nature are associated with injuries. Damage to the meniscus can occur if a person jumps and lands badly. The reason can be a sharp turn of the leg or a quick extension of the knee.

The clinical picture depends on how badly the meniscus is damaged. If its integrity is violated, a crunch appears in the knee joint during squats. The patient feels severe pain. They progress when walking, there are characteristic clicks. When the condition worsens, fluid accumulates, which leads to inflammation of the synovial membrane.

Diseases with lesions of the meniscus are treated in different ways. If there is a strong crunch in the knees, surgery is required.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Why do the joints in the knees crunch? One common cause is rheumatoid arthritis. With the development of the disease, extensive inflammation of the joints is observed, leading to damage to the synovial membrane. Pathology is diagnosed in women and men of different ages.

With the progression of this disease, it is necessary to treat a crunch in the knee joint. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not fully understood. Predisposing factors - trauma, hypothermia. At the beginning of its formation, the disease does not cause any particular inconvenience, but in the absence of adequate therapy, joint mobility is limited.

There is a crunch in the knee joint when flexed. Rheumatoid arthritis is accompanied by severe pain in the knee. It swells because it accumulates in the joint. Unpleasant sensation occurs in a calm state and with pressure.

Pathology occurs if the metabolism of uric acid is disturbed. Gouty arthritis is associated with the accumulation of salts in tissue structures. The disease affects middle-aged people. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, the gouty format is not so common, and the degenerative-dystrophic process is rarely localized in the knee joints.

There are acute and chronic gouty arthritis. With the development of pathology, paroxysmal pain occurs, and a crunch of the knee joint is observed when trying to bend the legs. Receiving an anesthetic effect does not give.

Gouty arthritis is accompanied by swelling of tissue structures, a crunch appears in the knees during flexion and extension, the temperature rises to subfebrile values. If measures are taken, the patient will recover and the treatment will be successful.

Hypermobility Syndrome

Pathology is diagnosed in people who lead an overly active lifestyle. The syndrome is typical for athletes and workers who are forced to walk throughout the day. In some patients, the disease is caused by genetic abnormalities, accompanied by impaired collagen synthesis.

With hypermobility syndrome, articular cartilage quickly becomes thinner, a crunch appears in the knees. The peculiarity of the pathology is that it leads to severe pain. A person is not able to walk for a long time, perform physical exercises.

Hypermobility can occur due to a deficiency of important micronutrients. With this syndrome, clicks are heard during flexion and extension of the leg.

Overweight

Why do the joints in the knees crunch? Possible reason is being overweight. Obese people have difficulty climbing up. Due to the fact that the joints are subjected to heavy loads, they wear out quickly.

The appearance of excess weight is associated with malnutrition, a violation of metabolic reactions. As a result of an illness, it may occur. Obesity is often associated with hormonal failure, in other situations due to genetic predisposition.

Chondromatosis

A possible cause of a crunch in the knee is chondromatosis, accompanied by the development of metaplasia. The progression of the disease leads to the formation of chondromic bodies and blockade of the joint.

There are congenital and acquired chondromatosis. The first option is less common. A progressive form of pathology is dangerous. In most cases, the disease leads to a unilateral lesion of the knee.

Chondromatosis is accompanied by severe pain, a crunch appears in the knees during flexion and extension. With the development of the pathological process, mobility is limited, blockades occur.

If the patient reveals alarming symptoms, he is advised to visit a doctor immediately! The specialist will conduct a physical and instrumental examination.

In the process of diagnosis, it is important to determine the moment of development of the pain syndrome. Unpleasant sensations with chondromatosis, accompanied by a crunch of the knee, usually appear during movement. X-ray allows you to identify chondromic bodies.

Bursitis is an inflammation of the synovial bag and is divided into several types depending on the location of the pathological process.

There are superficial and deep forms. The development of pathological reactions leads to the fact that the prepatellar bag, located in the patella, becomes inflamed. The main predisposing factor is trauma.

The infectious form of bursitis is associated with the progression of pathogenic microbes. After entering the body, along with the blood flow, they penetrate into the synovial bag. The disease is manifested by swelling, pain, limited mobility of the joint. Unpleasant sensations appear when trying to bend and straighten the knee.

Growths on cartilage and bone structures

Outgrowths on cartilage are called osteophytes and are formed under intense load, in certain cases - due to metabolic disorders. The formations may be associated with the progression of osteoarthritis. Some patients have a hereditary tendency to form osteophytes.

The growth of growths leads to degenerative-dystrophic processes in which the functioning of cartilage is impaired. Pathology is characterized by the growth of cartilaginous tissues.

Osteophytes cause severe discomfort, but sometimes they are hidden. The disease is also characterized by crunching and pain in the knee.

Knee injuries - sprains, sprains, fractures

One of the causes of crunch is trauma, in particular, dislocation. The knee ligaments are strong and durable, and therefore it is difficult to dislocate them, but it is possible. At the initial stages of the disease, the functioning of the knee joint is disrupted. If treatment is started on time, the patient will recover.

Fracture damages soft tissues and capsules. If fragments are displaced, the nerve is affected. A bone fracture in the distal section occurs as a result of an accident, when falling from a height. The patella can break with a strong impact.

A possible cause of the crunch is a sprain. A big threat to health is their complete rupture. It is dangerous because it leads to lateral instability. If the ligaments are affected, characteristic clicks appear when moving the legs, a crunch occurs in the knees during flexion and extension. How to treat such diseases? The doctor prescribes the operation.

Chondromalacia patella

With chondromalacia, parts of the patella are involved in the pathological process, its cartilages are destroyed. Symptoms and signs appear immediately. If the disease progresses, cracks form on the surface of the cartilage. Pathology leads to degenerative-dystrophic disorders, in which the patella is affected, as well as the area of ​​the femur.

The disease overtakes athletes, people who are forced to lift weights. A predisposing factor is a serious knee injury. The congenital form is rarely seen.

The disease is manifested by pain and crunch. Unpleasant sensations intensify if the joints are subjected to stress. Chondromalacia patella is a possible cause of a crunch in the knee joint. The disease requires urgent medical attention.

Diagnostic measures

If there is a crunch and pain in the knee area, you should consult a doctor. First, the specialist listens to complaints, then finds out concomitant diseases. If the patient has had an injury, it must also be reported to the physician. In the future, a diagnosis is made, the doctor prescribes drugs for crunching in the knees, physiotherapy or surgical treatment methods.

Physical examination is not only palpation, but also auscultation (listening). Both procedures help to reveal how mobile the joint is. Palpation allows you to determine the amount of fluid in the knee cavity. During auscultation, the doctor uses a phonendoscope to help identify extraneous sounds.

Pathologies associated with cartilage and joints often occur in people over the age of forty. Diseases are accompanied by pain, limited mobility of the legs. If a crunch appears after knee arthroplasty, the problem may be due to defects in the prosthesis. You need to see an orthopedist.

Preparations for crunching in the knees are prescribed by a doctor. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and comorbidities. Timely diagnosis allows you to start therapy and prevent dangerous consequences.

Joint problems, in particular with the knees, can take a person by surprise even at a young age. The reason for this often becomes - a degenerative disease of the joints with the gradual destruction of cartilage. It would seem that this is an senile disease, but the process of dystrophy often makes itself felt even before the first wrinkles appear. Why do knees crackle and how to deal with it? - we will try to give a detailed answer in this article.

Anatomy of the knee

To begin, let's turn to knee anatomy. The knee joint is the largest in the human body. Its structure is due to the connection of several large bones: tibial, fibular and femoral. Together they form a single joint. From the outside, the knee is “covered” by the patella (patella), which protects the bones from lateral displacement when walking.

Responsible for even distribution of load during movement meniscus made up of cartilage. The strong structure of the knee joint is formed by ligaments located in the articular bag. Such, at first glance, a complex structure and supports the entire body weight when we stand, walk or run. Therefore, for free and easy movement in old age, the knees must be protected, as they say, from a young age.

Why are my knees cracking?

Do you know the sensation of crunching in the knees or in other joints? Probably yes. Many of us love to crunch our fingers. But what to do if an unpleasant crunch appears in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kneecaps? Should I be worried about this? Let's try to understand the main causes of crunching in the knees.

First of all, clicks can mean two things: either everything is fine with the knee joint, or dystrophic processes. Let's consider both of these options.

So, those cases when you can click on your knees pay no attention:

• Physiological causes. With the active movement of the joint in the joint fluid are formed bubbles of carbon dioxide. The bursting bubbles make the clicking sound. It is important to be able to distinguish clicks in the knees from a strong crunch, which may indicate the presence of pathology;
• Knee ligaments touch the edge of the bone when moving. This is a kind of norm in adolescence;
• flexible joint. Clicking in the knees in this case are also the norm. If you have previously exercised or stretched, most likely you are familiar with clicking sounds during movements.

Concomitant symptoms against the background of a crunch in the knees, in the presence of which should be alert:

• Crunch with unpleasant sensations;
• Increased pain when moving the joint;
• Redness and fever of the skin in the joint area;
• swelling of the skin on the knee;
• Restriction of mobility.

And a painful crunch often speaks of insufficient ligaments. Such a problem in young people in the future leads to the appearance of a very formidable disease - arthrosis of the knee.

The appearance of pain in the joints and the development of arthrosis of the knees

Below we present the main risk factors that significantly increase the risk development of arthrosis along with an unpleasant crunch.

Little lubrication in the knee joint

articular knee joint lubrication or synovial fluid is a kind of shock absorber between the two bones that form the knee. If this fluid becomes insufficient for a number of different reasons, friction occurs, gradually leading to the destruction of bones.

In order to prevent deformation of cartilage tissue it is recommended to drink enough water because it forms the basis of the synovial fluid. Proper drinking regime accelerates metabolic processes in the joint bag, which again prevents the development of arthrosis and other dystrophic processes.

In addition to water consumption, it plays a special role for the joints. Especially important is its correct distribution to the entire musculoskeletal system.

Swimming is very useful in this regard, as it eliminates the vertical load on the knees and at the same time allows the knee ligaments to be well lubricated.

It is worth noting that static exercises when muscles and joints are tense and immobile, are highly discouraged. This causes a strong overload of the knees and often only worsens the condition with arthrosis.

Improper nutrition and synovial fluid production

We are what we eat. This phrase is great for joint health as well. The water we drink and the food we eat also go to production of synovial fluid and the formation of strong bonds. If a person does not get the right amount of food or water, cartilage cells simply cannot form. The situation worsens and malnutrition. Nutrients from unhealthy foods are more likely to destroy the joint than build it.

The frequent use of semi-finished products and processed meat in the form of sausages, sausages, sausages and smoked meats, oddly enough, increases the risk of arthritis against the background of an unpleasant crunch in the knees.

The fact is that such products, when they enter the body, are deposited in the form of various organic salts. The “favorite” place for their deposition is the knees and other joints. All salts retain water, and since joint lubrication consists of it, the knee starts to swell due to the activity of these same salts.

Smoked meat is the most dangerous for bone health. In addition, products that have passed through the smokehouse cause gastrointestinal cancer. So it is better to think in advance about the prevention of various diseases and completely exclude the consumption of such foods.

How nutrition helps restore health
knee joints

Nutrition is the foundation knee joint health. Therefore it must be rich in minerals, as well as maintain the daily rate of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

In order to eat wisely, you must adhere to the following rules for eating:

• Fractional nutrition 4-6 times a day. Such a scheme of nutrient intake helps to better “accelerate” metabolic processes throughout the body. The same applies to the joints;
• Supplement your diet with natural vitamins. The Apitonus P complex contains a lot of useful vitamins and microelements that will protect your joints from destruction;
• Check your vitamin contentD in your food. If you do not get the daily norm of these useful components (and this is quite difficult to do when consuming ordinary food), you should additionally use calcium supplements. Natural remedies "Osteomed" and "Osteomed Forte" meet the needs of the body for all 100 points. Both drugs perfectly fight arthrosis and its initial manifestations - crunching and clicking in the knees;
• cartilage growth is very important for the formation of a strong joint, so you can recommend a person to eat jelly. For the growth of new chondrocytes - cartilage cells, new generation preparations are used - "Hondro-Vit" and "Dandelion P".

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and
development of osteoarthritis of the knee

Arthrosis and the crunch in the knees preceding it may well be a consequence diseases liver . So if she's not well, development of osteoarthritis of the knee won't keep you waiting long.

Let us turn to how cartilage tissue grows. In the knee, as in any other joint, there is a so-called periosteum- a kind of storage of stem cells. They subsequently undergo transformation either into bone cells ( osteocytes), or into cartilage tissue ( chondrocytes). So, the command for such a transformation is carried out by liver. The growth of bone cells and joint tissues almost directly depends on its condition.

Now that you are convinced that the health of the digestive tract and arthrosis are inextricably linked, you may be wondering how to protect your liver from harmful external influences? In fact, everything is quite simple. You need to eat a healthy diet, eat small meals and drink enough water.

It is recommended to use as a prophylaxis of liver diseases natural complexes « GoldHealer » and "Calendula P" – natural hepatoprotectors that protect the body from the harmful effects of toxins that enter the digestive tract with food. Also, an indisputable advantage of these dietary supplements is their choleretic and anti-inflammatory effects.

The constant physical impact created by its own weight increases stress on bones and joints. The opposite condyles of the femur and tibia become closer to each other. In this condition the meniscus wears out faster due to the resulting axial pressure.

Everyone knows that extra pounds hanging on the body lead to a whole bunch of diseases: from cardiovascular problems to joint pain. However, not every obese person can "take the bull by the horns" and finally do at least something to lose weight.

Nobody said losing weight was easy. The main thing here is to start. In order to get rid of fat mass, you need to follow one simple rule: you must consume fewer calories than you expend. It is the observance of this rule that is a fundamental factor for reducing body weight.

calorie counting

The calculation of calories consumed and burned is very important for a person who is losing weight. So we stock up on calculators and scrupulously consider the energy value of products. In addition, according to a special table, you need to determine the level of energy you consume. To do this, you need to know your current body weight and compare it with the type of activity that you use to lose weight. The data from the table are presented for 1 hour of time.

Suppose you weigh 80 kg and want to get rid of by swimming. According to the table, you will use 526 kcal per hour. When doing water aerobics, 606 kcal will be consumed in 1 hour. And so we count for any kind of activity.

No wonder the calculation above was given specifically for sports on the water. Swimming and exercising in the pool completely eliminate the axial load from the spine and knee joints. Thus, you can play sports without harm to health.

A properly balanced diet and well-chosen physical activity is only half the success. Without a plan and strict discipline, losing weight is difficult. There will probably be moments when you want to give up everything and return to your usual lifestyle and unhealthy diet. However, this will not add any benefit to your health, and the joints will also be “not happy”.

Natural adaptogens

You shouldn't be discouraged. Even athletes have moments of stress fatigue and poor recovery from low-carb diets. But they have learned to deal with it, and you can too. This was made possible thanks to natural adaptogens"Leveton P" and "Elton P", which have been used for more than one year even olympic champions.

"Leveton P" gives the body the strength to overcome heavy physical exertion and perform intensive work. Elton P increases your stamina by several points. Influencing the body in conjunction, both dietary supplements are very useful for weight loss, especially when the forces lost in the "battle" with excess weight are running out.

Tired? Tired of loads? "Leveton P" and "Elton P" will give you the tune to win over unnecessary fat.

Nutrition for fat loss plays a special role

The diet forces a person to limit himself in caloric content for a sufficiently long period. Hunger is almost always a bad companion, which is not so easy to get rid of.

Out of habit, a constant feeling of hunger with dietary restrictions will lead to constant fatigue. It is understandable, because the body is gradually switching to a new mode of energy supply - part of the calories is consumed from its own fat. For some people who are losing weight, increased appetite in the evening does not allow them to fall asleep at all until there is something satisfying in the stomach.

How to defeat this ill-fated hunger, while not harming your figure? The answer is simple - natural supplements from the series « Kilo — light » .

You can get a beautiful toned figure and healthy joints without starving yourself with hunger and crazy physical exertion. "Kilo-Light" is in a hurry to help those who want to be in great shape all year round, every day and every minute.

Supplements "Kilo-Light" are taken in a complex, depending on the time of day. "Kilo-Light" (morning) will help you wake up and give energy charge even without breakfast. With "Kilo-Light" (day) you will definitely not break into high-calorie snacks throughout the day. "Kilo-Light" (evening) contains tryptophan, which will help you fall asleep quickly, so now you do not have to think about the contents of the refrigerator throughout the night. "Kilo-Light" - real appetite regulator, helping to keep your hunger in "hedgehogs".

The influence of mental state on the formation of arthrosis

Stress factors, oddly enough, are also involved in the formation of arthrosis. Cracking knees may well be related to activity cortisol- a stress hormone that destructive impact on cartilage tissue.

Mood swings and frequent frights cause spasms. They have a negative effect on the meniscus, and that, in turn, is gradually destroyed. The joint from this becomes more fragile. In this case, cortisol itself adds fuel to the fire, which seriously thickens the synovial fluid. Because of this, all mobility of the knee is impaired.

Controlling stress is difficult, but still doable. Get rid of negative stress effects with a natural remedy "Nervo-Vit" — natural healer, with the power of 4 soothing herbs. The composition of "Nervo-Vit" contains only the most necessary components. Nothing extra. The perfect combination motherwort, lemon balm, valerian and cyanosis blue perfectly affects the human nervous system, gently calming the whole body. By taking the Nervo-Vit complex, you will save your nerves and joints from the harmful effects of stress hormones.

High heels are associated with dystrophic
processes in the knees

High-heeled shoes look beautiful and visually lengthen a woman's legs. However, in pursuit of beauty and fashion for a long time wearing shoes ruins your joints. And dystrophic processes in the knees can begin long before the appearance of external age-related changes. Due to high heels, the center of gravity of the body shifts, and the muscles of the legs are subjected to non-physiological stress. It is worth saying here that if you still cannot part with a high heel, at least for prevention it is necessary to take "Dandelion P" , since in this preparation the medicinal plant is contained completely, that is, together with the roots, which implies a high content of substances that increase blood circulation around the joint. And this is what has a beneficial effect on his health.

For the prevention of arthrosis and an unpleasant crunch in the knees, it is better to use shoes on a high platform infrequently. It is advisable to choose shoes with flat soles. It would also be a great option to buy orthopedic insoles, which will more correctly adjust the height of the foot.

Prevention of arthrosis

• When staying for a long time in one place in a standing or sitting position take breaks for a workout. The best thing to do in this case is to get up and walk around. If this is not possible, shift while standing still. Alternately transfer the load from one leg to the other. In such a simple way, you will get rid of the congestion that occurs in your knees;
• Try not to jump. During landing on your feet, even from a low height, the load on the spine and knee joints increases by 4 times. Jumping is especially contraindicated if a person already has discomfort when walking and that very alarming crunch occurs;
• Exercise and a healthy diet are excellent ways to combat crunch and arthrosis of the knee joint;
• gymnastics aimed at the prevention of arthrosis, should be carried out in slow pace. All movements should be smooth, without unnecessary overload.
• Periodically take natural medicines to prevent arthrosis: "Osteomed", "Dandelion P", "Osteovitis".

If an unpleasant crunch appears in the knees, it is recommended to visit an orthopedic doctor who will prescribe diagnostic measures for you. These may include: radiography of the knee joint, general and biochemical blood tests, ultrasound, MRI and computed tomography. When pathologies are detected in the area of ​​the knee joint, the doctor, as a rule, directs for additional diagnostics. Treatment of diseases of the knee joints involves therapeutic exercises, massages, a corrective diet and the intake of natural supplements. In this case, natural « Hondro — Vit » and "Dandelion P" affecting the growth of new cartilage cells.

A crunch in the knees may indicate incipient arthrosis

Arthrosis is a formidable disease that is often diagnosed in young boys and girls. The reason for this is usually increased stress, high-speed rhythm of life, malnutrition and excess weight.

Immediately arthrosis, especially at a young age, is difficult to suspect. As a result, doctors cannot make an accurate diagnosis. One of the signs by which you can complain about the presence of diseases of the knee joint is the appearance of an unpleasant and even painful crunch in the knees. If you notice such a sign in yourself, run to see a doctor. Carried out diagnostic measures will help in time prevent the appearance incipient arthrosis In young age.

It is not uncommon for people to occasionally hear a popping, crunching, or unusual feeling, or when flexing the knee joint vigorously, such as while squatting.

This special sensation that pops up at such moments, known as crepitus - it usually occurs due to the entry of air bubbles into the tissues of the body.

The knee joint is one of the largest and most important movable joints in the bones of the human body. This connection accounts for a huge amount of power loads that occur in almost any physical exercise.

And not only with them, because even if a person is in a passive state, and at the same time leans on his legs, the knees carry out tremendous supporting work, huge pressure is applied to them, and as a result they tense up, although the effect is no longer as strong as in as a result of actions during physical work or, but still have a serious return.

To understand how crepitus affects the knees and why they crunch at all, let's take a closer look at their very structure.

To begin with, it should be understood that the knee is the largest joint in the human body. There are three bones in the knee joint: the femur, the tibia (tibia), and the patella (patella).

The kneecap sits in a small groove in the femur called the trochlea. When you squat, or simply straighten or bend your knee, the patella, in turn, moves back and forth inside this depression.

The soft tissue that covers all this from the inside provides decent protection for the bones from external factors.

The two wedge-shaped cartilaginous structures between the femur and tibia are called the menisci. They allow the bones to glide smoothly against each other. These formations reduce friction in the joints, improve the overall mobility and efficiency of a person, reducing his useless expenditure of excess energy during movement, and also generally reduce the load on the knee joints.

In other words, these are some of the most useful organs in the human body that are not vital. The cartilage itself is strong and elastic, and this allows you to soften the joint and maintain its stability.

There is also a thin layer of tissue called the synovial membrane that covers the joints and produces a small amount of synovial fluid that lubricates the cartilage. This "ointment" consists of many cells and a substance rich in blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as various fibers and nerve endings.

The lower part of the patella is lined with cartilage. This cartilage is "rubbed" into the end of the femur in its trochlear area, that is, directly into the patella, which may indicate the appearance of the above symptoms (crepitus).

Development of pathological processes in the knee joint

The formation of serious pathologies in the knee joints usually passes quite quickly and unnoticed, you may not pay attention to this and not visit a doctor in time. First of all, the very crunch in the knees occurs during flexion and extension, and from the very beginning it starts to crunch, crack and click in the leg for some imperceptible reason. Then more serious problems with movement and more stiffness begin. Although the "medicine" in the form of physical. loads helps a lot - this is an excellent treatment.

What is the reason that an ordinary click becomes a pain. What to do to prevent this? The main reasons for the development of these pathological processes and formations in the knee joints are various endocrine diseases, as well as malnutrition of the cartilage and the formation of cartilage necrosis.

In most cases, the notorious crackling sounds are associated with the existence of an inflammatory process formed in the body, with degenerative-dystrophic lesions and a pronounced violation of proper metabolism. So a child who has such problems can, for a start, simply be brought for a general examination.

Features of this symptom

Your knees hurt and crackle, in the knee joint when extending and bending, squatting or walking - in the end it happened. This can happen in the chest or knee area, and these parts of the body do not even have to hurt. What to do in this case? What to treat?

Knee crepitus can occur at any age, but the problem is most common in older people. Both one knee and both knees can crunch and crack. The characteristic sound can be heard even by other people.

This problem is in many cases quite harmless, but if it occurs or if pain occurs, then the crunching is most likely just one of the symptoms of a much more serious pathology, for various reasons. Therefore, you may need medical attention and even treatment in special institutions.

During flexion and extension

Have you ever had questions: why does the knee click and crack when flexing and unbending, when you squat, and even when walking,

The fact is that the process of flexion and extension in this joint is the most important and most popular movement, for the implementation of which it spends most of its work.

The work of these processes is provided by the same categories of organs that create restrictions on excessive movements in the body (additional extension of the knee joints), thus maintaining additional performance for the legs - these are internal ligaments, articular bag, cartilage, and muscles. If, during standard exercises such as squats, a crackling sound is heard from the side of the knee joint, then this is one of the first signs of the development of the disease and a reason to seek a preventive examination, because the next stage is coming soon - the knee hurts and ache.

The reasons for the occurrence of such sensations, if you still speak more broadly, are found in two versions: they are of a physiological type (when a person leads a sedentary and passive lifestyle and “brings” himself to such a state) and a pathological type (when a person begins to get seriously ill). Speaking of the second type, it, during flexion and extension, can be formed mainly due to the fact that the affected joints constantly form powerful surface friction between each other.

As a rule, the result of this is a change in the articular cartilage, as well as inflammatory processes in the synovial bags, then the knee can quickly swell and the pathology will quickly manifest itself - what to do in this case, what treatment the doctor will prescribe for you - depends on how far it has gone.

When squatting

The situation when, and at the same time, the crunch / crackle / click is very prominent during the squat - this is an extremely common problem in the sports environment, which can even be called the "occupational disease" of many athletes, as well as many representatives of martial arts and bodybuilders. This is due to the fact that the squat is a basic discipline in almost all sports, as well as one of the most popular training exercises among martial arts fans and bodybuilders.

This exercise transfers almost the entire load and all the weight to the thigh, lower leg and knee, and this is sometimes a huge weight (especially speaking of bodybuilders).

So there is nothing surprising in the reason that the formation of the pathological process in the knees is so well expressed during squats.

What to do? Well, if the pathology of the knee joint in the patient already exists and it is possible that it will develop in the future.

The subsequent performance of this exercise can lead to automatic irritation of its individual components, which can potentially lead to the most unpredictable consequences: including the occurrence of an inflammatory process in the synovial membrane, resulting in cartilage malnutrition.

After that, the following happens in the body: the cartilaginous area is destroyed, both articular surfaces are affected and begin to intensively rub against each other, which leads to characteristic sounds. A number of pathologies accompanied by creaking and cracking can cause similar consequences. These include, among other things, damage to the ligaments, deforming osteoarthritis of the joints, arthritis, various injuries, injuries and ruptures of the menisci.

Cracking with accompanying pain

So, why do the knees crunch, and when bending and unbending the joint, walking (when climbing stairs, for example, because the load on the joints is special), squatting, etc. do they start to hurt too?: Crepitus in the knee space is almost always associated with mild to moderate pain. This is usually associated with the fact that, in most cases, these effects are derivatives of the same pathologies. There are various causes of the above symptoms, which are divided into acute and chronic.

The first type includes mainly physical trauma and deformation of the joints. As for chronic causes, they have a more delayed effect, and various degenerative changes in the body associated with a person’s age are considered to be such - for example, osteoarthritis, i.e. dystrophic change in the structure of the joint. What to do in this case is obvious: contact a specialist who knows how to treat these diseases, but in no case self-medicate.

The very principle of the appearance of these symptoms of such symptoms, or walking in a child or adolescent, is a violation of the synchronization of the joint, degeneration of the hyaline cartilage, resulting in intense friction of the articular surfaces, accompanied by clicking, crunching and other sounds, as well as, of course, pain in as a side effect - and what to do.

Crepitus is very easy to provoke, for example, if you twist your legs vigorously when you squat on a beam. These symptoms most often appear in the morning, immediately when the patient wakes up, or vice versa, in the late afternoon, when the patient has already completed all the main loads of the day and returns home in a relaxed state - then the knees begin to crack and crunch.

If your knees creak and your muscles start to ache when you bend or squat, you should pay attention to the creak itself. This sound indicates an imbalance in your body - during the flexion of the joint, some of its components do not reach the destination. If you do not know how to treat such problems, then contact a specialist.

Safe crunch

Crunchy knees causes and treatment: There are many reasons why the knee joint begins to crackle and creak when walking or squatting, as well as there are many ways to get rid of these ailments: from purely medicinal, to treatment with folk remedies.

1. The crunch is due to gas bubbles bursting in the synovial fluid;

There are dissolved gas elements in the synovial fluid. When moving, the pressure in the periarticular bag changes, after which the gas swells and bursts, making characteristic sounds. But this is not a serious problem and does not require a medical solution.

2. Ligament/tendon touching the bone of the joint

In this case, the crunch arose due to the protrusion of the bone, behind which the ligaments or tendons were hooked during the movement. This scenario often occurs in adolescents, during a period of rapid skeletal development, or in older people, with natural degeneration of bones and muscles. This problem is also harmless.

3. A person has joint hypermobility due to weak ligaments

A frequent occurrence among gymnasts. Ligaments restrain the joints, making them stronger, while due to weaker ligaments, this fixation disappears, and the joint becomes more flexible and mobile, the possibilities of its movement expand to direct horizontal and vertical turns. All this is done with the same sound effects. As in previous cases, nothing needs to be done here.

Dangerous conditions: causes and what to do

If the crunch is accompanied by pain, then this can be the beginning of serious health problems. Pain, coupled with noise, indicates that this area in the body is undernourished, and this can lead to the development of pathology. The reasons for this and how to overcome them are discussed below:

1. Not enough synovial fluid

Cause:

Cartilage plays a big role - they serve as a shock absorber and provide the bones with proper glide, so that they do not rub against each other. However, it is the synovial fluid that nourishes the cartilage and regenerates it. There is not so much of it in the human body - for two hundred joints - about 2 tbsp. spoons. In cases where this miracle fluid is not enough in the joints, they begin to crackle.

What to do:

Try increasing your daily fluid intake. If this condition is met, the viscosity of the blood will decrease, and the nutrients will be better passed through the bloodstream.

You can also try additional physical. loads. If running is not an option and walking should be limited, swimming, preferably in a pool, is the ideal solution. Gymnastic procedures have an excellent effect. Without physical synovial fluid simply will not flow.

2. Ligaments in the joint are slowly weakening

Cause:

Ligaments, as an important internal organ for connecting bones, are also important in movement. It is known that crepitus is more common in females, which is due to the fact that their ligaments are weaker. Most of the regenerating and nourishing processes for the ligaments come from the liver. With a weak liver, they will also be weak.

What to do:

It is necessary to focus on improving the condition of the liver, by providing a proper diet and clearing all negative compounds.

It is best to choose fractional meals that reduce the level of pressure on the liver.

3. Eating the wrong, unhealthy food

Cause:

With an unbalanced diet in the human body, various diseases can form, incl. joint pathologies, characterized primarily by noise. The epidemic of such diseases began about 20 years ago, and its causes were various products of meat origin, the manufacturers of which approached their smoking in bad faith and added preservatives, which, however, are easily destroyed during normal heat treatment of meat products. Otherwise, an inflammatory process with edema and swelling begins in the knees.

The body needs vitamin A, so start eating pumpkin, carrots, and yellow fruits every day. Eat about a hundred grams of carrots daily, adding fat of any kind. Without this vitamin, there will be no synthesis of intra-articular fluid, and therefore, there is a threat of articular degeneration. T

The body also needs vitamin D. This is a type of calcium-preserving vitamin, and thanks to it, the bones and skeleton of a person are strengthened day by day. Gradually introduce fish, egg yolks, seafood.

Try to completely remove smoked meat, as well as smoked fish from the regular menu.

Treatment methods depending on the cause of the pathology

Almost always, the factors that cause the appearance of a crunch in the knees are destroyed by directly removing any loads from them. It is enough to control body weight, observe moderate physical activity, eat balanced food - and the result will make itself felt. It is recommended to use special therapeutic baths and baths, as well as folk remedies.

It is recommended to maximize the number of open walks and runs, while minimizing any squats or bending of the knees. Such preventive actions will give patients the opportunity to quickly get rid of the subsequent stages of the development of joint disease, which will already have to be cured with medication.

A special course of therapeutic gymnastics, which eliminates knee crunch, will give the limbs an appropriate load and prevent salt compaction, which makes the joint more active, mobile and mobile. The diet should not contain any sweet, spicy or salty foods.


If there is an additional mass and pathology associated with it, then you need to lower the nutritional value (calorie content) of the diet by reducing the consumed fats and carbohydrates.

In some cases, the crunch is felt only with the most powerful physical. loads, when the human body is laid out to the fullest. In such cases, sometimes it is enough just to rest and relax, allowing the body to recover on its own. If it is permanent and is combined with pain in the leg, then ultrasound and X-ray examination will help you diagnose more accurately.

In general, the treatments are as follows:

• Increased physical activity and activities;
• Keeping weight at a normal level;
• The transition to a special, dietary food, excluding all types of spicy, sweet and salty;
• chondrotherapy;
• Use of NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs), like diclofenac or ibuprofen.
• Improving the physical comfort of the body, immersion in medical baths.

However, before taking any independent action, it is necessary to contact a qualified specialist, and first of all - to a traumatologist.

Prevention. What to do so that the knees do not crunch?

A good extra load on your knees during sports activities can save them a lot of problems. Ordinary knee pads should be as natural to exercise as a helmet is to your head when riding a motorcycle.

When a person grows up, excess weight becomes a big problem. This problem can cause numerous pathologies, incl. arthritis. Avoid it, eat balanced. For the elderly, it is recommended to filter drinking water, because. harmful substances in ordinary tap water adversely affect the functioning of the joints. If you notice swelling in the knees, or just injured the joints in this area, then be sure to consult a doctor Score: 5 , total votes: 12

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