Constantly crunching knee what to do. Why do knees crackle and what to do about it? High heels are associated with dystrophic processes in the knees

Probably, every person in his life had to feel at least once that his knee crunches when bending. But it is immediately worth noting the fact that at the same time a person does not feel even the slightest manifestations of pain, but still this sound can create certain inconveniences, since few people will be pleased to draw attention to themselves in this way. But is this phenomenon really harmless or is it a symptom of the onset serious illness? And if diseases, then what? And how to prevent it? This article is dedicated to answering these questions.

What it is

When they say that when bending, then this means cracks and clicks made by the joints, as during active movement, and during the passive. But, as practice shows, most often they appear during squatting or brisk walking. In most cases, this happens in athletes or athletes and indicates their severe overtraining. But in Lately this problem began to arise both in adults and in children. So why is this happening?

when bending

The reasons for this phenomenon may be various factors. Which include:

A variety of diseases, for example, arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis.
Certain lifestyle.
Numerous physical exercise.
damage and dysplasia.

In addition, such a phenomenon, when the knees crunch, but do not hurt, may be a manifestation of the norm. But let's dwell on each reason in a little more detail.

as a variant of the norm

As practice shows, sometimes such a phenomenon can be a manifestation of the norm and does not serve as symptoms of something more serious. The determining factor that everything is normal is considered to be the absence pain in the knee. So why do knees crackle but don't hurt? Dedicated to answering this question great amount dissertations and scientific works. So, for example, it is believed that due to the increase in gas bubbles in the fluid that washes the joint (it is also called synovial), the volume of the joint cavity itself increases, which is accompanied by a characteristic click. Further, these bubbles dissolve, which in turn allows the joints to return to their original position, which can also serve as one of the causes of a crunch or click. It should be borne in mind that the time interval between such sounds can be from 15 to 25 minutes.

Another theory that has received confirmation says that these sounds may arise due to the ligament or tendon touching certain fragments of bones, which protrude somewhat. Examples include the bones of the shoulders, hips, or wrists. In this case, the click emitted will be somewhat quieter.

High mobility

Probably, each of us in our lives admired acrobats or gymnasts who demonstrated magnificent stretching? But few people know that most of these people have birth defect connective tissue, which is manifested by sufficient weakness of the articular ligamentous apparatus. As practice shows, it is in these people that the knee most often crackles when bent, but in their case this is more a manifestation of the norm than something that requires close attention from specialists. But if such a phenomenon occurs with enviable regularity, then it is still worth contacting a medical institution.

Arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis

As already mentioned, such a phenomenon may be a variant of the norm, but if it begins to appear often enough and without observing the time interval, then this is already one of the early symptoms the fact that in the human body various inflammatory processes. In addition, one of the symptoms of the onset of the development of a serious disease is not only the fact that the knee constantly crackles, but also the fact that this process is accompanied by severe pain, and in some cases even limited mobility of the joint itself. Each of these symptoms may indicate the presence or development of diseases such as arthrosis, tendinitis, deforming osteoarthritis, bursitis.

Low mobility

As shown by the latest statistical studies, some people who work primarily in offices and lead sedentary image life, one day they are surprised to find that their knee crunches when flexing / extending. This happens due to the fact that a person, by nature, needs at least minor physical activity, and in the absence of it, gradual atrophy and weakening of the muscles occur, which in turn entails weakening of the ligaments. As a result, the articular apparatus can no longer fully perform its functions, as a result of which characteristic clicks-crunches begin to appear even with the most elementary movement. Such signals in most cases carry information that the body is gradually decrepit, it is necessary to pay attention to your physical condition.

Strong physical activity

Knee crunches when bending and if the measure is not observed during exercise? It should be borne in mind that work associated with lifting weights or weightlifting can also lead not only to this phenomenon, but also cause a disease such as arthrosis. Therefore, at the first manifestations of a crunch or clicks, it is worth reducing physical activity and taking care of yourself a little.

Injuries, injuries and dysplasia

Quite often knees crunch when you squat after transferring various damage joints in the past, because after that the joint becomes a little weaker (even after fully carried out medical measures), which in the future may be expressed in such characteristic sounds. In addition, it should be understood that this joint will automatically fall into the risk group for possible recurrence of damage. That is why it is recommended to avoid situations that can lead to them, and the characteristic click of the joints during movement serves more as a reminder that this joint must be especially protected.

Also answering the question: “Why do the knees crackle when bent?”, Do not forget about such a common phenomenon as the underdevelopment of various tissues that are in the joint, it is also called dysplasia. In the presence of dysplasia, the damaged joint is to some extent considered weakened, but not due to external damage, but to a greater extent due to underdevelopment, but this does not prevent them from being combined into one group.

Diagnostics

If the crunch in the knees causes some inconvenience, then it is recommended to visit an arthrologist or orthopedist in order to prevent the development of arthritis or arthrosis in the future. After a full-time examination, a specialist will appoint certain diagnostic measures that are aimed at making a decision. correct diagnosis and start appropriate treatment. Such activities in most cases are introduced to the delivery of tests for reactive protein, and x-rays and ultrasound of the joint.

Knees crunch: how to treat

Depending on the diagnosis, the most suitable treatment. So, for example, with arthritis or arthrosis, anti-inflammatory and antihistamines assigned to a particular course. In addition, ointments are applied topically, which are based on Bee Honey or other substances containing warming components.

If excess weight is the cause of the knee cracking when flexed, the treatment is to reconsider your lifestyle. And more precisely, in its activation. All it takes is just one hour of your time to study. various exercises bike). The only thing to remember is that all heavy and exhausting exercises should be absent from this list, since doing them can only make things worse.

If the cause of the crunch is hormonal disorders(most often diagnosed in women), the treatment is the use of HRT (hormone replacement therapy). It is usually prescribed by an endocrinologist.

Crunch in the joints in children

As you know, children have a somewhat different structure of the joints from adults. It is all the more important to learn from a teenager. There are several reasons for this:

Connective tissue pathology. Such children are characterized by increased flexibility of the joints. If this child has a crunch and clicking in the joints, then this is considered the norm. The only thing is that these children are often diagnosed with heart disease. That is why, when identifying this pathology, it is recommended to be under the control of cardiologists. Ideally, of course, it is best to diagnose the functioning of the heart, which in the future will allow you to choose the most appropriate lifestyle, which will minimize the exacerbation of a possible disease.
Short-term joint hypermobility. Its cause is considered to be the uneven development of tissues and joints, which is quite common for adolescents, since their articular apparatus, in essence, has not yet matured. Therefore, it is quite natural that from time to time during the movement of the joints one can hear such characteristic sounds like a click or crunch. The only thing you need to pay attention to is that these phenomena are completely painless and do not cause discomfort.

Preventive actions

When knees crunch, how to treat such a condition is usually prescribed by a specialist. But there are also some measures aimed at reducing or completely eliminating this phenomenon.

Let's start, of course, with gymnastics, which you need to do every day. The most common exercises include:

Squats. It is desirable to do them from 2 approaches, ten times each. In addition, you should linger a little in a sitting position for a few seconds.
Pulling the legs up to the chest area.
Exercises "bike" and "scissors".
In addition, various lotions, creams and taking hot bath especially after a hard day at work.
Another means that has received good feedback, is a compress, which includes Orange juice and vegetable oil.

But once again we remind you that before applying all of the above means, it is best to contact a specialist.

Article publication date: 08/10/2016

Date of article update: 12/05/2018

Almost every person has experienced a crunch in the knees, regardless of age. Many people think that this is always a symptom of some disease, but it is not. There are also harmless reasons according to which they can - in this case, nothing is required, since the crunch itself rarely causes the patient inconvenience in everyday life.

Sometimes the presence of sounds during flexion or extension of the knee indicates diseases, but in this case, other symptoms of the disease will also appear.

All negative symptoms can be successfully eliminated by contacting a specialist in time. Arthrologists, rheumatologists and traumatologists deal with knee treatment.

Causes

The reasons why the knees crackle can be divided into two groups: safe and pathological. The former are usually not accompanied by any additional symptoms. However, for prevention, it is still better to consult a doctor, especially if the crunch occurs suddenly.

Safe reasons

Popping gas bubbles in the joint

This is the most common cause of crackling.

The knee contains synovial fluid (a thick elastic substance that acts as a lubricant) in which gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide etc.) When the joint is flexed, especially when it occurs abruptly, the pressure changes, and the gas that is part of synovial fluid, bubbles and bursts.

If the knees crackle for this reason, no treatment is required.

Congenital increased elasticity of the ligaments

The increased elasticity of the ligaments can be explained either by their congenital weakening (if it is mild, then treatment is not needed), or by an acquired sprain (in athletes such as gymnasts).

When the ligaments that fix the joint have increased elasticity, the range of motion of the joint back and forth and to the sides increases, which causes crunches in the knee.

Friction of a ligament or tendon against bone

This friction usually occurs in adolescence and passes with time. Bones can grow intensively and unevenly, which causes a protruding area, which clings to a ligament or tendon.

Causes dangerous to health

Synovial fluid deficiency

If there is not enough natural lubrication in the joint, creaking sounds appear during flexion and extension. This is accompanied by pain, which increases with physical exertion.

Deficiency of synovial fluid is very dangerous, as friction increases, and the menisci (cartilaginous plates in the joint) are erased over time. This leads to limited mobility and increased pain.

Injury to the meniscus or patella

Menisci are flat sheets of cartilage tissue, which are located between the femur and tibia at their junction.

They can be injured not only as a result of a blow or fall, but also due to heavy physical exertion, prolonged use of high-heeled shoes, surgical interventions with complications, and obesity. The meniscus is also depleted in arthritis, arthrosis. When the meniscus is thinned, it crunches and hurts in the knee. When it is fractured or torn off, it crunches in the knee, it swells, and there is also acute pain.

The patella is the bone that covers the front of the joint. Normally, its posterior surface is smooth. But as a result of increased load, it can become uneven and interfere with the work of the joint. At the same time, it crunches and creaks in the knee, pain occurs during flexion and extension.

Also, the patella can be deformed as a result of an injury. Then he will also touch the joint, and the knee will crackle.

Types of meniscus injury

Ligament problems (injuries, weakening)

Damage (sprains or ruptures) of the ligaments occur during sudden or too intense physical exertion, sometimes during falls.

The weakening of the ligaments may be associated with age-related changes in organism, malnutrition And bad habits, sedentary lifestyle.

Usually, problems with ligaments are accompanied not only by a crunch in the knee, but also by pain, swelling, and disruption of the joint.

Treatment for crunchy knees

The first thing to do if there are clicking sounds and pain is to consult a therapist. He may refer you to a rheumatologist, arthrologist, or traumatologist.

Since subsequent treatment will largely depend on the cause, the doctor will conduct a diagnosis to establish exact reason crunch in the knee: x-ray, analysis of synovial fluid and ultrasound of the joint.

If, apart from the crunch, there are no more unpleasant symptoms, and during the examination, the doctors did not reveal any pathologies, then no treatment is needed.

If the knees crunch due to illness or injury, you need to undergo a course of therapy.

Crunch therapy for lack of synovial fluid

The first thing to do in this case is to adjust your diet and give up bad habits.

To increase your body's production of synovial fluid, eat more products with the content of vitamins C, D, B2, B5 and B9, as well as hyaluronic acid and collagen.

The diet should include:

nuts and legumes;
eggs;
berries, vegetables and fruits (citrus fruits, currants, blueberries, gooseberries, sea buckthorn, wild roses, tomatoes, greens);
Fish and seafood;
butter and vegetable oils;
chicken meat and offal;
mutton;
beef.

Click on photo to enlarge

To secure the joint necessary quantity synovial fluid - diet alone is not enough. Be sure to exercise, after consulting with your doctor to select the appropriate exercises. This will help speed up the metabolic processes in the joints, and the knees will stop crunching.

If the knees are crackling due to a severe lack of synovial fluid, the doctor may prescribe injections of synovial fluid substitutes that are given directly into the joint. They usually give good result; The effect lasts from six months to a year.

Treatment for pathologies of the meniscus or patella

If the menisci have thinned due to a lack of synovial fluid, the treatment is the same as described in the previous section.

In the case when the meniscus pathology arose as a symptom of arthrosis, the doctor will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal agents and chondroprotectors. Also, so that the knees do not crackle, experts recommend physiotherapy procedures: massage, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, ultrasound therapy.

Physiotherapy procedures

In case of damage to the patella due to increased load:

lose excess weight;
do not carry weights (more than 7 kg for men and 5 kg for women);
do not buy shoes with heels higher than 4 cm;
jump less;
do not run if you are overweight;
swim, do aerobics or yoga.

After removing the load on the patella, the knees will no longer crunch, and the pain will pass.

If it crunches in the knees due to an injury or deformation of the patella - most likely, the doctor will prescribe an operation.

Troubleshooting links

Ligament injuries

When the knees crackle due to a sprain or rupture of the ligaments, the doctor applies a special orthopedic bandage and recommends that the patient observe bed rest for several weeks.

When sprained or torn ligaments need first aid. If you have damaged ligaments, apply immediately to the sore spot cold compress and keep it there for 15 minutes. This will help relieve swelling and reduce pain. Please note that in case of ligament injuries, massage should not be done, as it can provoke bleeding and increase swelling.

Also, do not use during treatment. alcoholic drinks, because they provoke the appearance of edema.

First aid for sprained or torn knee ligaments

Subject to all the rules, the ligaments will heal in a couple of weeks, and the knee will not crackle.

Ligament loosening

If the knees are crunchy due to weakening of the ligaments, the doctor will prescribe drugs to strengthen them and a special diet.

Of the medicines used glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane, hyaluronic acid and others.

The diet includes foods rich in vitamins C, E, D and B, zinc, magnesium, selenium, calcium (berries, fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat, dairy products, nuts, cereals, eggs, seafood). By sticking to a diet, you will strengthen your ligaments, and your knees will stop crunching.

Folk methods

Be sure to coordinate the use of folk remedies with your doctor.

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Forecast

By following all the recommendations of the doctor, you can get rid of the crunch in the knees and other symptoms that accompany joint diseases. The treatment process lasts from several weeks to several months, depending on the pathology and its severity. Sometimes, when it crunches in the knee, but it does not hurt, treatment is not needed; however, for prevention, it is still better to consult a doctor for an examination.

Owner and responsible for the site and content: Afinogenov Alexey.

When walking, climbing stairs, you can not notice problems for a long time until they begin to be accompanied severe pain. A crunch in the knees during movements is a signal - in the joint with increased loads dangerous transformations begin. It is important to know why they occur, what becomes the cause, how to eliminate pathological changes. This will help in time to seek help, to avoid problems.

What is a crunch in the knees

From the pressure of body weight, constant movement - walking, squatting, running - the knee joints of the body experience overload. IN healthy condition they are shock absorbers due to the presence of synovial fluid, cartilage tissue. A crunch in the knees is a sign of ongoing changes. Its occurrence is considered safe according to physiological reasons, When:

congenital weakening of the ligaments is manifested;
bubbles inside the synovial fluid burst in the cavity;
going on fast growth bones that touch the ligaments.

Damage to the joints becomes a dangerous problem when they have a lack of nutrients. The interaction between structures is disrupted - the patella, tibia, having a flat surface for sliding, femoral. When crunching is observed:

Why do knees crack

The reasons for which a crunch may appear in the knee joints are obesity, sudden movements in the presence of a sedentary lifestyle. Pathologies can cause disease. Knees crunch in case of:

weight lifting;
use junk food- spicy, salty;
walking in high heels - the arch of the foot changes;
rhythmic loads;
nervous tension;
stress
rheumatoid arthritis;
meniscus damage;
gonarthrosis;
tumors;
fractures, dislocations;
hormone production disorders;
calcium deficiency;
weak ligaments;
lack of vitamins.

When flexed

A crunch when bending the knee joints is a sign of inflammation, changes in cartilage tissue. In the diseased area, there is an increase in the load, begin dystrophic processes. The reasons due to which the knees crunch when bent are associated with diseases, lifestyle. With damage to structures:

friction occurs articular surfaces;
the ability to retain moisture is lost;
inflammation of the synovial bag begins;
cartilage deformity progresses;
the amount of lubricant is reduced.

When squatting

The appearance of a crunch when performing such a movement is typical for older people. This happens due to physiological changes joint. Possible reason crunch - hereditary diseases movement organs. Violations not ruled out metabolic processes, bad ecology. Often, athletes crunch their knees when squatting while performing an exercise under load. In doing so, it may:

the synovial membrane becomes inflamed;
cartilage tissue is destroyed;
change nutrition;
increase the surface friction force.

Why do knees crunch when squatting in a teenager

It is important to pay attention to joint problems in adolescents. This age is characterized by changes in the body, its active growth. The crunch may indicate a strong extensibility of the ligaments. Muscle growth may lag behind bones. If the knees crunch when squatting in a teenager, the situation normalizes as the ligamentous apparatus forms. To prevent crunch, they become important tasks:

reduce physical activity;
provide proper nutrition;
use vitamin complexes;
avoid overvoltage.

Knee crunch on extension without pain

There are cases when a crunch occurs without the appearance of pain. One of the reasons for the phenomenon is the peculiarity of the functioning of the synovial bag of the knee. Among the components of its liquid is carbon dioxide gas. While driving:

pressure changes in articular bag;
the number of bubbles increases;
they burst with a clicking sound.

A crunch in the knees during extension without pain occurs with changes in the tissues of bones and muscles in old age. It is typical for gymnasts, acrobats, demonstrating flexibility and stretching. Ligaments that maintain a healthy state healthy joint, they allow to produce an increased range of motion. This state has congenital cause. These people are characterized by:

Which doctor to contact with a crunch in the knees

The first doctor to whom a patient comes with a complaint of clicking in the knee joint during extension is a therapist. He is engaged lung treatment reactive arthritis, osteoarthritis in the elderly. After a survey, collection of tests, a preliminary diagnosis of the cause of the crunch is made. If necessary, after additional hardware studies, the patient is sent for a consultation with doctors of a different profile.

Who to contact for crunchy knees? It depends on the preliminary diagnosis and symptoms of the disease:

A rheumatologist treats inflammation of the joint, connective tissue. They turn to him for swelling, redness, pain in the knees, the presence of pathology according to the results of the tests.
A traumatologist provides assistance with bone deformities, damage to the cartilage of the knee.
A nutritionist gives recommendations on changing the diet when the weight deviates from the norm.

Diagnosis of the causes of a crunch in the knee

The process of determining the disease of the knee begins with a survey of the patient. The doctor listens to complaints, clarifies the presence of past injuries. Important Points– working conditions, sports, physical activity. The main tasks of the doctor in the diagnosis of crunch:

clarification concomitant diseases;
clarification hereditary factors;
referral for blood and urine tests;
preliminary diagnosis.

If necessary, to clarify the patient's condition, additional hardware examinations of the knee are performed. They determine the presence of fluid in the joint, changes in bones and tissues. Diagnosis of the causes of a crunch in the knee includes:

How to get rid of crunchy knees

To anxiety symptoms did not cause trouble, a set of measures is needed. At the same time, it is important to eliminate the reasons why the knee joint crunches and hurts, to restore motor functions after the treatment. For recovery you will need:

follow a diet that will be your own for obesity, gout, disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism;
cure the underlying disease knee joint;
provide peace.

To help the patient get rid of the crunch in the knees, the condition can be improved by the implementation of a set of measures:

reception medicines;
local use ointments, compresses;
the use of vitamins;
massage;
physiotherapy;
physiotherapy - magnetotherapy, laser, ultrasound;
reduction of stress on the joints;
mud treatment;
swimming lessons;
injection with joint fluid substitutes;
surgical operations;
preventive measures.

Ointment for crunchy knees

You can improve the movement of the knee joint, reduce pain, crunch, if used in the treatment of ointments. Doctors prescribe drugs that have their own healing action. The crunch in the knee when flexing will decrease if non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. It is important to consider contraindications for use. These ointments reduce swelling, relieve inflammation, and relieve pain. Popular remedies:

Ketoprofen;
Nimesulide;
Ortofen;
Nise;
Artrosilene.

Ointments from a crunch in the knees have another mechanism of action:

Physiotherapy

Performing a set of exercises helps to maintain muscle tone, which prevents the knee joint from deforming and fraying. There are recommendations to start gymnastics in the morning, while in bed. For this you should:

stretch your arms, legs;
lying on your back, bend your knees, slide, without looking up from the mattress, at least 20 times;
slowly, without rushing, perform the “bike” exercise back and forth.

It is good if the complex of physiotherapy exercises will be held under the supervision of an instructor. Do it yourself exercises can be continued at home. It is convenient to do them with a chair:

Massage

A crunch in the knee joint will not cause trouble if massaged regularly. With its help, blood circulation will increase, mobility will improve. It’s good if a specialist does the procedure, but doing it yourself will give at least effective result. With self-massage of the knee joint, each movement must be performed 7 times. Efficiency will increase if you additionally use:

warming ointments;
cream with bee, snake venom.

Starts and ends procedure light stroking movements that are performed first over the joint, and then on it. Crunch massage includes techniques:

Treatment of crunch in the knees with folk remedies

A set of measures for the treatment of crunching joints may include recipes traditional medicine. It is important to coordinate the procedures with the doctor. If your knees creak, you can rub the composition of the same parts of the tomato, olive oil, or do homemade ointment. Substances are mixed during preparation, infused for several hours. According to the recipe, the ointment contains equal proportions:

alcohol;
glycerin;
honey;
iodine.

In the treatment of crunch in the knees folk remedies you can apply a compress of five spoons vegetable oil and one lemon juice. The composition on a napkin is applied to the joint, kept for an hour. The procedure is carried out before going to bed, wrapped in warmth at night. It is recommended to drink a forest drink from the crunch during the week. The prepared composition is used twice - in the morning and in the evening. The prescription should:

wash up fir cone;
drop into a glass boiled water;
leave overnight.

Prevention of crunching in the knees

You can avoid the appearance of unpleasant symptoms if you carefully consider the health of your joints. An easy way is to reduce the load on them. There are several methods for this:

get rid of excess weight;
women should not abuse wearing shoes with heels;
periodically rest during physical exertion at work, in sports;
when relying on your knees, use knee pads;
move more actively during sedentary work.

Necessary measures for the prevention of crunching in the knees:

exclusion of hypothermia;
with fatigue - the use of massage, compresses;
dietary regulation useful products;
taking vitamins;
weight control;
treatment of infections endocrine diseases;
carrying out physiotherapy;
morning joint exercises;
swimming lessons;
increasing the amount of water you drink;
physiotherapy;
hiking.

Video: How to remove the crunch in the knees

Any person once in his life heard a crunch in his knees when squatting. rare people attach meaning by hearing a similar "hello" from their own knees. Human body arranged and complex rationally. When bending the legs, arms, back, people should not hear a terrible creak and rattle in the joints. At constant occurrence crunching in the knees, you should consult a doctor, find out the cause of the gnashing of your own joints.

If you do not pay attention in time to the fact that the knees constantly crunch when bending the legs or squats, it will turn out to earn arthritis or arthrosis of the knee joint. Today it is fashionable and prestigious to conduct healthy lifestyle life, eating right, exercising. Many, without delving into the technique of execution and possible restrictions due to health reasons, they rushed to play sports, not realizing that they could harm the body. Overload in the form of any weight lifting (barbells, dumbbells, heavy bags for women) leads to excessive stress on the knee joints.

Excess weight - additional reason occurrence unpleasant crunch in my knees. The human body is often overloaded extra pounds, but a special load goes to the joints of the legs, the knees have to carry an extra load. In the presence of overweight it is forbidden to run, when doing this kind of sport, when landing, the load on the cartilage of the knee joint increases. This includes jumping rope.

Lying on sofas and sitting at computers, a sedentary lifestyle lead to weakening of muscles and ligaments, the mobility of the knee joint is impaired. Sports need to be done correctly.

Incorrectly selected shoes contribute a lot to the crunch in the knees. High heels, narrowed toe shoes in women lead to an uneven distribution of the load on the legs. The recommended choice of shoe heels is up to 4 cm, flat shoes can cause flat feet and foot deformity. The consequences of unwanted changes lead to curvature of the legs, additional load on knees.

Causes of the crunch of the joints of the knees - multiple fractures, severe bruises, blows, injuries of the lower extremities.

A number of diseases are known that give complications to the joints (diseases thyroid gland, diabetes, liver disease, kidney failure). The inflammatory process of the knee joint will lead to audible clicks in the knee, to the occurrence of pain during flexion, extension of the legs.

After examination and finding out the causes of the crunch, it is possible that pain syndrome prescribe a course of treatment. There are three ways to treat the disease:

Folk remedies;
Conservative methods - prescribe medical preparations, physiotherapy;
The operation is complex and unpleasant way treatment, it takes a long time to recover and develop the leg.

Medical treatment

Before self-treatment joints, it is worth visiting a doctor who will begin to treat, but will find out the causes of the onset of symptoms. Treatment with folk remedies should be used exclusively in addition to drug treatment.

The doctor will prescribe drugs to help relieve pain and swelling (if symptoms are present), drugs that promote satiety nutrients knee joints, accelerating the treatment and restoration of cartilage tissue.

To speed up the healing process, physiotherapy is prescribed for medical preparations (pills, injections). This will bring the healing process closer when taking pills, and will serve as a good prevention for diseases of the knee joint. The procedures help to improve metabolism, boost blood circulation in the damaged area in the knee.

Warming up the knee relieves pain syndrome, normalizes blood circulation, and raises the level of metabolism.
Laser treatment of the knee joint relieves swelling, inflammation, increases blood circulation in the damaged area, relieves pain, accelerates the healing process of wounds on the skin.
Ozone therapy - instant relief of pain in the joint, increases knee mobility, restores the surface of cartilage tissue and its structure.

It is worth doing physiotherapy after a complete examination, the methods describe individual contraindications for use.

Surgical intervention

Operations are considered extreme method treatment. Assigned if after drug treatment absent positive result, crunching and pain in the knee does not disappear. Or when the disease is in last stage development, there is no sense in the treatment with medicines and procedures.

After the operation, it is required to remove the load from the leg. Bed rest is established, they move with the help of a crutch or a stick. After complete healing, they undergo a rehabilitation course to strengthen the muscles and restore leg performance.

The use of folk remedies to relieve a crunch in the knee

Before folk remedies, visit a doctor, find out the reasons pain when squatting, bending or straightening the legs. Treatment with folk remedies acts in addition to the main treatment.

Treatment must be done every day. It is better to do compresses, lotions, wraps before going to bed, so that after the procedures the knee does not overstrain and does not get cold.

Physical training

Regular exercise will help strengthen the joints of the legs and serve as a good preventive measure to prevent squeaking and crunching in the knees. Exercise is prescribed daily.

How we woke up without getting out of bed, gently, slowly stretching, arms up, legs down. After a light stretch, you will need to develop the knee joints. Slowly, without hurrying, one leg is extended, bending the other at the knee, we pull it to the chest, helping with our hands. Perform flexion and extension of each knee 5-7 times.
An indispensable exercise "bike". Do it slowly, leaving the opportunity, when bending the leg, to work out each joint, starting from the hip and ending with the foot.
From a standing position, legs together, knees slightly bent, hands on knees, back straight (without arching or arching). In the accepted position, perform circular movements with the knees. IN right side, then to the left. Perform circular movements 10 times.
In case of difficulties with the joints of the legs, yoga classes are suitable, before starting the exercises, warn the instructor about the presence of difficulties with the knees. Knowing the problems, the master will adjust the load and exercises.

The reasons why the knees are crunching can only be established by a doctor, you will need to take tests and pass full examination. Treatment is prescribed only by a doctor, folk remedies can only supplement the main drug treatment.

Not knowing accurate diagnosis self-medication can worsen the state of health. Remember, the treatment will give a positive result if the causes of the crunch and pain in the knees are known, and the prescribed procedures are fully and accurately performed.

Most often, the knees crunch when flexed in people retirement age, but sometimes this problem also occurs in younger patients. Clicking in the knees can occur for physiological reasons and then no treatment is required.

Sometimes creaking in the knees is a symptom of a serious illness that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment with medications or surgery.

The knee is located approximately in the middle of the lower part of the limb, between the thigh and lower leg. Allocate the knee joint, as well as the front of the knee and the back.

The main components of the knee include:

Physiology and pathology of crunch

Clicking in the knees or "crepitus" (a term in medicine) appears due to the explosion of air bubbles in the synovial fluid. This problem most often appears due to a person's low mobility (sedentary work, ignoring physical activity).

With the manifestation of pathology, the joints rub against each other. Sometimes the problem is only pain in the joint, but swelling and limited mobility can also occur.

Causes of a crunch in the knee

Knees crunch when bending most often for the following reasons:

Knees crunch when bending in childhood:

Diseases and injuries in which the joints crackle

Crunch in the knees occurs due to the following diseases:

Gonarthrosis. It is characterized by wear of cartilaginous tissue and subsequent deformation of the joint. Often leads to disability. More common in women.
Rheumatoid arthritis. Expressed as chronic inflammation knee joint and injury synovium. The disease is provoked by excessive physical activity, frequent injuries knees, hypothermia.
Chondromatosis. Most often, one knee joint is affected. Sometimes the disease can degenerate into malignant tumor, but very rarely.
Bursitis. This disease appears from trauma to the knee, resulting in inflammation of the synovial bag. Bursitis appears after knee injuries. Excessive physical activity can also cause the disease.
Osteochondritis. Gradually, the cartilaginous plate that protects the bone exfoliates. The disease is detected at the age of 20-40 years, mainly in men.
hypermobility syndrome. The problem lies in the excessive active mobility of the joint and its flexibility.

The knees crunch when bent, not only due to diseases, but also due to injuries:

Crunch in the knees, as a variant of the norm

Clicking in the knee joint may be a variant of the norm. If at the same time there is no redness of the skin, pain is not felt and swelling does not appear, then most likely everything is in order with the knee joint. It can crunch due to the fact that the tendon or ligament touches the bones and, as a result, a click appears.

In addition to this, there are several safe reasons, due to which there is a creak in the knees:

weakened ligaments contribute to increased joint flexibility;
explosion of gas bubbles in the synovial fluid.

Varieties of knee crunch

Knees crunch when bent due to the following reasons:

the synovial sac becomes inflamed;
cartilage tissues are deformed;
the bones of the knee rub against each other;
moisture is not retained.

When squatting, clicks appear when:

abuse of salty, fatty, sweet and spicy foods;
constant friction of bones;
gradual destruction of cartilage tissue;
inflammation of the synovial sac.

When extending the knees, creaking can occur from:

increase in the number of bubbles in the synovial fluid;
bubbles that appear explode;
increased pressure on the joint.

When walking, a crunch can occur due to:

any inflammation in the knee joint;
salt deposits;
cartilage abrasion;
kidney disease (failure);
injuries.

Characteristic symptoms

Crunchy knees are not the only symptom of many diseases.

Along with it, other symptoms may occur, which are expressed as:

swelling of the entire leg or only in the knee area;
aching or sharp pain;
redness on the skin in the area of pain;
creaking in the knees when changing position;
burning sensation;
numbness of the skin around the knee.

Sometimes accompanying symptoms does not happen or they are weakly expressed. In some cases, they may appear partially, depending on the disease that caused the crunch.

Which doctor to contact if the knee crunches

If a crunch occurs in the knee joint, then the following doctors can find the problem and fix it:

Diagnosis of the causes of a crunch in the knee

It is possible to diagnose the cause of knee crunching only after conducting a whole range of examinations, which include:

blood analysis;
ultrasound diagnostics of the knee;
x-ray;
Analysis of urine;
study of synovial fluid;
scintigraphy;
MRI and CT scan knee joint;
examination of the joint by a doctor.

When visiting a doctor, the patient states his complaints. After that, the doctor carefully examines the skin of the knee joint and palpates it.

On examination, it may reveal:

the presence of a hematoma under the skin;
the appearance of ulcers and lesions on the skin;
swelling and redness;
changes in the structure of the joint (deformation from injuries and due to certain diseases);
pathological changes.

Urinalysis will help to find out the level uric acid. If it is elevated, then this can indirectly indicate gouty arthritis. A blood test allows you to find out if there are inflammatory processes and infections in the body.

Ultrasound of the knee is the most exact way diagnostics. With it, you can identify inflammation of the synovial bag, meniscal damage, torn ligaments, thinning of cartilage, the presence of Becker's cyst.

CT scan of the joint reveals:

bone injuries, including their fracture;
the presence of inflammatory processes in the synovial bag;
the presence of arthritis or osteoarthritis;
pathology in the joint;
penetration foreign body into the joint cavity.

MRI is highly informative and helps to diagnose:

sprain;
injury to the patella;
bursitis;
Baker's cyst;
hemarthrosis;
tissue swelling.

Methods for treating crunch

So that the creaking in the joints does not disturb, you must first carry out a diagnosis, and then begin treatment. Get rid of unpleasant symptom medicines and folk remedies will help.

In addition, you can speed up the solution of the problem using:

Drug treatment of crunch in the knee

It is possible to cure a crunch in the knee only if the diagnosis is correctly established, since the treatment directly depends on it.

To return the joints to working capacity and relieve pain, the following drugs are most often prescribed:

Anti-inflammatory. Helps fight inflammation and pain. These most often include Ibuprofen, Nimesulide, Diclofenac and others.
Ointments with a warming effect: Voltaren, Finalgon.
Corticosteroids: Hydrocartisone, Prednisolone. They are prescribed only in the most serious cases, since the drugs are hormonal.
Non-steroidal ointments with anti-inflammatory effect: Ketoprofen, Nise. They simultaneously relieve pain and relieve severe inflammation.
Preparations for the resumption of the functions of cartilage tissue: Chondroxide, Rumalon.
vitamins. It is best to take a complex of vitamins, which includes calcium, vitamin D3, phosphorus. Exactly these useful components help restore the bones and cartilage that make up the knee joint.

Surgical treatment of crunch in the knee

Surgery for crunching in the knees is prescribed only if the problem cannot be dealt with with the help of medical intervention.

The patient may be prescribed:

More often surgery used for the following problems:

the presence of a foreign body in the joint;
with fractures;
if there is a need to replace the knee joint with an artificial one;
when ligaments are broken;
with damage to the menisci;
at rheumatoid arthritis if it is not treatable with medication;
with problems with the healing of hematomas, to remove pathological contents.

Rehabilitation treatment for a crunch in the knee

As rehabilitation treatment for knee problems, you need to deal with:

Benefits of rehabilitation treatment include:

small load on the affected knee;
quick recovery after operations;
the ability to fully restore the mobility of the knee.

The disadvantages of the method are:

the possibility of damage to the ligaments;
progression of knee diseases with untimely start of rehabilitation treatment.

Physiotherapy

Therapeutic exercise prevents deformation of the knee joint, helps maintain muscle tone. It should be done only if the load on the joints is allowed, otherwise you can cause even more damage to the knee.

Therapeutic load includes a set of exercises:

Sipping. Lying in bed, stretch your arms and legs.
Knee bending. Lie on your back and alternately bend one or the other knee, without lifting your feet from the surface.
Bike. Perform on your back, at a slow pace.
Rotations. Lean on a chair with both hands and alternately rotate your knees 10 times in each direction.
Squats. Leaning on the back, do 10 squats.

It is necessary to perform exercises slowly, at a slow pace, so as not to damage the knee joints. If after exercise you feel sharp pain, edema appears, then physical education should be excluded for a while.

Massage

Massage will help to improve blood circulation and improve the mobility of the knee joint. You can do it yourself, as well as with specialists.

When performing a massage on your own, you must adhere to the following rules:

Treatment of crunch in the knees with folk remedies

Knees crunch during extension and flexion for various reasons.

To alleviate the condition, you can use the following folk remedies:

Preventive actions

Prevention of crunching in the knees helps to avoid joint problems, pain and swelling in them.

The main measures that help to avoid the appearance of a crunch include:

reducing the load on the legs: change shoes with high heels to more comfortable ones, get rid of excess weight, during physical work take rest breaks, move actively;
get rid of thyroid problems in a timely manner;
daily in the morning to do gymnastics for the joints;
go swimming;
walk more;
take vitamins;
use healthy food and exclude fatty, fried and spicy;
when feeling tired in the legs, do a light massage;
exclude the possibility of hypothermia.

Knees crunch when bent from various physiological and pathological causes. If you identify them in a timely manner, then you can cure them quickly enough. In advanced cases, it may be necessary surgical intervention, after which the mobility of the joints is restored for a long time.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about crunching in the knees when bending

Why knees crunch and what to do about it: