crepitus aka rice krispy knees - JP Fitness Forums

LisaS · 11-22-2006, 10:17 PM

I've got crepitus in both knees - no pain though - just annoying sound and the sensation that accompanies it. This isn't the "big pop" like cracking knuckles - it is the rice krispy sounds with nearly every rep.

As far as I can tell from research, "everyone" says if there is no pain, don't worry about it. However, I've got to think that something is going on, right? I saw on one site that it can be a sign of cartilage wear - emphasis on *can be". Is it?

More importantly, is there anything that can be done to make it better?

Any thoughts?

Lisa
oh - my stats if they'll help. Female, 40s, formerly fat, on the way to being fit (down 50# since Feb 1 - with ~50 to go (230->179->125)). Fairly knowledgable re: training, anat & phys, etc. Resistance training throughout weight loss with renewed/intensified committment around Aug. Crepitus seems unrelated to intensity or frequency of working out.

Jimmy Smith · 11-23-2006, 07:04 AM

I hate to repeat what you've already stated but yes it can be a sign but it also can be nothing if it is not followed by pain. Crepitus is actually often due to gas, usually air, that has found its way to an area it normally should not be in. This will usually happen in the soft-tissue of an joint who's resting position is no what it should be (scapula). Again, if it's not followed by pain don't stress over it.

UConnJulie · 11-25-2006, 06:30 PM

Agreed ... if the crepitus doesn't hurt, don't sweat it!!

But ... that said, make sure your quads are flexible ... including rectus femoris ... and iliacus and psoas (hip flexors) ... I also find that having all the little deep hip stabilizer muscles functioning properly seems to help as well ...

How is your single leg balance?

LisaS · 11-25-2006, 06:50 PM

funny you should ask about balance - it is improving. I broke my rt ankle (trimalleolar fracture with OR/IF) and badly sprained the left in 2005 - and have been working on gaining back balance, strength & mobility ever since.

UConnJulie · 11-26-2006, 07:18 AM

Well, your balance might impact the knees as well ... as you continue to lose weight, and as your balance improves (along with your hip and ankle strength) you might find that the crepitus becomes less ... but for now as long as it doesn't hurt, don't worry about it!

LisaS · 11-26-2006, 09:47 AM

OK. thanks for the info.