Roanoke
Salem
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QUESTION: I started mountain biking, and I have begun to notice "cracking and popping" and some pain in my knees when climbing stairs. Is this serious? ANSWER: It is very common to have "cracking and popping" behind your kneecaps when you have begun performing exercise that loads your knee while it is bent. Examples are step aerobics, running hills, and playing the catcher position in softball and baseball. The cartilage on the back of the kneecap (patella) softens to some degree, which prevents the lubricating fluid of the joint from coating the surface completely. Also, due to your activity, a muscle imbalance has probably occurred, resulting in the kneecap having increased pressure on it and not gliding correctly as you bend your knee. There is no evidence that this definitely leads to arthritic change; but, if the lubrication and gliding are not normal, wear can occur more quickly. Try these things first. Raise your bike seat to the maximum height you can and still comfortably ride. Improve the flexibility of your thigh and calf muscles with diligent stretching. Begin a strengthening program to balance your muscles. Avoid high steps and hilly terrain in aerobic activities. Ice your knees down at the completion of activity for 10 to 15 minutes. If you do not notice an improvement in 8 to 10 weeks, then seek further evaluation. |
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WRITTEN BY: Brent M. Johnson, M. D. |
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