23/08/2025
🤔 Why Do our Knees Crack?
-Gas Bubbles (Cavitation): Harmless cracking when gas bubbles in the joint fluid collapse or shift. Common when standing up, squatting, or straightening the knee.
-Ligament or Tendon Movement: Soft tissues snapping over bony structures during movement can create a popping or cracking sound.
-Cartilage Wear (Crepitus): Rough surfaces from cartilage degeneration (e.g. osteoarthritis) cause grinding or cracking. May be accompanied by pain or stiffness.
-Previous Injury or Alignment Issues: Scar tissue or altered biomechanics can lead to irregular joint movement and noise.
-Meniscus or Patellofemoral Issues: Popping could be due to a tear or improper tracking of the kneecap.
🧑⚕️ How P1 Physiotherapy can Help?
Our physiotherapists can assist by:
✅ Assessment: Examines your gait, posture, strength, flexibility, and joint mobility and identifing the cause of the cracking (normal or due to dysfunction).
✅ Pain & Inflammation Management: Uses modalities like ice, heat, ultrasound, or TENS if there's pain or swelling.
✅ Strengthening & Stabilization: Targets weak muscles around the knee (e.g., quads, hamstrings, glutes). Helps offload stress from the joint and improve alignment.
✅ Mobility & Flexibility: Stretches tight structures (like IT band or hip flexors) that may contribute to misalignment. Improves joint function and reduces abnormal joint noises.
✅ Patella Tracking & Biomechanics Correction: Exercises to realign or improve the movement of the kneecap. Taping or bracing may be used temporarily.
✅ Education & Prevention: Teaches proper movement mechanics during activities like squatting or running. Advises on footwear, activity modifications, or ergonomic adjustments.
