How to get rid of crunch in the knees

Many organs and systems are subject to age-related changes. This is especially true of the joints, since it is they that account for most of the load. Therefore, they wear out so quickly.

The first symptoms of arthritis or osteoarthritis are a crunch in the knee joint, but not always the consequences of these diseases are critical. In addition, such symptoms in a child or adolescent cannot be caused by age-related changes - the reason lies elsewhere. Therefore, the question arises: how to find out the real culprit and eliminate it? Let's try.

Causes of crunch in the knees

There are several basic prerequisites:

• cavitation;
• lack of fluid in the joints;
• changes in articular cartilage;
• damage to the meniscus of the knee;
• patella deformity;
• unhealthy diet;
• uncomfortable shoes.

1. Cavitation is the most common cause of youth crunching. During squats, the size of the articular cavity changes and, as a result, fluid pressure occurs. Then the knee bends and the pressure becomes lower. The solubility of gases also deteriorates in liquids. Since there is oxygen in it, bubbles are created, which then burst. As a result, the knee crunch is heard, but the pain is not observed. Please note that the crunch itself is not a disease, and therefore does not require medical treatment. This is quite normal.
2. Now we should consider the lack of fluid in the joint. The cavity contains fluid from the blood that feeds the joint cartilage. Also her task is to lubricate the surface for perfect gliding. Therefore, when there is a shortage of this fluid, there is a violation of the slip, due to which the joints begin to crackle. This, in turn, can lead to the destruction of cartilage.
3. Another reason for the crunch are changes in cartilage. The knee joint is covered with smooth cartilage, characterized by elasticity, which is more like a sponge.During walking, the joint fluid comes out of this “sponge”. If the cartilage is unclenched, it is sucked back. It contains the nutrients and oxygen that cartilage needs. When they are not enough, it begins to collapse. As a result, small pieces of cartilage fall off and float in a sinusoidal fluid. Such small debris can cause a crunch in a joint that does not cause pain. True, larger pieces will lead to periodic "jamming" of the joint - the so-called "articular mouse." Although such debris sometimes dissolves, the place from which they fell in the joint will not drag on by itself. As a result, congruence is impaired - a good match between the surfaces of the cartilage.
4. Damage to the meniscus in the knees can also cause a crunch. So called cartilaginous plates located between the bones, forming a joint. Damage leads to the separation of plates on the fibers. In such a case, a crunch appears when the bones roll over them.
5. Deformation of the patella can be another cause of this symptom. The patella is the small bone that covers the joint in front.Most often after an injury, a high load, a tumor, the posterior surface of this bone loses its smoothness. Therefore, during movement, it begins to move relative to the joint. Thus, a crunch appears, and after a while it begins to be accompanied by pain.
6. Improper nutrition is a common cause of knee crunch. Often it occurs due to excessive consumption of sweet or salty foods. If you refuse them at least for a while, you will forget about this unpleasant symptom.
7. Also, a crunch appears when wearing uncomfortable shoes. Although this applies primarily to women, men should also not neglect their comfort. To avoid problems with the knee joint in the future, you need to:

• pay attention to the length of the heel - it should be no more than 4 cm;
• Do not buy shoes with flat shoes.

Neglect of the latter factor can lead to the development of flatfoot. In this case, the ligaments and muscles are gradually weakened and, as a result, some of the load falls directly on the knee joint.

To an inexperienced person it may seemthat a crunch in the knee joint is just a small change. However, this symptom may be a signal of the development of a musculoskeletal disease. Therefore, do not ignore it, especially if it is accompanied by pain or swelling.

Why the joints crunch in a child

Young mothers get scared if they hear a crunch in the joints of their own baby. Why is this happening? And is there a reason to worry?

The fact is that the system of the musculoskeletal system of an adult person differs from that of small children. Therefore, in the case of an adult patient, a crunch in the knee joint may signal a disease, while for a baby this is a normal physiological development. You may not focus your attention on hearing clicks or a crunch in the joint. Especially when you consider that in children they occur quite often. Since their muscular system is still developing, you can be calm. Over time, the crunches will pass.

In the case of a teenager, a crunch can signal a restructuring of the body. Basically, it passes to the age of 16, when the organism is finally formed.However, if it is accompanied by pain, it can not be ignored. Symptom signals the development of a disease. For example, it can be gouty arthritis, inflammation, arthrosis, ankylosing spondylitis and so on. Also, a symptom may indicate an infectious or rheumatoid polyarthritis, which is extremely rare.

How to get rid of the crunch in the knee joint

The vast majority of doctors believe that it is necessary to contact a specialist if the crunch is accompanied by pain. In other cases, most likely, there is no cause for concern. In order to get rid of it, first of all it is necessary to undergo an examination, during which the reason for the appearance will be clarified. Please note that such examinations should be carried out every 6 months for prevention.

In some cases, there is no need for medical treatment. To get rid of the knee crunch, you need to:

1. Use vitamins or multivitamin complexes with a large amount of calcium and magnesium;
2. Eat more foods that contain a lot of calcium: cottage cheese, kefir, milk, sea and river fish (low-fat varieties).Thanks to this, your body will be able to restore damaged areas in the knee joint. This is especially important for the growing body;
3. Eliminate salty and sweet foods. In particular, do not eat chips, pickles, chocolates, salted preserves and cakes. Why? The fact is that regular consumption of this food leads to the accumulation of salts in the body, which, first of all, are deposited in the joints. Moreover, when a critical mass is reached, the joint will become inflamed, leading to problems with its functioning. It is recommended to replace unhealthy food with vegetables and fruits;
4. Moderately train. This is especially true of those who are predisposed to diseases of the joints from birth. In this case, you should be careful in choosing a suitable sport. It is recommended to exclude athletics, as well as football, basketball and volleyball - these sports will only lead to exacerbation of the disease. It is best to go swimming, gymnastics or scratching. Please note that you can not completely give up physical activity;
5. To knead the knee regularly.Because of this, while walking, you will not experience discomfort. It is also recommended to include such exercises as "bicycle", "scissors" and "birch" in morning exercises.

Getting rid of the crunch folk remedies

There is a huge number of ways of alternative medicine, thanks to which you can forget about the crunch in the knee joint. Among them, the most effective are compresses that need to be applied to the knee:

1. Lemon juice and vegetable oil. Mix 1 tbsp. lemon juice and 5 tbsp. oils. Then soak a piece of cloth with this mixture, tie it to the knee using a bandage. After 60 minutes you can remove the bandage. After that, you need to do a massage, and at night wrap up the knee with a warm scarf;
2. Wheat bran and dairy products. First of all, pay attention to the fact that you need fresh milk. Mix the ingredients in a 1: 1 ratio and apply the mixture to the joint. Then cover it with a wrap and wrap a scarf. The compress should be on your knee for 30 minutes, after which you can remove it and wash your knee with warm water. In conclusion, you can lubricate the skin with a nourishing cream;
3. Fir cones.For this compress you will need fresh and dry fir cones. One lump should be infused in a glass of boiling water for 12 hours. After that, pull it out and drink the tincture. The course of treatment lasts a week, 2 times a day. Although the tincture is very unpleasant to the taste, it is an excellent remedy for crunching the knee joint;
4. Tincture of sabelnik. You will need 50 grams of roots and 0.5 vodka. Put the roots in an airtight container, fill with vodka and put in a dark place for 3 weeks. Please note that the tincture should be stored in a bottle of dark glass. It should be consumed each time before meals, one teaspoon diluted with a third glass of water;
5. Tincture of part of the calamus, 2 parts of pine buds and lemon balm, 3 parts - oregano. All ingredients must be thoroughly chopped and mixed. After that, for 1 liter of boiling water, throw 3 tablespoons of the mixture and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. It is necessary to consume 30 minutes before lunch.

Gymnastics against crunch in the knees

To permanently get rid of the crunch in the knee joint, it is necessary to do exercises every day. You should not bring yourself to exhaustion, on the contrary, it is recommended only to keep fit, and not to set world records.Best suited for this swimming, cycling, squats.

Gymnastic exercises (each must be performed in the prone position):

1. Straighten your right leg, then bend your left at a right angle. Bend your right limb and press it to your chest. After that, quickly lift your right leg and return it to its original position. Do the same with the other limb;
2. Straighten your legs. Press your knee to the floor, tighten all your muscles as much as possible. Hold him in a similar position for 5-6 seconds, relax and do the exercise with the other leg;
3. Support the buttocks with your hands, hold your breath and pull in the stomach. After that, lift straight legs by 9 centimeters and cross them (as in the exercise "scissors"). Please note: the waist should not be torn off the floor;
4. Extend your legs so that your knees are pressed against the floor from the inside. Keep the feet directly shoulder width apart. Then slowly rotate each leg in turn. Note: knees should not bend;
5. Lift both legs up, slightly bent at the knees, and "pedal." To achieve the best possible result, perform the movements slowly, and also control their correctness.

Please note that such a gymnastics should not bore you. Therefore, it is recommended to choose the optimal level of load and stick to it. Over time, the exercises will be given very easily, and a little later you will forget about the crunch in the knee joint.

Video: why knees crunch