Member Case Study: Cracking Knees and Ankles

author : AMSSM

comments : 1

For eight months now I have had progressively worse snapping in my legs and ankles. Whenever I walk, my knees crack on the outside and they sometimes hurt when this happens.

Member Question from bassman1333

I am an 18 year old intermediate triathlete. I have been doing triathlons for two years, and there has been something that has been bugging me for a while. For eight months now I have had progressively worse snapping in my legs and ankles. Whenever I walk, my knees crack on the outside and they sometimes hurt when this happens. It was just my knees until a month ago, when my ankles started to do it as well. I was wondering whether I should see someone for it, and also what the condition might be? I’ve asked a few people about it, but they didn't have any ideas. I would be very grateful to get rid of the snapping, cracking, and popping for good.
 

Answer from Dawn Mattern MD

Member AMSSM

Sounds like (no pun intended!) you may have developed a problem with your iliotibial band on the lateral (outside) part of your knee. This is commonly seen in runners and is due to a weakness in the gluteus medius muscle in your buttock/hip region. A simple exercise to start strengthening this area is a side lying leg lift. Lie on one side with both knees bent, keep your feet in line with your hips, and lift your entire top leg up. Try and keep your ankle above your knee throughout the entire lift.

As it has gone on for a significant time and is now affecting your ankles, I would recommend a visit to your sports medicine professional to evaluate your gait and running biomechanics. Hopefully, your issues can be addressed with simple exercises, or possibly orthotics if necessary.

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date: January 5, 2009