Currently viewing the category: "knee clicking"

So you’re a runner and you’ve got knee pain. Is it on the outer side of the knee? Does it hurt worse on going downhill? Do you hear clicking? You may have iliotibial band frictions syndrome (ITBFS).

ITBS is a painful knee condition that is common in runners, specifically those that run downhill. The iliotibial band (ITB) is the longest tendon in the body. It runs from the pelvis (gluteus maximus and tensor fascia lata specifically) to the tibia (a shin bone). It can get tight, particularly in people that have foot dysfunction (overpronation, for example), and when it does it can snap across the knee joint becoming inflamed.

It is the inflammation of the ITB that is most painful, although a tight tendon can definitely cause discomfort. So if this is you, please start by icing the ITB at the tibial insertion, or on the outer part of the knee. Next, you should probably see a sports chiropractor, who will go in and really release the area with myofascial work, adjust you pelvis, sacrum or lumbar spine (especially if you have associated low back pain–a common occurrence with ITBFS).

Then you’ll want to stretch. Watch the video below for the best running stretches and IT band home treatment for knee clicking and pain. Do this stretch everyday and watch your ITBS clear right up. You may need orthotics, particularly if this is a chronic and recurring problem, another reason to see your Los Angeles sports chiropractor. Happy stretching.

Clicking at the knee is a common complaint walking into my West Hollywood sports chiropractic office.  Although a couple sites on the knee are potential origination points, I find that the most common area of occurrence is at the kneecap (patella) itself.  Knee clicking coming from the knee cap is usually painless, but it can eventually lead to breakdown of the cartilage underneath the patella itself, which can be painful.

Despite being painless in the early stages, knee clicking can be disconcerting, so those experiencing it want answers.  I’ve cut the video below to explain clicking knee coming from the patella.  In a nutshell, knee clicking comes from a tracking disorder of the patella on the femur and tibia on bending and straightening the knee.  The disorder is usually due to a muscular imbalance of the quadriceps muscles, specifically the vastus lateralis, which gets strong or overactive, and the vastus medialis, which gets weak or under active.  The vastus lateralis, being the strong one, will thus pull the kneecap toward the outside of the leg on knee extension leading to a…”click.”

The way to fix knee clicking is by strengthening the vastus medialis relative to the vastus lateralis.  Watch the video below to see the best exercise to correct clicking knees due to a tracking disorder or muscular imbalance.  Remember, not fixing your knee clicking problem can lead to future degeneration, pain and disability, so start exercising now to click no more.


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