Hi guys/girls, Yesterday after i just finish my badminton session, I realize that my right knee got some numb and pain feel. and when I try to flex/bend it , it got some cracking sound. I think I've twisted my knee slightly or bad lunges. If I put my plam on the knee and then flex/bend it, I can feel something in my knee cap is actually 'moving' like something is clashing each other.. Not sure what is it, I applied some anti-inflammatory and counter-pain medicine on the knee last night before sleep and today I feel no pain at all. However, the clashing feel and cracking sound still exist althou no pain. Not comfortable thou because still got that cracking feelings Any advise please ?
That sounds like crepitus, where the knee cap is roughened on the underside and grinds onto the knee joint during flexion under tension, eg. deep squats. Likely you caused this from doing lunges improperly. Please search on how to do it right, ie. feet pointed in the lunge direction and NEVER allow your knee to go past your feet during the lunge. Treatment with ice, antiinflammatories, and rest.
Note that crepitus is a general term referring to "popping" or "cracking" sounds made in the joints. In many cases these noises are completely normal and do not indicate joint damage. Crepitus is not diagnostic on its own. Together with other signs and symptoms -- such as pain, deformity, or reduced range of motion -- crepitus may be used to help make a diagnosis. It does sound like there's some damage in this case. If the problem is not completely resolved within two weeks, consult a doctor -- or do so immediately if you want. Avoid any activities that cause you further pain, including badminton. As Visor said, incorrect lunge technique is a common cause of knee injury in badminton. See my page about lunge technique for details.
Hi Visor & Gollum , thanks for the advise. The pain is gone but the 'moving knee cap' is quite irritating when I keep flex/bend my knee. I'll consult a specialist probably next week for diagnoses.
Crepitus is the crackling sound that you're hearing and feeling. It's due to roughened underside of the patella. Diagnosis is patellofemoral syndrome. Ice it, rest, and take ibuprofen first for a few days and see what happens. If there is no pain, no need to see specialist. Perhaps a sports physiotherapist would be better; he can tell you what caused it and tell you what you're doing wrong. Also he can show you some exercises to help recover faster, eg. stationary biking. Whatever you do, you have to definitely avoid flexing it too much, eg. squatting, kneeling.
Hi danilo5753, I am experiencing the exact same thing you mentioned. I am very interested to know how you dealt with it. Did it go away completely or are you still having to deal with it? Would you please share your findings after seeing your specialist? Regards, -Naing