Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 5/9/2009

Question
Hey Richard Haynes, so about 2 years ago, when I was about 14, I started having knee cracks and pain along with quad dystrophy.. After maybe 6 months of hurting, I finally went to an orthopedic surgeon who prescribed physical therapy and said it was merely minor patellar subluxation. My kneecap wasn't completely dislocating, so that was good. After about 2 months of PT, I regained the 3 inches I lost on my quadriceps and pain still came, but was a lot less frequent and I don't care much about it. But then shortly after my right knee's therapy, my left knee started developing cracks. It doesn't hurt since it has pretty good support behind it. Then both my feet at the ankle started popping when extending pretty far :| ... While at the same time, my right wrist, both forearms, and both shoulders started popping after more than regular extensions. My left jaw also started to crack a little, looking somewhat unstable. Theres no pain from these pops and crinkles except for my right knee, and I've been told its no problem, but should I worry? I'm 16 now so could it just be that I'm growing and things are a bit unstable for awhile? I'm getting freaked out as more and more joints and bones start overlapping, shifting, and cracking.

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Greg,

I would not get to overly concerned here. Unless one of your Doctors has diagnosed you with some sort of orthopedic disorder, I would  let time run its course.

Being 16 you may still be growing that can be determined through x-rays of the bones. Your long bones in the arms, legs etc...with have not closed yet and x-rays will determine that. If they are still growing the end plates will have not calcified.

Now that may also have nothing to do with what you are experiencing so, again see how things progress. If you are medically cleared and healthy otherwise I would start some sort of weight training program to start building some strength and muscle around the joints.

A stronger body is a stable body.


Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.