Crunchy Knees

NGale

I have developed a bit of a problem recently, my knees have never been great, but recenty they have become very 'crunchy' when cycling. The only way I can describe it is that the sound is similar to walking on gravel. There is however no pain, just a grinding, crunchy sound.

I am lothed to go to my doctor, as I am due to undergo my ENG1 (medical for seafaring fitness) so I don't want anything untowards on my medical record as of yet.

So any tips for some self care in the meantime and what it could possibly be?

rjsterry

Isn't that a bit like leaving stuff out on your life insurance questionnaire? If it becomes a problem, and you haven't mentioned it, that might be more of a problem than if you let them know.

NGale

rjsterry wrote:

Isn't that a bit like leaving stuff out on your life insurance questionnaire? If it becomes a problem, and you haven't mentioned it, that might be more of a problem than if you let them know.

If there was pain then I would be getting is seen to, and while it isn't a problem for the ENG1 in itself, with the trade I am going into it could be seen as a 'progressive problem' which could restrict the duties I would be allowed to undertake. Selfish maybe, but I do think this one is dealable unlike my back problem

greg66_tri_v2.0

Crunchy, I think, usually indicate tendonitis. Treatable with ice and anti-inflams and rest.

Is it underneath the kneecap? If so, this is a fairly classic runners' injury, caused by the quad tiring over time and then transferring strain to the tendon. Quad exercises should help in the longer term.

NGale

Greg66 wrote:

Crunchy, I think, usually indicate tendonitis. Treatable with ice and anti-inflams and rest.

Is it underneath the kneecap? If so, this is a fairly classic runners' injury, caused by the quad tiring over time and then transferring strain to the tendon. Quad exercises should help in the longer term.

yep under the knee cap, everything around the knee seems good and strong.

greg66_tri_v2.0

Bang on. Google "tendonitis patella" (or even "crunchy knee") and you're off and away.

Cheshley

I had a crunchy knee for years and my Doctor was no help at all so I asked to see someone privately.

His first words after examining me were "there's definitely something wrong with it".

MRI scan within 2 weeks, 4 weeks later I was having keyhole surgery and 3 weeks after that I was back on the bike*

My other knee is going the same way now so I'll be getting that looked at as well.

I agree with the above comment though, hiding potential issues creates more problems that it solves. If your medical is a thorough one they should pick up any problems and if asked you should tell them about it. If you're getting no pain in the knee there may not be any mechanical problems, maybe just a sliver of cartlidge has become detached and is rubbing on the joint as it moves.





*any good surgeon will tell you that the results of any knee surgery are not guaranteed. I was cycling within 3 weeks of surgery but another patient he operated on the same day as he did my knee was still having problems 2 months later.

NGale

Cheshley wrote:

I had a crunchy knee for years and my Doctor was no help at all so I asked to see someone privately.

His first words after examining me were "there's definitely something wrong with it".

MRI scan within 2 weeks, 4 weeks later I was having keyhole surgery and 3 weeks after that I was back on the bike*

My other knee is going the same way now so I'll be getting that looked at as well.

I agree with the above comment though, hiding potential issues creates more problems that it solves. If your medical is a thorough one they should pick up any problems and if asked you should tell them about it. If you're getting no pain in the knee there may not be any mechanical problems, maybe just a sliver of cartlidge has become detached and is rubbing on the joint as it moves.





*any good surgeon will tell you that the results of any knee surgery are not guaranteed. I was cycling within 3 weeks of surgery but another patient he operated on the same day as he did my knee was still having problems 2 months later.

the thing with the ENG1 medical is that it relies on what's on your medical record and a cusory check and eye test. Also in Exeter the only doctors who run the ENG1s is my own doctor and the partner in the practice.

marchant

NGale wrote:

Cheshley wrote:

I had a crunchy knee for years and my Doctor was no help at all so I asked to see someone privately.

His first words after examining me were "there's definitely something wrong with it".

MRI scan within 2 weeks, 4 weeks later I was having keyhole surgery and 3 weeks after that I was back on the bike*

My other knee is going the same way now so I'll be getting that looked at as well.

I agree with the above comment though, hiding potential issues creates more problems that it solves. If your medical is a thorough one they should pick up any problems and if asked you should tell them about it. If you're getting no pain in the knee there may not be any mechanical problems, maybe just a sliver of cartlidge has become detached and is rubbing on the joint as it moves.





*any good surgeon will tell you that the results of any knee surgery are not guaranteed. I was cycling within 3 weeks of surgery but another patient he operated on the same day as he did my knee was still having problems 2 months later.

the thing with the ENG1 medical is that it relies on what's on your medical record and a cusory check and eye test. Also in Exeter the only doctors who run the ENG1s is my own doctor and the partner in the practice.

Let's just hope they don't read this forum then

NGale

marchant wrote:

NGale wrote:

Cheshley wrote:

I had a crunchy knee for years and my Doctor was no help at all so I asked to see someone privately.

His first words after examining me were "there's definitely something wrong with it".

MRI scan within 2 weeks, 4 weeks later I was having keyhole surgery and 3 weeks after that I was back on the bike*

My other knee is going the same way now so I'll be getting that looked at as well.

I agree with the above comment though, hiding potential issues creates more problems that it solves. If your medical is a thorough one they should pick up any problems and if asked you should tell them about it. If you're getting no pain in the knee there may not be any mechanical problems, maybe just a sliver of cartlidge has become detached and is rubbing on the joint as it moves.





*any good surgeon will tell you that the results of any knee surgery are not guaranteed. I was cycling within 3 weeks of surgery but another patient he operated on the same day as he did my knee was still having problems 2 months later.

the thing with the ENG1 medical is that it relies on what's on your medical record and a cusory check and eye test. Also in Exeter the only doctors who run the ENG1s is my own doctor and the partner in the practice.

Let's just hope they don't read this forum then

This is true

To be honest I don't think this is a doctor thing really, I think a bit of self care will be the key especially with a run of football matches coming up in the next few weeks