Hey I've been training since i was 9 (10 years now) unfortunatly i think that when i was younger and up to a year or so ago, i sent out my side kicks wrong! I used to kick but i didn't line my upper body up proparly with the kick. As result alot of the time i go to use a side kick or any other leg movement (on left leg) requirering this type of motion, I fell a 'clicking' on my upper leg joint. I thought that this might be the result of eventual ware and tear on the cartilage (although only geussing). It isn't really painfull and i can easily continue to train with it, however i'd appreciate if anyone had a similar experiance, or knows if i should pay more serious attention to it etc???
do you mean the hip joint or the knee joint? My left hip clicks sometimes when I kick in certain ways, it always has and I don't have any problems training. If this is something that has recently developed however you may want to get a doctor to look at it.
It's my hip joint that i feel the 'click' in. I've felt it for a while now, although perhaps just pure coincidence, it was slightly agitated earlier on, which is what prompted me to write this post... Thanks for reply..
As always, go see a professional if you have any concerns as to your physical condition. There are many people here with good knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology, but you just can't beat the 'hands on' approach. It may be ok now, but your problem may be more serious in the future, so get it checked out. Clicks and pops in the joints may just be Ligaments and/or Tendons moving across the surface of the joint, then again, they may be somehing else.
I'd agree with Andy's comments. There are a number of things that might cause 'clicking'. Inappropriate movement of cartilage on cartilage or bone on bone (or some combination thereof) is one possibility. But ligaments can also make clicking noises when they catch on something - imagine pulling an elastic band taut but then it catches on something, as it is released there is a twanging noise. Probably the best answer in whatever scenario here is to have strong muscles supporting the joint. Strong muscles support ligaments in their work and so help to hold a joint, minimising any inappropriate movement. Is it acquired damage or is it congenital? As you said there might be some torn cartilage. That's possible but it might equally well be a condition that you were born (or grew up) with. The hip is a ball and socket joint. Well imagine what it would be like if the ball was too small for the socket. Or if the socket was not quite the right shape and depth for the ball. There might be some inappropriate movement - this might cause a clicking noise as the ball moves relative to the socket. Also there is a ligament that protrudes through the socket and attaches to the ball to help hold it in place. Damage to this might result in inappropriate movement. I too have a hip that clicks. Yet despite a reasonable understanding of the anatomy involved I'm not entirely sure of the cause. I'd suggest that it probably isn't a good thing and should be minimised by: a) limiting the movements that cause the click (I realise you might not be happy about this option). b) strengthening the muscles around the joint. If it causes pain then its probably a good idea to see your GP, but to be honest I think few GP's will be very sympathetic about something that causes discomfort only while you're doing some bizarre athletic kung fu movement. This would be more the realm of a sports physiotherapist or something along those lines, and that of course will cost money. But 'if in doubt, get it checked out'! Mike
Hope this helps... I had what i was afraid was damage to my knee cartilage as it always hurt and cracked. I was so young when it started i figured it was normal. Well i finally figured it wasn't and got it checked out. One muscle group by my knee was too tight causing it to slip. I started stretching alot and the pain is practically gone. You may just have to put the surrounding muscles back in balance. Go to a doctor (a specialist in this area)
i had a similar prob with my knee my problem was a under developed muscle on my knee that didn't hold the knee cap up and hence was catching on cartilage. a bit similar to joe karate there. there's always a chance that it is just a small muscle problem. deffinately go see a physio or a sports medicine clinic, they seem to be able to spot such probs instantly
Thanks for all your replys. Hopefully it's probably just a weak supporting muscle as you have suggested. Although to be on the safe side i think i'll also take your advice and see a physio or something. Just for peace of mind... LOL Thanks again.
