Crackle SNAP AND POP!
Ever wondered what all those noises you hear when you workout mean? Dr Michael
Vagg, clinical senior lecturer in medicine at Melbourne’s Deakin University can help. RUBBING: Catching sounds in your forearm, wrist or ankle are common with repetitive movements. It’s your inflamed tendons rubbing over bones, explains Vagg. Time to reduce your activity and try a cold pack, rub-on gels or anti-inflammatory tablets to help healing. GRINDING: Creaking noises in your knees (known as “crepitus”) plus pain can mean damaged cartilage or osteoarthritis. Staying active helps blood flow nutrients to worn joints, says Vagg, but it’s wise to minimise high-impact activities like jumping or netball. POPS: The high-pitched snaps and pops you hear mid sun salutation are usually benign, says Vagg. They occur when the fluid-filled sac within your joints gets stretched. Unless you’re also in pain, they’re harmless, so keep on movin’.