Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 2/21/2009

Question
Sir,

I have been playing intensive basketball for around 2 years and since last few months all of my body joints (except for face / skull area) are clicking within 2 or 3 minutes. It looks like its a result of excessive playing. I usually used to play about 4 hours a day and 5 days a week. I have completely stopped playing now. My elbows click too much and sometimes i feel unusual type of pain inside them. This problem is getting very serious for me now as it is affecting my daily routine. My knees / hips / ankles click too much and there is pain as well in them. If I sit for a long time at a particular position. Every joint in my body clicks when I get up ? What should I do now ? apart from giving up basketball !! Should I visit a orthopadeic surgeon ? get MRI etc. done ?

Thanks

Varun


Answer
Varun,

While I can't provide you with a diagnosis over the Internet, I can tell you that in general, intensive sports often cause participants to experience joint and muscular pain. Clicking of joints may either be due to the snapping of tight tendons during joint movement, or the crepitation of joints due to osteoarthritis. Your age and level of activity may also play a role.

I recommend seeing your primary care physician to rule out an underlying medical concern or a musculo-skeletal based chiropractor or a sports massage therapist for additional evaluation and suggestions for treatment.

I hope this answers your question.