AboutDr. John H. Park, DC, CSCS Expertise Dr. Park is the founder of clinic director of Progressive Spinal and Sports Rehabilitation in Rockville, MD. As an athlete and former competitor in Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Dr. Park has extensive knowledge in treating sports-related injuries. He has been featured in Men's Fitness Magazine and has lectured on topics related to ergonomics, exercise, health, and fitness. With his knowledge as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA, he has helped professional athletes including players in the NFL and NBA, professionals on the PGA tour, and several of the nation's best Mixed Martial Arts and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) competitors. He has also worked with some of the top NCAA athletes in the Midwest rehabilitate injuries and return them to competition. Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, you can be sure Dr. Park and his staff will get you back to doing the things you enjoy the most. For more info visit www.ProSpineRehab.com or www.yourMMAdoctor.com
Experience Nine years of clinical experience in private practice and group practice along with post-graduate training in orthopedics, rehabilitation, and sports injuries. Dr. Park has lectured and written on various topics in health, exercise, ergonomics, and fitness and has treated amateur and professional athletes throughout the country
Organizations ACA, MCA, NSCA
Publications http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_5_20/ai_n6011840
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/The_ART_of_Pain_Relief_11_07_2007.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/When_Its_More_Than_Just_a_Pain_in_the_Neck_11_30_2007.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Knee_Injuries__Part_1_12_12_2007.html
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http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Shoulder_Pain_and_Mixed_Martial_Arts_10_30_2007.html
Education/Credentials Doctor of Chiropractic (National University of Health Sciences)
B.S., Biology (National University of Health Sciences)
B.S., Biology (University of Maryland)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with NSCA
Certified Active Release Techniques Provider
Past/Present Clients Amateur athletes, non-athletes, and professional athletes in the UFC, NFL, NBA, and PGA.
Question Hi,
I am a HS Track & Field Athlete. Since T&F requires ankle work and leg work, my question is: Is it normal for my ankles to sometimes make a cracking sound like cracking knuckles near the ankle joint? This isnt painful at all, or discomforting but it just seems pretty weird to me to have cracking ankles afer joint inactivity. Also, how would you indicate you have injured a muscle? (A muscle pull,strain,tear..etc). Thank you.
Answer What you're referring to is known as crepitus. It's pretty normal to have some "cracking" sounds in certain joints. As long as it isn't painful and your range of motion is not restricted, I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you have tight muscles in your ankle, calf or leg, it may be causing restricted movements in the joints so make sure you are doing stretches where you need. If you have a history of ankle sprains, you may have laxity in the joints so strengthening the muscles that stabilize the ankle are necessary. Injured muscles are painful with activity so if you are not having any pain with running, then I doubt you have muscle strains or pulls. Good luck!
