“Hey Doc, Is This Normal?”

“Hey Doc, Is This Normal?”

Don’t we all just want to be normal?  Well, not all of us I guess. After all, I quit the “normal” world of insurance based physical therapy and I’m SOOOO glad I’m no longer normal.

But this is a question I get asked ALL the time!  “Is it normal to feel…?” or “My knee pops a lot, is that normal?”

First Things First, What is Normal?

First, let’s define “normal.”  The dictionary would say normal is; “the usual, average or typical state or condition.”

It is overwhelmingly evident that humans have very different body types, anatomy, postures, genetics, experiences and activities all contributing to how we move and live.  If you look at the anatomical structure of your femurs (the thigh bones) there is huge variation from one person to another AND there can even be variation between YOUR right and left!

I say this to set the stage that “normal” is pretty broad.  Sure, it is normal to have 10 fingers. Of course, a broken arm is not normal. And yes, a torn ACL is not normal.  However, popping in your knees may be normal for you. It might be normal for the majority of females in your age bracket. Or popping in your shoulders may be normal for males your age.

Better Questions Get Better Answers

A BETTER question is, “should I be doing anything about…popping knees… my popping shoulder… etc?”

We must put everything in to context.  Let’s use the popping knees as an example.  Is the popping associated with pain? Swelling? Giving way? Instability? Does it pop only with certain activities or motions? Is there anything you can do to make it worse? Is there anything you can do to make it better?  These are just a few other questions that must be answered in order to answer the first question of “if my knees pop, is that normal?”

So, Am I Normal?

If your joints pop and there is no association with pain, swelling, or other symptoms, then that is okay.  You are probably normal.

However, if your joint pops and there is concomitant pain, swelling, instability, giving way or it limits your motions or activities, then we must ask “should I be doing something about my popping knee?”   

In this scenario, the answer is yes.  Recurring pain is not normal. Ignored or left alone it will often get worse.  I strongly encourage someone with popping, pain, activity limitations or other symptoms to seek out help from their local Physical Therapist.  

I help athletes every day get relief from pain, rehab their injury and return to the sport they love.  I specialize in ACL prevention, ACL rehab and sports rehab. If you have specific questions about your popping joints or any other questions let’s talk!  I am here to help you, click here to contact me!

-Dr. P

Dr. Tim Puckett PT, DPT, OCS is the Founder of Puckett Physical Therapy, a sports rehab clinic in San Antonio, TX.  Dr. Puckett has over 7 years of experience working with pro, college, high school and youth athletes in all sports. Don’t let injury, aches or pains hold you back.  Get back to the sport you love, work with Dr. P today.