The constant movement involved in dance is a great form of exercise but can cause various body parts, especially joints, to make lots of different sounds. We’ve already looked at possible causes of and solutions for neck and back cracking and hip popping. Now we’ll turn our attention to the next joint down on the body: the knees.
Knee Pops & Crunches are Both Common for Dancers
Dancers tend to experience two main noises when it comes to their knees: a pop or a crunch. A knee pop can be loud enough to catch the attention of people nearby. A crunch is often not as loud or as painful as a knee pop.
Solution: Seek Professional Advice to Alleviate Knee Pain
Any time you feel knee pain associated with noises such as pops or crunches, find out what’s causing the problem. Knees are so essential to dance that they undergo a lot of wear and tear. There are so many causes for knee pain that figuring it out often requires professional diagnosis and treatment. It could be pain from an ACL or meniscus tear, cartilage getting worn away, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, or a patella dislocation.
Many Dancers Experience Popping & Clicking Ankles and Feet
If your style of dance requires a lot of fancy footwork, don’t be surprised if you hear frequent popping and clicking sounds coming from your feet and ankles. This is especially true for ballet dancers who dance en pointe.
Solution: If You Feel Pain in Your Feet & Ankles, Seek Help from a Doctor
It may take you a while to get used to hearing these sounds, but as long as you aren’t experiencing pain, they may not be anything to worry about. If you do start to feel pain, however, contact a medical professional to see if you have an injury. They’ll also be able to tell you how to treat your particular type of pain.
Squeaks from Perspiration are Another Type of Noise Dancers’ Bodies Make
Dance is physically strenuous. That’s why it should come as no surprise that many dancers sweat, often profusely, while dancing. If you’re one of them, you could notice a whole host of unpleasant effects of that perspiration, such as wetness, stickiness, and odor. Another common result of excessive sweat is the squeaky sounds you make when your legs rub one another, or when you and your partner’s bodies come into contact.
Don’t Be Concerned About Sounds Associated With Perspiration
Sweating is your body’s natural, healthy way of responding to an intense workout, so these sounds are perfectly fine. If the amount of perspiration you’re experiencing is irritating you in any way, you could look for a stronger deodorant or a moisture-wicking leotard.
Don’t Ignore those Snaps, Crackles & Pops
Just because you may not be experiencing immediate or severe pain as a dancer when your body makes various noises, doesn’t mean that all is well. Those sounds may still indicate a present or future problem. Let your instructor know what’s going on. They may be able to help you through various exercises or changes in your technique to either loosen or tighten up your body.
If those changes don’t do the trick, talk to your doctor. Whether you’re dealing with tight muscles and tendons, inflamed tissues, worn cartilage, or something else, you should seek to address these issues sooner rather than later. The more proactive you are about tackling these problems, the less they will hinder your ability to dance both now and in the future.
From the Jackrabbit Dance blog:
• Dancing Through Anything: Tips for Teaching During Unconventional Times
• How to Choose the Right Dance Studio Management Software
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