Demystifying Noisy Knees: A Physiotherapist's Perspective
Noisy knees, characterized by sounds such as cracking, clicking, and popping, are a common phenomenon affecting up to 70% of the population.
Recent research conducted by La Trobe University has shed light on this prevalent issue, highlighting the impact of online misinformation on individuals' health choices.
In this blog, we will delve into the findings of this study, led by Dr. Danilo de Oliveira Silva, and explore the implications for both patients and healthcare professionals.
The Prevalence and Misconceptions of Knee Crepitus
Knee crepitus is a term used to describe the sounds that occur when the knee joint moves.
Despite its widespread occurrence, there is a significant lack of credible information available on the internet.
Dr. de Oliveira Silva and his team at the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre have found that many people are influenced by this misinformation, leading them to make poor health decisions.
The Impact of Online Misinformation
The internet is a go-to source for health information for many individuals.
However, the study conducted by La Trobe University reveals that over half of the websites evaluated did not provide evidence-based information.
This misinformation has led to a variety of misconceptions about knee crepitus, with some people believing that these sounds are harmful to their health or a cause for embarrassment.
The Research Findings
The research team conducted a comprehensive appraisal of the top 20 URLs from two popular search engines, Google and Bing. Out of 120 websites, 51 were evaluated for credibility, accuracy, and evidence support.
The results were alarming, with a significant number of websites providing information that was not backed by research evidence.
The study found that many websites suggested treatment options such as exercise, medication, passive treatments (brace, ice, splints), and rest, despite there being no research evidence to support these recommendations. This highlights the need for caution when seeking web-based information about knee crepitus.
Moving Forward
Dr. de Oliveira Silva emphasizes the importance of conducting further clinical studies to explore the impact of knee crepitus on individuals' health.
He advocates for the inclusion of patients and health professionals in designing research questions to ensure that the information provided is relevant and credible.
Take Home Message
As a physiotherapist, it is crucial to guide our patients towards evidence-based information and help them make informed decisions about their health.
The study conducted by La Trobe University serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of online misinformation and the need for critical evaluation of web-based health information.
Let us commit to providing accurate, reliable, and evidence-based information to our patients, empowering them to take control of their health and well-being.
References:
Study in Science Direct: “My knee is cracking” – What information is available on the internet about it? A systematic appraisal of the credibility, readability and accuracy of online information about knee crepitus. Dr. Danilo de Oliveira Silva, La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre.