Crankles
Crankles is a condition which may develop in elderly Halflings, which presents as a stiffening of their ankle joints, resulting in a reduced range of motion of their feet without incurring pain. As the condition progresses, the amount of effort required and the amount of pain received in order to move their ankles will increase. The condition is characterised by loud cracking sounds whenever the sufferer rotates their ankle joint. These sounds are similar to the popping of joints, however, in that they are a release of air bubbles which have built up in the joint, rather than in fact, the cracking of the bones themselves.
Symptoms
The first symptoms of Crankles are shin-splint-like painful tinges around the lower legs whenever the patient walks. As the condition fully manifests, these will persist, while joined by the full stiffening of the ankle joint which is the hallmark of the condition.
Affected Groups
Crankles develops primarily in Halflings of exteme age, usually after they reach their 150th year. It has been known to present in younger patients, but such cases are rare.
Prevention
An active lifestyle in earlier life, followed by regular, daily exercise as a Halfling ages has shown to decrease the risk factor of the condition developing, but this is not guaranteed. Genetics play a role in whether a Halfling is susceptible to Crankles, so it may be that no matter what preventative measures are taken, the condition will simply have to be dealt with. Conversely, many Halflings who have led long sedentary lifestyles may never develop the condition.
Epidemiology
The condition is non-communicable, as it is a geriatric condition, rather than an infection or virus.
Type
Physiological
Affected Species
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