The Creak

Written by strawberryAle

"Ze Creak is painful. Caught mine from using the ol' legs to jump into battle too much.
"Or maybe you used zem to run away too much." -- A playful exchange between Lagari compatriots.

The Creak is a painful physical condition that occurs when a Lagari has used their legs to land from high places too often. It gets its name from the occasional cracks or pops that can be heard whenever those afflicted land from a jump or use their legs too often. While not necessarily directly linked to it, The Creak is often said to be a sign of old age due to the amount of use required for a Lagari's legs to get to this point. It is implied that those suffering from the Creak are essentially weathered veterans, and while it is often subject to earning a bit of pride to the sufferers, it is known to be a dangerous hindrance.

Causes

The Creak is caused from intense usage of the legs. Lagari legs are normally designed to compress kinetic energy throughout the legs like a spring, before releasing into a mighty leap. The landing is also absorbed by most of the legs, allowing them to deal with high falls without suffering much damage. Excessive use of this gift, however, results in muscle tearing or inflammation within the joints. This inflammation creates an obnoxious popping or cracking sound whenever the legs bend or straighten.

Symptoms

Common symptoms brought from this condition include swelling around the joints; particularly at the kneecaps and sometimes above the heels, rarely, within the feet themselves.
As mentioned before, it gains its name from the popping and cracking sounds elicited when the inflamed area is bent or straightened.
Pain is often associated with The Creak; it is also known to be rather dangerous in some cases, as continuously using the legs afflicted with the condition will cause long term or even permanent damage.

Treatment

The Lagari typically treat this simply by forming camps or sending the afflicted home to recover until the pain and swelling subsides. This is often done with warm rags or compresses placed upon the afflicted area. Elder Lagari are known to suffer from a chronic form of this, and are generally thus left to retire home. Fortunately, The Creak can be treated early on, but as the body grows old, it leads to the condition becoming a much more permanent problem.

Prognosis

The Creak is typically seen with a simple cycle; if the legs experience continued use after initial diagnosis, they will eventually wear and tear to the point that they suffer a long-term version of The Creak. This is dangerous for a Lagari, whom use their legs to sprint from predators or outmaneuver their prey. Leaping and falling over from pain can seriously put a damper on Lagari battle tactics.

Affected Groups

It is typically found among Lagari hunters, scouts, and warriors, whom use their legs often during escapades through their cavernous home. Those that stay at home to tend or gather are less likely to contract the creak, and seldom do at all.

Prevention

Simply not using the legs and allowing time to mend the inflammation, along with heat for the swelling, provides plenty to alleviate the more drastic parts of this condition.

History

The Creak has been a problem for the Lagari people for as long as they can truly remember. No true date can record the first time a Lagari suffered from it, but it has long been accepted as an inevitable part of the Lagari lifestyle -- especially for those who embark from their homes.

Cultural Reception

Those that are afflicted with The Creak are often seen as true warriors -- fighters that have used their legs so much that they have grown sore and tired from the use. It is often seen as something to be very proud of, but also to be very careful of. Over-use of the legs while suffering from the Creak can cause serious damage.

Type

Physiological

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Common

Affected Species

• Lagari