Do you also hear cracking and popping sounds from your joints?
Cracking and popping sounds from the joints known as crepitus. This happens
when you move your joints, twisting, stretching and stairs climbing as gas
bubbles in the fluid burst, Most of times this doesn't harm your joints.
Causes
1. Joint misalignment:- misalignment or subluxation of joint can happen while
moving the Joint, can cause popping or cracking sound.
2. Joint mobilization:- Joint is surrounded
by the ligaments and tendons, When you mobilize your joints they create a snapping
or cracking sound.
3. Gas bubbles:- When joints are moved or
stretched, nitrogen and oxygen can form in the fluid that surrounds the joints known
as synovial fluid. As the bubbles burst, they create the cracking or popping sound.
4. Tendonorligamentsnapping-: Tendons or ligaments can snap over bony
prominences, creating a cracking or popping sound.
5. Inflammation or injury:- Inflammation or injury to the joint or surrounding tissues can cause cracking or popping sounds.
When to be alarmed
As mostly these sounds are harmless, there are conditions when you need medical advice:
.1 Swelling or redness:-If the joint
becomes red, swollen, or warm to the touch.
2. Pain:- If these sounds cause discomfort
or pain.
3. Limited mobility:- If you feel stiffness or less joint mobility after cracking or
popping.
4. Recent injury:- If you've recently injured
the joint or surrounding tissues.
Prevention a n d
management
To minimize cracking and popping sounds
in joints:
.1 Maintain a healthy weight:- over weight also put stress on joints.
2. Exercise regularly:-Regular exercise can help maintain joint mobility and strength. 3. Warm up and cool down:- Always warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards to prevent joint stress.
4. Avoid repetitive movements:-Avoid repetitive movements that can put stress
on joints.
5. Manage stress:-High stress levels can
cause muscle tension, which can contribute to joint cracking and popping.
Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a sports- medicine specialist, an
orthopedic specialist, physical therapist, or primary care physician, can help you in identifying the cause and give you treatment accordingly.
