Why do joints make sound?
Inside the joint there is synovial fluid in which gases are dissolved. When the capsule is sharply stretched, the pressure drops, the gas forms a bubble and immediately collapses - a characteristic click is heard. You can’t repeat it right away: it takes time to restore balance. The second common cause is a tendon or ligament rolling over a bony protrusion; This is how the hip, shoulder and shoulder blade click. The third option is the friction of the modified articular surfaces against each other, and now it already speaks about the condition of the cartilage.
- Cavitation of gas bubbles is the most common and safest mechanism
- Rolling of a tendon or ligament through a bone
- Displacement of the meniscus or labrum
- Friction of uneven cartilage with arthrosis
- Increased ligament mobility (hypermobility)
When crunching is not dangerous
If the joint crunches, but does not hurt, does not swell and moves fully, this is normal. Crunching after a long period of sitting or during the first movements in the morning is also safe - the joint fluid is simply redistributed. The habit of snapping fingers is unpleasant to others, but does not lead to arthrosis. Crunching in adolescents is often associated with rapid growth and weakness of the muscles around the joints and goes away with strengthening of the muscle corset.
- Sound without pain or swelling
- Full range of motion preserved
- The crunch does not get worse over time
- No morning stiffness
- No connection to injury
When a crunch indicates illness
It is alarming when the sound becomes rough, constant and accompanied by pain. Crepitus, the sensation of sand rubbing under your hand on the knee, is typical of osteoarthritis. A click with a block and sharp pain is characteristic of a meniscus injury. Painful clicks in the shoulder when raising the arm occur with impingement syndrome and damage to the rotator cuff. If several joints are swollen at the same time and there is morning stiffness, the doctor rules out rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
- Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder joint
- Damage to the meniscus or labrum
- Tendonitis and shoulder impingement syndrome
- Chondromalacia patella
- Inflammatory arthritis and gout
- Joint instability after injury
What examinations are needed
They begin with an examination: the doctor evaluates the range of motion, the stability of the ligaments, pain during testing and the presence of effusion. An ultrasound clearly shows the tendons, ligaments, bursae and fluid in the joint, and an x-ray shows the condition of the joint space and bone growths. When it is necessary to evaluate the meniscus, cartilage or labrum, an MRI is prescribed. Blood tests are performed if an inflammatory or metabolic disease of the joints is suspected.
- Examination by an orthopedist with functional tests
- Ultrasound of the joint and surrounding soft tissues
- X-ray of the joint in two projections
- MRI for suspected meniscal or cartilage damage
- Complete blood count, C-reactive protein
- Uric acid and rheumatoid factor according to indications
What to do and how to strengthen joints
There is no need to treat a painless crunch. It is more useful to do what really protects the joint: strengthen the muscles of the thigh, buttocks and back, maintain weight, diversify the load and do not sit for hours in one position. If there is pain, the doctor determines the tactics: exercises are selected, in case of inflammation, short-course anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and in case of a meniscus tear or instability, surgery is discussed. Joint supplements do not replace treatment and have no proven effect on prognosis.
- Regular exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint
- Body weight control
- Swimming, walking, cycling instead of shock loads
- Warm-up before training and reasonable increase in loads
- Comfortable shoes and breaks during sedentary work
- In case of pain - examination, not self-medication