My Joints Snap Crackle and Pop... Is that ok?
Calvin Thai PT, DPT.
I hear it all the time, “is it ok if this pops every time I do X.” There’s a long answer but I will just give a short one: If it doesn’t hurt or feel like something’s popping out of place, then it is most likely perfectly fine. Here’s a few reasons on why your joints are crackling or popping:
There is gas escaping from the joints. Yep that’s right, you can get air or gas bubbles in between the joints and the sound you hear is the bubbles popping. Most people can do this with their knuckles, but every joint in your body can do that. There is no harm in this and to be clear, it doesn’t lead to arthritis. There has been no evidence linking the two.
You could have some arthritis or cartilage going on. Arthritis translates to “joint inflammation,” so sometimes when you move that joint it can lead to some of that crackling. For patients, they usually freak out then I follow up with “does it hurt when it does?” Most of the time the answer is no, and I proceed to tell them it is fine! Sometimes it is painful, that is a different story. Cartilage is the shock absorbers of the body. They help reduce friction when the bones move on each other. If there’s a problem with the cartilage, you could get some of that grinding or popping from the friction. Same concept, if it doesn’t hurt or move out of place, you are usually fine!
Old injuries can cause some scar tissue build up that can cause the cracking to happen.
We are all getting older. Shocker, I know. As we age our joints aren’t as well lubricated as they used to be. This is why working out and having movement throughout our days is so important! Because that is what keeps our joints healthy.
Again, for the most part, if it doesn’t hurt or swell up after it cracks or pops, you are probably fine. If you do have pain or swelling, I’d recommend you go see a PT or MD for further evaluation to rule out a more serious diagnosis,
Let’s chat! Book an assessment and let’s get you back to feeling good in your body.
No referrals, no waiting, just answers. Did you know that we offer free 1-on-1 injury screens? Wattage Physical Therapy will take an in depth look at your ergonomics, posture, muscle tone, muscle weaknesses, and movement patterns to create a plan for YOU. If this article intrigues you, you can directly email me, Kelsie at Calvin@wattagept.com. I would be happy to help you start the process of living a life free from pain.