Popping Joints: What’s Behind the Noise

What’s Causing the Popping in Your Joints?

Sometimes, our bodies produce sounds that catch us off guard, leaving us wondering if we should be concerned or simply shrug it off. Knees and elbows, in particular, seem to have a knack for making themselves heard, leading many of us to question whether these popping joints are a sign of trouble.

To get to the bottom of it, we spoke with two medical experts, Dr. Lauren Lynass, a physical therapist and sport medicine specialist, and Dr. Christopher J. Visco, a sports medicine specialist. They shed light on the possible causes of these noises, whether they’re worth worrying about, and what we can do to manage them.

Two Theories on Popping Joints

According to Dr. Lynass, there are two main theories on what might cause clicking or popping in our joints. The first theory suggests that the audible popping in joints is the result of the release of gas from the joint fluid, something we term tribonucleation.

This theory proposes that when you hear that familiar ‘pop’, it might simply be a gas bubble forming and collapsing within the joint, which is generally harmless. Dr. Visco adds an additional angle, noting that sometimes these sounds could be linked to more specific tendon or ligament issues, such as tendons developing calcifications, which might produce clicking, grinding, or snapping sounds.

Is It Something to Worry About?

If there’s no pain, the answer is generally, no. According to Dr. Lynass, if you’re experiencing those complex interactions between bones, muscles, and connective tissues, which often result in those sounds, it’s normal. In other words, a little snap, crackle, or pop now and then is often just part of being human.

However, if those symptoms progress, and you begin to experience pain, instability, or catching, it’s a different story. Dr. Visco emphasizes that if there’s pain, the clicking may be doing additional damage. He also notes that if there’s swelling, redness, or warmth, or you notice any limitation in range of motion or function, it’s worth getting it checked out.

It’s also essential to understand that some sounds could indicate more serious underlying issues, such as inflammatory joint diseases, like psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and synovitis, or osteoarthritis, which is a common cause of grinding sensations.

Managing Popping Joints

To manage these sounds, Dr. Lynass advises to continue moving your body and incorporate a variety of movements throughout your day. These can help lubricate the joints, reduce friction, and keep the muscles around them strong.

Dr. Visco agrees, emphasizing the importance of maintaining range of motion and strength in the muscles around the joint to manage tendon or joint-related pain. He also suggests exploring other modalities, such as heat and red light therapy, to manage soft tissue tightness and addressing any underlying issues, such as muscle imbalances or tightness in the kinetic chain.

In addition, he recommends seeking medical attention if persistent pain requires frequent use of pain relievers, or if you experience any acute inflammation, like warmth or swelling.

Conclusion

Popping joints can be alarming, but in most cases, they’re just another quirk of our bodies. If you’re concerned about your joint sounds, it’s essential to speak with a medical professional to determine the underlying cause. Remember to prioritize movement and address any underlying issues to manage those clicks, grinds, and pops.

FAQs

• Should I worry about popping joints if there’s no pain? No, according to Dr. Lynass, if there’s no pain, it’s generally harmless.
• What are the possible causes of popping joints? Dr. Lynass explains two theories: gas release from joint fluid and tissue sliding.
• How can I manage popping joints? Dr. Lynass and Dr. Visco suggest continuing to move your body, maintaining range of motion and strength, and addressing any underlying issues.
• What should I do if I experience pain with popping joints? Dr. Visco advises seeking medical attention if persistent pain requires frequent use of pain relievers or if you experience acute inflammation, like warmth or swelling.
• Can I use NSAIDs to manage pain from popping joints? Dr. Visco suggests avoiding NSAIDs for most patients, and instead recommending rest, ice, and heat therapy for acute inflammation.