May 2, 2024
It’s happened to all of us at one point. You stretched your arms too high and wide, moved your knee in a strange motion, or maybe opened your jaw too wide. The pops or cracks that follow can be startling if unexpected. And they can be louder than you’d expect.
While the noise can be shocking, more than likely, there’s nothing wrong with the joint. Contrary to what you might’ve heard growing up, there’s nothing inherently damaging or unhealthy about “bone cracking” or “joint popping.” It’s a natural and occasionally beneficial action that helps restore movement to the joint.
Find out why joints pop, where the sound comes from, and when you should see a doctor here.
What Causes Joints to Pop?
There are three potential causes for joint popping that are not signs of injury or damage:
- Gas Escaping From the Synovial Joint
- Ligaments or Tendons Moving
- Crepitus, or The Deterioration of Cartilage
Between the bones, a capsule full of fluid acts like a lubricant, allowing the bones to move over each other without causing damage. The fluid (known as synovial fluid) contains gasses like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. The capsule is stretched when you pop a joint, like cracking a knuckle. The gasses are released quickly and form bubbles that pop.
Ligaments and tendons, the connective tissues that connect muscles to bones, could cause some snapping sounds. Occasionally, these tissues will roll over each other and create a “snap” when they revert to their positions.
As you age, things make more noise as you move, and your joints are no exception. Part of aging is a deterioration of cartilage, and it’s completely normal. The surfaces the cartilage is supposed to protect end up getting rougher, and as a result, more noise is created as they rub against each other. If there’s no pain during this, there’s no cause for alarm.
Where Does the Sound Come From?
Predominantly, the sound comes from the gas escaping between your joints. If you move a joint and there’s a pop with no pain, it’s most likely gas from the synovial fluid. These sounds are found mostly when you crack your knuckles, back, and occasionally your shoulders or elbows.
More of a “snap” sound with no pain is more likely the movement of ligaments or tendons. This noise is commonly found when moving your ankles and sometimes in your elbows.
Sometimes, when your joints have been locked, or if they haven’t moved in a prolonged time, there will be a “click.” This click is a smaller build-up of gasses and is usually painless. This sound is typical in the knees when standing or sitting for a time and then changing position.
How To Stop Joints From Cracking
You won’t ever stop your joints from popping, creaking, or clicking because it’s a normal bodily function and an expected effect of aging. However, there are some things you can do to keep things moving properly as you get older: exercise.
While it’s commonly believed that the “pop” of joints is the source of pain relief, it’s the stretching of muscles and fibers that surrounds the joints. Exercise stretches these fibers and ensures smoother movement. If you’ve been sitting or lying around for a prolonged time, your body doesn’t produce the fluid to keep joints moving smoothly.
Exercise is crucial to keep joints healthy and moving as the synovial fluid is only produced when used consistently. When it comes to joints, the only solution is to use them.
Should I Visit A Doctor?
An enormous red flag will be any sort of pop, snap, crack, or click followed by pain. If you experience any noise and then pain, consult a medical professional.
If you have pain after a joint crack, you may want to visit a chiropractor. Doctors of chiropractic are experts in realigning the body and correcting impositions (known as subluxations). While chiropractic heavily focuses on spinal alignment, they can correct any subluxations with multiple techniques. When you’re experiencing joint pain, a chiropractor can set you right.
Ready to Reset Your Joints?
Our team of expert chiropractors in Clearwater, FL, has a combined billion years of experience helping a wide variety of patients lead pain-free lives. If you have any questions or concerns about your bodily health, contact us today to get the help you need!
About the Author: With over three decades of experience, Dr. Jere Jarrett is a highly educated and experienced chiropractor who serves Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding areas. He takes a “whole-body” approach to chiropractic care. Instead of treating symptoms, Dr. Jarrett looks for the underlying cause of pain and discomfort. Call 727-447-4647 to schedule an appointment!