Do you ever stand up and your body sounds like a bowl of Rice Krispies? SNAP, CRACKLE, POP! I’m sure the answer is yes, and it can be loud enough to scare you. Don’t be alarmed, it is totally normal. With age though, the frequency and volume of snack, crackle and pop seems to increase markedly.
The official medical term for this noise is: crepitus. It is derived from the Latin word for “creak”. It is defined as any grinding, creaking, crunching or popping that occurs when moving a joint. Crepitus is usually the result of microscopic nitrogen bubbles escaping from the joint space. The air will build back up in the joint, that’s why it takes a little while to crack your knuckle again.
The most common causes of crepitus include:
- Air bubbles popping inside the joint, usually does not cause pain
- Tendons and ligaments snapping over the joint’s bony structures, sometimes causes pain
- Arthritis that causes a joint’s articular cartilage to degenerate
- Previous injuries
When the cartilage wears, the joint is no longer adequately protected against friction and impacts. The loss of cartilage can alter the biomechanics and cause a grinding sensation which also results in crepitus. This is most common in the larger joints: ankles, knees, hips, elbows and shoulders.
Again, crepitus is usually not a cause for concern. In fact, most people’s joints crack or pop occasionally and it is considered “normal”. But if crepitus is regular and is accompanied by pain, swelling or other symptoms, you may want to have it evaluated.
I kinda look at it like this, when your body quits making noises, then you have a problem.
Take a walk and get a little sun.
Stay well adjusted,
Dr. Dan Kammer