Crepitus: Is It Bad to Pop Your Joints?
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist and project plan...
Key Takeaways
- Joint popping, cracking and snapping, known as crepitus, is usually normal and can result from moving gas bubbles, shifting tendons or ligaments, fascia movement or normal age-related changes.
- Cracking your knuckles does not increase the risk of arthritis, and most joint noises are harmless when they occur without pain, swelling or stiffness.
- See a healthcare provider if noisy joints are accompanied by persistent pain, swelling, reduced mobility or the need to repeatedly crack joints for relief. Regular exercise, a healthy weight and good nutrition can help support joint health.
Have you cracked your knuckles and heard “that’s going to give you arthritis?” Or maybe you get up in the morning and hear your knees make a lot of noise. Is this bad or a sign of a health problem?
Cracking your joints is normal, and it’s usually not a sign of a health condition unless there’s also pain. Let’s look at popping joints, the causes and when you may want to see your primary care provider (PCP) about your joint health.
What is crepitus?
The medical term for the various “snapping, crackling and popping” in your joints is crepitus, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These noises can come from many of your joints, including your neck and spine, knuckles, wrists, knees and ankles. As we age, crepitus can become more common.
There are a few different things happening in your joints to produce these sounds.
- The first is gas moving in your joints. Your joints are lubricated by a fluid that contains gases such as oxygen, and they can have gas pockets that move and make noise.
- The snap of a ligament or tendon over a bone can similarly make noise, especially if you are getting up after sitting or lying down for a while.
- Third, your body has connective tissue called fascia that protects your muscles, per the Cleveland Clinic. Skin and fascia can separate and make a pop.
- And then normal aging can create a little noise in your joints. The natural lubricant in your joints may wear away with time and lead to some noise.
Most of the time, these cracking and popping sounds aren’t cause for alarm. Cracking knuckles isn’t connected to an increased risk of arthritis, according to Harvard Health.
When should you be concerned about noisy joints?
Although occasional crepitus is normal, there are a couple of things to pay attention to:
- Pain and swelling in a joint or multiple joints
- Repeated joint cracking joint to relieve stiffness or discomfort
How do you know when crepitus is related to joint damage or arthritis? Arthritis, which encompasses more than 100 conditions and diseases, is common and affects about 1 in 5 Americans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Common symptoms can include swelling, pain, stiffness and diminished range of motion in your joints and connective tissues.
Talk to your PCP if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist for weeks or months. There is no cure for arthritis, but the condition is more manageable if you get an early diagnosis, per the CDC.
How to support your joint health
Your joints are probably going to make some noise regardless of what you do, and age-related wear and tear on cartilage and tissues are part of life. There are a few things you can do to help your joints stay healthier as you get older.
- Eat a well-balanced diet: Calcium and vitamin D can support joint health.
- Quit smoking and limit or avoid drinking alcohol: Tobacco use and alcohol can increase inflammation in your body.
- Get regular exercise: Weight-bearing exercise and strength training can help lubricate your joints and support your range of motion.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put pressure on your joints.
- Get your annual physical exam and recommended screenings: Your PCP can help assess your risks for arthritis or other health conditions that can harm your joint health.
Photo credit: Getty Images
