Why Do My Joints Crack? What’s Normal And When To Worry About Joint Popping

Snap, Crackle & Pop

As kids, cracking the knuckles, shoulders, or neck was a cool trick to show off in school. But with age, pops and creaks are unsolicited and happen a little more often. Joint popping could happen on ankles, knees, shoulders, fingers, and toes. But is this normal? And when should the noises mean a trip to the doctor? Understanding why joints crack is crucial for healthy movement.

Why do your joints crack?

Joints are where two bones meet and are crucial for movement. Most joints contain smooth cartilage to protect the top of that bone. In between these joints are synovial fluid, a thick liquid that lubricates the joints and helps with smooth movement. Cracking or popping joints is medically known as crepitus. Sometimes, the synovial fluid creates nitrogen gas bubbles that get released in specific directions.

Is it harmless?

Most cases of joint popping are harmless, and doctors even consider this normal. The cracks are a sign of sufficient cartilage and fluid between the joints. These noises tend to increase with age as the cartilage breaks down. Sometimes, joints crack during exercise, especially without a warm-up. Tight, cold muscles and tendons could rub against the bone, causing crepitus. The body is meant to move in different ways and directions, so hearing creaking and popping is normal.

When you should be concerned

While these sounds alone are normal, joint popping with pain should be a concern. Cracking joints with pain and swelling is a sign of osteoarthritis. With arthritis, the cartilage becomes worn or damaged over time. The cracking is no longer releasing synovial fluid bubbles but rather the grinding of bone on bone. Based on the location of the noise and pain, there could be an underlying injury. Popping at the knee with pain could be a meniscus tear or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The shoulder could be a rotator cuff tear.

What should you do about painful joint popping?

If the cracking is happening during exercise, make sure to warm up properly first. Warm-ups will significantly reduce the cracking and pain. Continue to exercise since strengthening the muscles around the joint reduces crepitus. If the joint is painful to move and continues to crack, visit a doctor immediately. There may be an underlying issue like arthritis. With arthritis, the goal is to reduce inflammation. The doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid injections to ease the pain. From there, hot and cold therapy along with rest can help.

Don’t get cracked up over your joints

The sounds of cracking can be concerning, but most cases are harmless. If the crepitus comes with pain and swelling, there could be an underlying condition. If these fail, like a meniscus tear, surgery is the next best step. Monitor the noise for added symptoms and speak with a doctor for support.