Crepitus & Clicking Joints: Symptoms, Treatments & Causes

Crepitus, or joint popping, is the term for audible noises produced by a moving joint, such as popping, cracking, and grinding. When these "pops" occur, pressure seems to be released from the joints, or other sensations like grinding and cracking are experienced.  

Although tight joints often cause joint popping, more severe problems sometimes cause it.  This article will go over joint popping symptoms, causes, and treatments.

What are the Symptoms of Joint Popping?

Sounds heard coming from within joints as the joints move are known as joint popping. The following regions are where crepitation is most common:

Knee: When extended or bent, most patients hear a popping or cracking sound from their knees. This sound must not cause any pain, but if pain is experienced, it is advised to see a doctor.

Lungs: Respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia result in lung crepitus.

Neck: A cracking sound from the neck is occasionally heard, but unless unusually high pain is experienced, this shouldn't be cause for concern. A physician must be consulted if this occurs.

Ankle: The sensation here is more akin to grinding. This causes discomfort and restricts the range of motion, which are indicators of osteoarthritis in the ankles.

What are the Characteristics of Crepitus?

The symptoms change depending on whatever part of the body is affected by crepitus. The following are a few of the condition's most common symptoms:

1.  Pain While Walking

Discomfort during knee flexion or extension, as well as discomfort while walking, indicate the presence of crepitus. As previously noted, crepitus is not painful in and of itself; however, if discomfort occurs while walking, it is advisable to see a doctor as there are underlying issues. A doctor determines the root cause and advises on the most effective ways to lessen or stop the discomfort.

2.  Stiffness in the Knee

Walking-related knee joint stiffness is caused by general joint wear and tear and inadequate joint lubrication. The stiffness can also develop after knee surgery, such as an arthroscopy or ACL restoration.

Many individuals lament that their knees stiffen after not being active for some time or when they get up in the morning. Lubricating joint supplements and natural therapies facilitate increased mobility. To lessen stiffness, one can also attempt mild workouts like stretching.

3.  Knee Cracking or Popping

Understanding the knee's anatomy is essential for understanding why cracking noises are heard. The knee is imagined as a large hinge connecting the femur (thighbone) to the tibia and fibula (lower leg bones). Cartilage reduces friction where the femur and tibia connect, and the kneecap protects the joint from damage. Synovial fluid lubricates the joint.

Gas and air eventually accumulate in the spaces around the joint. As a result, the synovium—the membrane lining the inner joint—begins to form tiny bubbles. These air bubbles burst when the knee is bent or flexed, causing the popping sound. Fortunately, there is no need for concern if there is no pain.

However, the sound is caused by physical grating with the bone due to cartilage deterioration. If the cracking is accompanied by discomfort, it is advisable to see a doctor, as this indicates arthritis.

4.  Other Symptoms

Soreness, tenderness, and swelling are among the symptoms that accompany the onset of knee crepitus. These symptoms result from normal wear and tear, trauma, or injury. Similar symptoms, such as restricted range of motion, are experienced if there is neck or ankle crepitation.

Regarding the lungs, symptoms such as increased fatigue, dyspnea, coughing, limb oedema, wheezing, and fever occur if bubbles are heard bursting.

What are the Causes of Crepitus?

There are various causes of crepitus.

1.  Damage to the knee joint

On occasion, however, an underlying issue, such as lesions or tissue damage, requires treatment. When the knee snaps or catches, it hurts because a tendon, meniscus tear, or scar tissue rubs against a bone that protrudes from the knee joint.

Discomfort or swelling indicates a more significant disease, such as osteoarthritis (OA), a cartilage or another soft tissue tear, or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS). Medical care is required for specific problems.

2.  Air bubbles

The popping noise is often caused by air leaking into the soft tissue, entering the space around the joint, and creating microscopic bubbles in the synovial fluid. A popping or cracking sound is heard as the bubbles break while someone bends or extends their knees. Although it seems concerning, this is often not harmful.

3.  Patellofemoral pain syndrome

The cartilage in the joint begins to deteriorate and soften when there is increased pressure between the femur and the kneecap. It causes a disease known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS), sometimes known as "runner's knee," as it becomes less smooth. Overuse or trauma causes PFS. It happens if there is a misalignment in one or more knee components. It is a typical cause of knee discomfort in athletes and young individuals. Strenuous activity causes strain on the region between the femur and the kneecap joint. This exercise includes squatting, climbing stairs, and running on an inclined surface. It is brought on by an abrupt increase in physical activity, such as working out more regularly or running further or over rougher terrain than usual. Knee trauma is another risk factor for PFS-related crepitus. This could result from falling or banging the knee on the dashboard of an automobile after an accident. Along with discomfort, oedema, puffiness, and stiffness, the person also suffers crepitus while ascending stairs or sitting for an extended period with their knees bent.

4. Torn cartilage: 

A sports injury, a tumble, or an accident result in a cartilage tear. A painful cause of crepitus is also conceivable, such as cartilage injury. 

5.  Osteoarthritis: 

In arthritis, the cartilage wears away, exposing the bones and causing inflammation. Bone rubbing and grinding result in discomfort and stiffness, which often worsens with movement.

6.  Ligament and Tendon Movement

Your tendons and ligaments make a sound when they stretch and release. When joints move slightly and return to their previous position, you hear a pop or crack. 

7.  Injury 

Another reason for crepitus in the knee is injury. Crunching and grinding sounds result from common ailments such as meniscus tears, injured kneecaps, runner's knee, or other impact—or strain-related knee problems. Suppose there has been a fall with a hard landing on the knees or participation in sports or physical activities that place excessive pressure on the knees. In that case, crepitus indicates a more significant problem.

8.  Tight Tendons and Joints

If a person hears these noises more often as he moves the joint repeatedly, it is a sign of tight muscles or tendons. If he is exercising in the gym, the sound of a quiet snapping or clicking is the sound of tense muscles or tendons moving across a bone structure.

9. Surgery 

Following modest surgery, the knee joint will alter minimally; after total joint replacement, the joint will change. Following knee surgery, patients experience an increase in noise from their joints. Most of the time, this is just an attribute of the newly installed or altered joints and mustn't raise any red flags. If there is persistent pain besides the crepitus, it is advisable to see a physician. 

What are the Treatments Options for Crepitus?

There are many reasons why knee joint fractures occur, and using the RICE technique in-home treatments is one of the alternatives. However, seeing a physiotherapist for appropriate care is crucial if the discomfort is intolerable. Here is a list of a few non-invasive therapies that are now available:

1.  Splinting or bracing:

 Splinting or bracing sometimes assists in realigning the joints to promote quicker and more appropriate healing after injuries.

2.  Physical therapy:

 Physical therapy plans specifically address your ailments, objectives, and lifestyle. Exercises and laser treatments are incorporated depending on the severity of the illness.

3.  Custom orthotics:

 The primary purpose of orthotics is to stabilise the knee and foot. They are made of customised shoe inserts. Orthotics allow you to continue being active for an extended period and also aid in pain relief.

4.  The RICE Method

The acronym RICE stands for elevation, compression, rest, and ice. This approach is suggested if oedema coexists with the noise or if the crepitus is connected to an injury. Elevating the knee helps minimise swelling and discomfort by lowering the blood supply to the region. Chilling the area dulls the pain. Compression keeps swelling under control. Resting the area reduces the likelihood of future damage and allows the body time to heal.

5.  Pain relief:

Reputable physiotherapists take pain treatment seriously. When used appropriately, pain management techniques reduce inflammation and discomfort and make it simple for people to resume their favourite activities. 

What are the Effective Remedies and Supplements for Crepitus?

Are you looking for supplements to help you manage or avoid crepitus? These medical supplies are beneficial in treating crepitus.

1.  Turmeric

According to nutritionists and other professionals, turmeric offers several health benefits, making it a superfood. In addition to aiding in weight loss and helping to normalise cholesterol levels, turmeric possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. It is also highly effective in relieving pain, particularly over an extended period.

To optimise the benefits of turmeric, it is advisable to take a supplement with a high concentration of this plant. Each serving of this product contains 1,000 mg of powdered curcumin/turmeric extract. Every serving of the standardised recipe must contain at least 950 mg (or 95%) of curcuminoids.

Turmeric is very effective in improving joint and general health because of curcuminoids. Up to 1,000 mg, or little less than ½ teaspoon, must be taken daily; for exact measurements, use a milligramme scale.

2.  Boswellia Serrata

Boswellia resins, which are extracted from the tree, have anti-inflammatory qualities. Because of this, the plant extract is often used to treat osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Boswellia has beneficial properties that aid in easing joint discomfort, reducing swelling, and improving general quality of life.

Powdered boswellia serrata extract has a high concentration of boswellic acids—at least 65%. This gum resin extract has 450 mg per serving. A milligram scale is recommended for precise measurement since it is a powder. Unless otherwise instructed by a doctor, one or two daily doses are suggested. The supplement contains no added sugar, gluten, dairy, soy, or other ingredients.

3.  Collagen

Because collagen helps keep the skin appearing youthful, it has previously been used in skin care products. The same is true for the joints, where collagen greatly aids lubrication. This results in less stiffness, more movement, and pain reduction. Well-lubricated joints also help to reduce or completely eradicate crepitus.

The powdered hydrolysed collagen is among the top products available today. This component, which comes from pork, combines amino acids, including arginine, alanine, hydroxyproline, glutamic acid, and glycine. As a result, it provides ideal mobility, range of motion, and long-term joint health. Additionally, it will be advantageous for skin health.

This powder must provide 2,500 mg per serving or about a tablespoon. It must be taken two to four times daily, or a doctor must be consulted for specific instructions tailored to individual health conditions.

4.  Calcium Gluconate

Strong bones are crucial for maintaining joint health and shielding against pain and crepitus. Because calcium gluconate powder is water-soluble and contains both calcium and gluconic acid, it is an excellent option with a high absorption rate. According to the FDA, you must take 1,000 mg twice a day in servings.

5.  Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulphate is an essential ingredient that helps keep the joints healthy and prevent degeneration. It facilitates wound healing and cartilage repair. 1,200 to 1,500 mg must be taken daily, and it is often used in conjunction with glucosamine.

6.  Cat's Claw

Cat's claw extract has the potential to alleviate pain and mitigate inflammation associated with arthritis. It enhances respiratory health in addition to maintaining healthy joints. 500 mg once or twice a day is the suggested dose.

7.  Black Garlic

Black garlic is a superfood similar to turmeric that improves health in general. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and guards against joint degradation, all of which contribute to promoting bone and joint health. The recommended daily dose for black garlic extract is 800 mg, taken all at once.

People Also Ask

Is it harmful to crack the joint intentionally?

Cracking the joints intentionally, such as the knuckles, is not harmful if done occasionally and without pain. The popping sound of cracking knuckles occurs when gas bubbles formed in the joint fluid bursts after experiencing the pressure changes. There is lack of strong evidence to support the link between joint cracking and onset of conditions like arthritis and long-term joint problems. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare expert if joint cracking is accompanied by pain, discomfort and swelling, that often indicates an underlying issue that must require medical attention.

What exercises help with crepitus and joint stiffness?

Exercises that must help with crepitus and joint stiffness include low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, cycling, strength exercises such as leg raises and squats that supports the joint health. Moreover, stretching exercises such as yoga also improves the mobility of the joints and reduces the stiffness in it. 

Conclusion

Crepitus, or joint popping, is the term for audible noises produced by a moving joint, such as popping, cracking, and grinding. Discomfort during knee flexion or extension, as well as discomfort while walking, indicate the presence of crepitus. As previously noted, crepitus is not painful in and of itself; however, if discomfort occurs while walking, it is advisable to see a doctor as there are underlying issues. Walking-related knee joint stiffness is caused by general joint wear and tear and inadequate joint lubrication. Soreness, tenderness, and swelling are among the symptoms that accompany the onset of knee crepitus. These symptoms result from normal wear and tear, trauma, or injury. Similar symptoms, such as restricted range of motion, are experienced if there is neck or ankle crepitation.

When the knee snaps or catches, it hurts because a tendon, meniscus tear, or scar tissue rubs against a bone that protrudes from the knee joint. The popping noise is often caused by air leaking into the soft tissue, entering the space around the joint, and creating microscopic bubbles in the synovial fluid. The cartilage in the joint begins to deteriorate and soften when there is increased pressure between the femur and the kneecap. It causes a disease known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, a typical cause of knee discomfort in athletes and young individuals.

To treat crepitus, opting for pain relief along with RICE method, splinting or bracing that must assist in realigning the joints to promote quicker and more appropriate healing after injuries, physical therapy plans to address the ailments, objectives, and lifestyle, custom orthotics to stabilise the knee and foot.

Effective remedies and supplements for crepitus includes turmeric that possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties and is highly effective in relieving pain, particularly over an extended period. Boswellia resins, have anti-inflammatory qualities, thus the plant extract is often used to treat osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and relieving the joint pain. Other remedies include cat’s claw, black garlic, collagen, calcium gluconate and chondroitin sulphate that helps keep the joints healthy and prevent degeneration.