What’s That Clicking Sound?
Do your joints crack, pop, or click from time to time? If you’re like most people, you might wonder whether these sounds mean something serious. The good news? Most of the time, joint noises, often referred to as crepitus, are harmless and don’t require any treatment.
You may notice these sounds in various parts of your body—shoulders, wrists, knees, back, or even fingers. But what exactly is going on when joints make noise?
Physiological vs. Pathological Joint Noises
Joint sounds can be broadly classified into two categories: physiological (harmless) and pathological (linked to injury).
1. Physiological Noises: These are the everyday sounds our joints make. Some common causes include:
• Fluid Shifts: Movement in the joint can cause small shifts in fluid, leading to subtle cracking or popping sounds.
• Gas Bubbles: Just like cracking your knuckles, tiny gas bubbles can form in the joint fluid and pop, creating a sound.
• Tendon or Ligament Movement: Sometimes, tendons or ligaments flick over bony parts within or near a joint as you move, resulting in a noticeable “snap.”
Physiological noises aren’t usually linked to trauma, pain, or loss of movement. They’re part of the natural movement mechanics in the body and aren’t something to worry about.
2. Pathological Noises: Unlike physiological sounds, pathological noises are usually associated with an injury. If you’ve heard a loud pop during an activity and felt sudden pain or loss of movement, this could signal a significant injury, such as:
• Ligament Tears: For example, the “pop” sound commonly heard during an ACL tear.
• Tendon Ruptures: A “gunshot” noise is often described when someone ruptures their Achilles tendon.
In cases like these, it’s essential to see a clinician immediately, as the injury often causes immediate pain and a noticeable loss of function.
Should You Be Concerned?
In most cases, joint noises without pain or movement loss don’t require any intervention. However, if the sounds are accompanied by pain or if you notice that the movement around the joint feels restricted, it’s wise to get a professional assessment.
If you’re experiencing joint noises and live in the Bayside area, our physiotherapy team is here to help. Click the link below to find out more about how we do Physiotherapy differently or call us to book an appointment!
