Cracking joints - how dangerous is it?

General

When it comes to cracking joints, one rarely hears a unanimous opinion. On the one hand, there is a dispute about how exactly the noise comes about and, on the other hand, whether this cracking is potentially dangerous or not.
In general, one assumes a harmless phenomenon, which can result, among other things, from wear and tear in the affected joint.

causes

The causes of cracking noises within the joints can be varied.
In most cases, the cracking of the joints is a completely harmless phenomenon. Many theories in this regard are based on smallest air bubbles located within the Synovial fluid and burst while moving. In addition, it is believed that the cracking of the joints occurs Rubs between the individual articular surfaces. For this reason, people whose cartilaginous joint surfaces are particularly uneven should suffer from cracking joints.
Another cause of this phenomenon is said to be the shift of ligaments and / or tendons during joint loading.

Cracking of the large joints

In principle, anyone can joint crack. However, this event occurs particularly frequently in knee- or Finger joints and in the field of Spine in front.

The cracking sound is an indication that a certain

• Wear and / or
• Damage to the articular cartilage has occurred,

but not for a serious illness. This phenomenon can be observed somewhat more frequently in women than in men, as these are generally somewhat weaker connective tissue which means that the joint is not protected as much. As a rule, however, the cracking is completely harmless. In the course of a lifetime, the knee in particular is subject to great strain (athletes who perform a lot of movements in the knee are therefore a risk group).

As these loads lead to increased wear of the Cartilage comes, you can use certain movements in the Knee joint a Crack or crunch perceive. The cracking of the joints of the spine or neck indicates a misalignment of Whirl or muscular problems. These types of clicks are involuntary and are usually not a cause for concern. Contrary to popular belief that the sound can cause complications like a arthrosis this fact is not confirmed. Should the cracking of Pain be accompanied or if it occurs very suddenly (for example after an accident), it is advisable to consult a doctor. In the case of a painful crack in the knee, for example a

• arthrosis, a
• Meniscus damage or
• Defects of the Tendons or Mucous membranes cause, which then require medical treatment.

Cracking finger joints

It is a bit different with the cracking of the Finger jointsthat many people induce at random. The trigger here is assumed to be caused by overstretching the finger vacuum in the joint arises. This will be Gases released, which form small vesicles within the joint. When it eventually comes through pressure or train these bubbles burst (Cavitation), this is created characteristic cracks.

Again, it doesn't have to be with one arthritis can be expected, but in some cases, if the cracking is caused too often, one of the following:

• reduced grip strength or one
• persistent overstretching of the ligaments.

Are Cracking Joints Harmful?

The exact reason for the cracking of joints is not yet known.
It is assumed, however, that these noises occur when the individual components of the joints are pulled apart and actively moved. This can lead to the emergence of a Negative pressure come in the area of ​​the joints. The actual cracking of the joints is supposed to be done in this context by acting on the synovial fluid (Synovial fluid) acting pressure arise.
The principle behind the cracking of the joints can be compared to a suction cup that is first placed on a flat surface and then removed again. This also creates a negative pressure that leads to audible noises.
In the case of the joints can permanent cracking however, it can be harmful. In addition, there is another theory circulating in medical specialist circles about how joints crack. According to this theory, tiny gas bubbles inside the synovial fluid cause the cracking. If there is excessive movement in the affected joints, these gas bubbles should burst and in this way cause the familiar noises.
Furthermore, a functional restriction of the tendons is said to be involved in the development of the cracking of joints. In general, it can be assumed that the cracking of joints rather harmless and is not harmful in the long run. This is especially true if the cracking of the joints does not provoke pain.
However, people who have gotten used to willfully cracking their joints can get through the joints in question rough force effects affect. In these cases, the cracking of the joints can even be harmful.
There is also the cracking of joints in the significant pain can be harmful, the affected patients should urgently consult a specialist and the Joint status get checked.
The pain when the joints crack may indicate the presence of arthritis. At a arthritis it is an inflammatory joint disease which can lead to significant signs of wear and tear. In individual joints, regular, deliberate cracking can also have harmful effects on the menisci.
People who suffer from frequent cracking should consult a specialist in order to rule out a serious illness.

Figure joints

1. Wheel angle joint
   = Swivel hinge joint
   (e.g. knee joint)
2. Saddle joint
   (e.g. thumb saddle joint)
3. Ball joint
   (e.g. shoulder joint,
   Hip joint)
4. Hinge joint
   (e.g. elbow joint)
5. Wheel joint
   = Pivot joint
   (e.g. spoke-ulnar joints)
6. Egg joint (not shown)
   similar to ball joint,
   only biaxial
   (e.g. proximal wrist)
   
   Uniaxial Joints -
   Hinge joint and wheel joint
   Biaxial joints -
   Wheel angle joint, saddle joint
   and egg joint
   Triaxial joint - Ball joint

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Cracking joints and pain

Patients who suffer from frequent cracking of the joints and at the same time in the joint concerned Pain should urgently consult a doctor.
Such pain when the joints crack can be a first indication of the presence of osteoarthritis. Under the term "Arthrosis" one understands the wear and tear of a joint that exceeds the normal age.This excessive joint wear can have different causes.
In general, the deposition of certain Acids lead to such signs of wear and tear in the joints (Arthrosis alcaptonurica).
Other patients develop one bleeding-related Form of osteoarthritis (hemophilic osteoarthritis)caused by regular bleeding within the affected joint.
In addition, mechanical influences can be so-called Urate crystals (Uric acid crystals) cause damage to healthy joint cartilage and thus lead to osteoarthritis (Arthrosis urica).
However, the most common cause of osteoarthritis is that Dysplasia of the affected joint. This proves the fact that especially those areas within a joint that are subject to the most mechanical stress show signs of wear and tear at an early stage.

The risk of developing osteoarthritis with pain and cracking of the joints increases with age. It can be assumed that around two-thirds of people over the age of 65 have this condition. The symptoms of osteoarthritis can also vary greatly from person to person. In many cases this form of joint wear takes place over a long period of time completely symptomless.
A typical sign of osteoarthritis is the so-called "Start-up pain" which mainly occurs when the affected patient changes from a resting position to a stressful situation.
The occurrence of increasing pain under stress is also typical for osteoarthritis. In this context, however, the degree of pain felt by the patient does not correlate with the objectively measurable degree of osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the patients suffering from osteoarthritis often notice a clear cracking of the affected joint. The reason for this is the increasing bumps on the cartilage surface.
Another typical sign of osteoarthritis is the occurrence of Joint effusions.
Many patients also notice a progressive deformation of the joint. Pain that is accompanied by a distinct cracking of a joint must be promptly examined by a doctor. Failure to take appropriate treatment will otherwise cause the underlying disease to progress and significantly reduce mobility.

Cracking joints while exercising

People who exercise regularly notice an occasional cracking of the stressed joints, especially when performing heavy exercises.
In most cases this is a perfectly normal Phenomenon that can be classified as harmless.
However, pain should not occur during the cracking of the joints. Especially when exercising, the cracking in the joints is frequent Ribbons and Tendons that change their position during the movement. In addition, the cracking can occur in small joints (for example the finger joints) from the Joint capsule go out.
If pain is also perceived in the affected joint during the cracking, this can be an indication of excessive strain when exercising.
For this reason, people who have never started sports training should be slowly introduced to the stress on their joints. Both the joints themselves and the surrounding ligaments, tendons and muscles have to get used to the increasing load over time. Since the articular cartilage, ligaments and tendons grow significantly more slowly than the muscles even with regular training, many athletes tend to increase their workload too quickly.
Especially in relation to that Lifting weights however, it is important to give the joints enough time to get used to. Otherwise the cracking of the joints can increase and the cartilaginous joint parts wear out quickly.
As a result, there is a risk of joint osteoarthritis.

Cracking joints in the baby

Joint cracking in a baby is perfect in most cases harmless and should not cause concern.
As a rule, the joints are still right in a baby soft and for this reason the individual joint parts rub against each other every now and then. This causes the crackling perceived by parents. In most cases, the cracking of the joints in the baby will go away as soon as the child has grown and the joints have become more stable.
Another theory about the appearance of cracking joints in babies is that they are the smallest Air bubbles are responsible for these noises within the synovial fluid (joint fluid). If the joints concerned are moved, the air bubbles burst and cracks occur.
If the cracking of the joints in the baby persists for a longer period of time, a pediatrician must still be consulted. In addition, parents of affected children should pay attention to whether pain can be provoked in the baby during movement.
Cracking joints is only harmless in babies as long as it does not cause pain.

Appointment with ?

I would be happy to advise you!

Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)

In order to be able to treat successfully in orthopedics, a thorough examination, diagnosis and a medical history are required.
In our very economic world in particular, there is too little time to thoroughly grasp the complex diseases of orthopedics and thus initiate targeted treatment.
I don't want to join the ranks of "quick knife pullers".
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

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• Lumedis - orthopedic surgeons
  Kaiserstrasse 14
  60311 Frankfurt am Main

You can make an appointment here.
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
For more information about myself, see Lumedis - Orthopedists.

Therapy with homeopathy

People who experience an occasional crack in their joints can stop themselves from taking medication homeopathy create first remedy.
However, depending on the frequency and severity of the cracking joints, homeopathic treatment must extend over a relatively long period of time.
In homeopathy it is assumed that the regular external supply of Calcium (for example Calcium carbonium D12 twice a day) can help relieve the cracking of the joints.
In addition, affected patients should additionally Sulfur (e.g. Sulfur D12 once a day) and Ledum (e.g. Ledum D12 once a day).
In order to improve the results of the treatment with homeopathic medicines, it is also recommended once a day for a period of at least two weeks 5 globules of Rhus toxicodendron D30 feed. Depending on your needs, this drug combination can be taken without hesitation for an adjusted period of time.
However, if there is no significant improvement in symptoms even after weeks of regular use, an orthopedic specialist should be consulted and a possible underlying disease should be excluded.

Summary

All in all, one can say that a spontaneous cracking of joints harmless is, as long as it is not associated with pain, but that it should not be provoked in order to avoid consequential damage.