Cracking your knuckles at times to relax the joints from stiffness is completely common and harmless. However, repetitive popping of joints and cracking sounds occurring every time you move your joint is a matter of concern and requires assistance from an orthopaedic doctor near me.
For instance, if you have been sitting in the same place for a while, your joints make a cracking noise when you stand up. This happens due to stretching of muscles. If your joint is consistently popping every time you move it, then it can be a sign of injury or an underlying medical problem.
Read this blog prior to making an appointment with a https://drmadhuortho.com/contact-us/ to better understand your condition and the required action.
What Causes a Bone to Crack?
A joint is the flexible connection between two bones that is necessary for movement of bones. When joints are not moved for a long time (such as when sitting or standing in the same position), the joints may get stiff and develop a pressure buildup. Once the pressure is released due to the movement of joints, it makes a popping or cracking sound.
The popping of joints provides a relaxing experience after a strenuous activity and also provides stimulation to the mind. But, if your joints are popping repetitively inflicting a sharp pain, whenever you move your joint after sitting or staying in the same position for a long time, then you must consult Best Orthopedic Docotr Near You and discuss your condition.
It could be vitamin or calcium deficiency, a minor ligament injury, a connective tissue problem, or a serious condition like osteoarthritis or snapping hip. Your orthopaedic doctor will examine and rule out the seriousness of your condition and suggest suitable treatment.
Causes of Painful Joint Cracking
Joint cracking should not be a medical concern unless it is painful and frequently occurring. This may happen because of wear and tear of joint ligaments, or a dislocated joint and need medical intervention.
Some of the conditions that lead to painful cracking of joints are:
Joint Cavitation Due to Buildup Pressure
Synovial fluid, which contains nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, is secreted in the joints to provide lubrication and reduce friction between a bone and a tendon. When a joint is stretched to its full extent, it can cause gas bubbles to form in the joints. Once we crack our knuckles, the pressure is released making the joints pop. This popping sound is called joint cavitation.
Connective Tissue Disease
Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are some of the common connective tissue diseases. In such cases, the connective tissue suffers a tear or damage, which causes painful movement and popping of joints.
Vitamin Deficiency
Calcium and vitamins like D, K, and B12 are essential for bone health. People with vitamin deficiencies are more susceptible to suffering from joint health issues such as joints cracking all the time and sharp pain upon movement.
Cartilage Loss
Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue present between the joints to protect the bones from rubbing against each other. Inflammation and breakdown followed by cartilage loss may occur due to old age, injury, reduced mobility, and degenerative tissue diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Does Cracking Knuckles Cause Arthritis?
Many people develop a habit of cracking their knuckles and joints frequently and doubt “does cracking their bones cause arthritis?”. The answer is no. It is a common misconception and there is no scientific evidence to back this.
Cracking your knuckles and joints is generally safe and harmless as long as it is not painful to you. Popping of joints is not the reason for arthritis; instead, it is one of the symptoms of this condition.
If you notice your knuckles or other joints are cracking too often causing sharp pain every time, affecting your regular movements, then it is time to visit the nearest orthopaedic doctor in Hyderabad to get it checked.
When to Visit an Orthopaedic Doctor Near Me
The bottom line is – occasional cracking and popping of joints is safe and does not imply any medical concerns. However, if there is any discomfort or pain associated with cracking of joints, then do not hesitate to consult a trusted orthopaedic doctor in Hyderabad.
At M&M Ortho Multispecialty Hospitals, we have the best orthopaedic surgeons who bring decades of experience in treating bone health issues, joint replacement surgeries, knee and spine treatment, rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Contact us to make an appointment and get your concerns addressed.
