Cracking bones in adults and children - what are sudden joint noises and how does it affect the health of the joint system?

It often happens that after several hours of continuous work at the office, we lie down and hear the joints cracking. In most situations, bone cracking is not harmful and can even provide a feeling of relaxation and relaxation. On the other hand, when the bones crack and we feel pain or discomfort, or we feel one or more joints stiff, it can be a signal that we need to go to the doctor.

Bone cracking, also called joint crepitus, refers to those sudden noises produced by the joints, either when we start moving, or when we force a joint or make a movement that requires a wider stretch.

The joints that crack most frequently are those of the knees, shoulders, elbows, but also the cervical spine, i.e. the one in the neck area. Cracking knees, for example, is frequently encountered in adults and is based on a slight natural degradation of the cartilages that causes the joints to crack more often, without necessarily being something serious. However, when the knee cracks and we feel pain, then the opinion of a specialist doctor may be necessary.

Contents:

1. What does bone cracking mean and why do you hear these joint noises?
2. Why do bones crack - the most important pathological causes underlying bone cracking
3. Why do joints crack in children and babies?
4. My bones are cracking! When do I know if I need specialized treatment?
5. Crackling bones - prevention and non-invasive approach to painful joint crepitus
6. Joint noises - methods by which we can keep our joints healthy

1. What does bone cracking mean and why do you hear these joint noises?

When it is not accompanied by pain or discomfort, cracking joints is normal and is not a cause for concern. Although studies are still being done to prove the exact cause of cracking joints, there are already some simple explanations. The first would be that inside the joints there are various amounts of fluid, called synovial fluid, but also small amounts of oxygen or air. The purpose of the synovial fluid and the air is to protect the joints and prevent the cartilage surfaces from rubbing against each other. The pressure exerted on a joint causes the air and liquid inside to move suddenly. In the process of migration inside the joints, air bubbles and joint fluid can produce noises of different intensities. Another explanation is that the noise is caused by the formation of cavities or air gaps as a result of the sudden separation of two surfaces.

However, when the knees, spine or any other joints crack and we feel pain or discomfort, most likely the root cause is an orthopedic or rheumatological medical problem. The cartilage of healthy joints has a shiny and smooth surface. As we get older, these cartilages degrade, the surfaces can become rough and crack with simple movements. Arthritis also evolves with the degradation of articular cartilages and is one of the most common causes of bone cracking in adults.

2. Why do bones crack - the most important pathological causes underlying bone cracking

Cartilage damage is the basis of most joint diseases that develop with painful joint crepitus. In addition to the specific treatment prescribed by the orthopedist or rheumatologist, joint health can be protected with supplements for bones and joints . Most supplements have few contraindications, have a natural composition and are recommended by physiotherapists, osteopaths or specialist doctors. Among the most important natural supplements that support joint health, we mention the essential fatty acids Omega 3 and 6, chondroitin and glucosamine, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), hyaluronic acid, collagen and vitamin C. Minerals are also important for the health of the bone system, and these include calcium with vitamin D3 and magnesium. Turmeric and black pepper supplements are also known worldwide for their beneficial effects on joint health. Although a healthy diet can be sufficient to obtain the most nutrients from food, it often happens that we skip meals. In this case, food supplements can help us.

Osteoarthritis or arthritis is a condition in which the cartilage deteriorates, leaving the bone surfaces unprotected. When they touch and rub against each other, inflammation and pain of varying intensity appear. Through movement, the ends of the bones that should have been covered by cartilage, rub against each other and grind, causing significant pain and stiffness, which usually worsens during activities.

Patellofemoral syndrome , also known as runner's knee, is a common answer to the question of why knees crack. This syndrome develops with crepitus and pain behind the patella. It occurs most of the time when we suddenly move more, meaning running or jumping, and is more common in women than in men. If you have recently taken up more intense sports and are wondering why your knee is cracking, well, know that it is possible to overload the joint or make some wrong movements.

Cartilage tears can also cause joint crepitus. These are often found among athletes and usually appear as a result of wrong movements. Cartilage tears can also occur after accidents.

Why do I feel better when my bones crack ?

Most of the time, it's not bad to make the joints crackle on purpose. However, it is important that the movements we make are correct and do not force a joint. For example, the wrong cracking of the bones of the spine can lead to muscle tension, which is often accompanied by pain or even blockage of a group of muscles and joints. In more serious situations, the wrong cracking of the spine can be followed by compressions on the nerves, significant pain or even movement difficulties.

As we get older, joint problems can be a real problem that limits our ability to move and affects our everyday life. A correct and early diagnosis of crepitus and joint pain can be associated with a better prognosis and a chance of full recovery. Among the most important diagnostic methods available at the present time and which can tell us exactly why the knees snap or why the spine cracks are the advanced imaging ones, such as computed tomography (CT), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and arthroscopy. Other diagnostic methods that can provide valuable information about the integrity and structure of the joints are ultrasound and radiography.

3. Why do joints crack in children and babies?

In the case of babies, although cracking joints can be a cause for concern for parents, cracking bones is still a normal phenomenon. In small children, crepitus occurs when the soft tissues or tendons interact with the hard ones, i.e. with the bones. As in adults, the bones of the spine, shoulders, knees and ankles crack in babies.

It is still important to know why bones crack in babies, because they can suffer from certain serious joint diseases, such as hip dysplasia. Thus, in the case of babies whose hip bones crack, it is vital to ask for a specialist consultation. Hip dysplasias in babies are congenital conditions and require early specialized intervention. Fortunately, at present, hip ultrasound is part of the routine monitoring of newborn babies, so that any developmental anomaly can be detected early.

In the case of older children, the spine or shoulder joints may snap due to faulty positions in the bench.

4. My bones are cracking! When do I know if I need specialized treatment?

As previously mentioned, bone cracking is normal. However, when these joint noises are accompanied by pain or discomfort of any kind, it is advisable to go to the doctor for a specialized orthopedic or rheumatological consultation. Joint noises in babies can also be accompanied by symptoms that create discomfort of varying degrees and then, and in their case, a specific treatment is required.

Pain, inflammation, joint swelling, redness and increased local temperature are symptoms that can appear as a result of trauma, inflammatory conditions, degenerative, autoimmune or even bacterial diseases. If not treated in time, joint diseases can lead to the irreparable degradation of bone cartilage. Thus, a specialist consultation as soon as possible can prevent the installation of permanent injuries, which can cause discomfort and pain throughout life.

5. Crackling of bones - prevention and non-invasive approach to painful joint crepitus

Cracking the joints by an osteopath or physiotherapist can restore greater mobility to the joints. Moreover, a physical therapist can help you not only better understand why the spine cracks and why the joints crack in general, but also to do this in a way that is not dangerous. The intentional cracking of the spine by an untrained person can have very serious side effects. The spaces between the vertebrae of the spine, especially the cervical spine, are easy to crack. However, the wrong movements are extremely dangerous and can cause the ligaments between the intervertebral spaces to become unstable and cause significant pain. The spine that cracks and is accompanied by pain or limited movements can have quite serious consequences. In such situations, evaluation by a specialist doctor, as well as diagnostic imaging, are mandatory.

Carrying out a sustained and correct movement program , carried out at home or at the gym, under the guidance of an instructor, at least in the first phase, can have beneficial effects both in the long and short term.

Other non-invasive methods that can prevent joint crepitus include bandages, braces and medical splints. They can help maintain a correct position, especially when the spine or shoulder cracks. Medical knee pads and elbow pads can help to align the knee or elbow, in the case of minor injuries, so that the recovery is faster and more correct.

Customized orthoses are usually indicated in more serious conditions or which require a longer period for recovery. These can come in the form of special inserts on the shoes, which stabilize the leg or the knee joint. Customized orthoses are very effective in relieving pain and offer a higher degree of freedom to the affected person.

To relieve the pain, it is good to follow a treatment prescribed by a specialist, especially since, in most cases, we are talking about a long-term problem. Inflammation and joint pain do not always respond to the usual analgesics and, in most cases, require a more elaborate treatment with anti-inflammatories. Unfortunately, these are associated with quite significant adverse effects and must be taken according to a schedule and a strict schedule. Moreover, joint pains caused by autoimmune diseases require a specialized treatment that obligatorily requires careful monitoring of the patient.

6. Joint noises - methods by which we can keep our joints healthy

This is valid for both children and adults. Excess weight exerts greater pressure on the joints of the knees, ankles, hips and back, favoring the degradation of the articular cartilage. Although it may seem exaggerated, each extra kilogram of adipose tissue has the equivalent of four kilograms of additional pressure on the joints. By reaching and maintaining an optimal weight, you can limit the stress exerted on the joints and reduce the risk of cartilage degradation over time.

Daily moderate intensity exercise

Daily exercise has many benefits, including increasing joint mobility. In the case of people who work predominantly or exclusively in the office, it is essential that they take frequent breaks, move around and take at least a few steps. If the way to work and back home can be done on foot or by bike, so much the better.

Other low-impact exercises such as swimming, stretching and moving to the gym can be useful in maintaining an optimal weight and joint mobility. Physical exercises and strength training can contribute to building a stronger muscle mass, which provides greater support and resistance to the joints. Among the most popular high-intensity physical exercises are lifting weights and running outside or on the treadmill.

 A correct posture in any situation

This aspect is very important for children. Bad posture is one of the main causal factors when it comes to joint noises in children. A correct posture allows the harmonious development of the little ones and avoids the stress exerted on the joints. Some children can approach a defective posture when they cannot see well and feel the need to sit very close to the writing sheet or book.

Posture is also important for adults, especially when lifting heavy or bulky objects, when we stand for a long time or when we perform repetitive movements.

A healthy diet

A healthy diet can ensure an important supply of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that support the health of the whole body, not just the joints. Fresh green vegetables, forest fruits, lean meat from safe sources, catch fish, nuts, but also dairy products are essential for both adults and children.

In conclusion, as long as it is not accompanied by pain, inflammation, stiff joints or muscle groups, bone cracking should not worry us. However, daily exercise, a healthy diet, the right food supplements, and a good physical condition can help reduce these noises, increase joint mobility and, more importantly, maintain healthy joints throughout life.

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