Our body produces many sounds that accompany the process of movement. In some cases – this is a normal indicator, while in others – signal of the development of the pathological process. Most often, a crunch is heard in the joints when lifting or changing posture, with flexion and extension of the back, while walking, while squatting. It is important to know which crunch is harmless in nature, and which already indicates inflammation in the joint and requires intervention.
Specialists to the question – why joints crackle, respond differently. In many ways, opinions agree: a slight crunch without accompanying deviations is a normal indicator of a healthy joint. Only in the case of connection to the crunch of pain, swelling, redness or the appearance of additional formations, we can talk about the pathology of this crunch and the development of the disease. Consider the main causes of crunching and methods for preventing joint destruction.
Why joints crunch: the main reasons
A healthy joint, not subject to fracture, moves softly and smoothly, and only occasionally can you hear some characteristic sounds similar to a crunch. In fact, this is a signal from the joint about excessive pressure on the cartilage and a "request" for movement. Really, why do joints crackle when we stand or squat?
Because we move a little, and as a result, a sufficient amount of nutrients does not enter the joint tissues, which in the future can lead to the destruction of cartilage, deformation of the entire joint. Among the factors that influence the presence of a crunch in the joint, there are several main groups: the physiological causes of the crunch and pathological circumstances.
Read also: Why knees hurt: causes and effects, Bursitis of the knee joint: causes and treatments
Physiological causes of joint cracking
A joint consists of two or more surfaces of bones that are covered with hyaline cartilage, which serves to glide easily during movement. Cartilage is also designed to reduce the friction force of bones. The joint is enveloping the shell – a capsule containing synovial fluid.
Synovial fluid prevents friction, lubricates surfaces and promotes smooth glide of bones, and also nourishes hyaline cartilage. In addition, articular bags (bursae) are located in the joint – for cushioning when walking or running. Articular ligaments act as protection and strengthening.
During the operation of this complex mechanism, noise can occur, or as we call it, a crunch. In medical practice, it is called crepitus.
The main physiological causes of crunching are:
- Accumulation of gas bubbles. Synovial fluid contains gas components: carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen. During movement, bubbles may form in the joint, which burst and it seems that the joints crackle.
- Increased ligament extensibility. This problem is inherited. Ligaments have hypermobility, that is, the range of motion is greater than usual. This is due to altered collagen, which gives the ligaments increased extensibility.
- Lots of protein. The synovial fluid contains too much protein, which makes it thicker and prevents the bones from sliding normally. This process can lead to the use of food enriched with protein.
- Physical activity. With constant movement and tension of the joint, more synovial fluid is consumed. And it takes time to replenish stocks. Therefore, during sports or during working hours, when the emphasis is on the limbs, the joints can crackle. Although after rest the crunch disappears due to the restoration of the amount of synovial fluid.
Pathological causes
If all the physiological reasons why the joints crunch are excluded, this means that inflammatory processes are taking place in the body, which are the cause of the crunch and the development of diseases of all joints or one of them. The first thing you should pay attention to is the presence of pain and swelling in the joint, which crackles. If there is strong, pulling, stabbing or pain of a different nature, it is necessary to undergo an examination of the joints to find out the causes and carry out treatment. Diseases that may be accompanied by crunching or discomfort in the joint area: arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis, muscle inflammation, salt accumulation.
Read also:Arthritis of the joints of the foot, Osteoarthritis of the joints. Mechanism of development and first manifestations
Preventive measures for cracking joints
Constantly wondering why your knees or hands are crunching and go to the doctor for an examination – this is the right decision, and even better – engage in the prevention of any disorders in the musculoskeletal system.
What needs to be done so that the joints do not crunch and hurt:
- Do not avoid movement. If you stay in one position for a long time and do not move, the fluid in the joint can stagnate and this prevents normal lubrication of the cartilage and the entire surface of the joint. Get fit, swim, run, walk more, get regular exercise, don't forget your morning exercises.
- Include in your menu a variety of foods that provide the flow of all the necessary vitamins and trace elements. Avoid foods that are too high in protein. Everything should be in moderation.
- Do not stress the joints. Don't crack your fingers, don't get too carried away with spinal decompression.
- To avoid disturbing the joints on your feet, choose the right shoes, do not wear too high heels. Choose shoes that are comfortable and will properly distribute the load on the entire foot.
- Control your weight – excess body weight creates a strong load on the joints and contributes to the rapid wear of cartilage.
Listen carefully to what your body is saying. Any sounds can be a signal of damage or just a request for more moves.
Estet-portal.com wishes you to be healthy and beautiful!
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