Well, in most cases, it is. In some instances, however, noisy joints could indicate an orthopedic problem requiring medical attention. By learning the cause behind your noisy joints, you can learn what to do for them.
Why Do Joints Make Noise?
You have probably heard someone crack their knuckles and may have done it yourself. The joints of your hand making that cracking noise is similar to the noise you hear in other joints of the body. This is due to gasses popping in the fluid that lubricates and protects your joints. Researchers have shown through repeated findings that bursting bubbles within the fluid is not harmful.
Other causes of noisy joints could be bone rubbing against bone or ligament structures snapping over other tissues or structures in the joint. Typically, this grinding or snapping sound can be harmless; however, in some instances, especially when the noise is accompanied by pain, it could be a sign of injury or an inflammatory disorder such as arthritis.
Does a Noisy Joint Automatically Mean Injury?
Sometimes, when noise is present in joints such as the knee, individuals may favor the other leg or think the noisy knee is weak. However, researchers have found that joints that make noise may have no differences in strength and function, even when individuals self-reported a lower strength and function.
What To Do About Noisy Joints?
The best thing to do about noisy joints, even if they aren’t causing you pain or discomfort now, is to visit an orthopedic specialist to examine the joint. Degenerative diseases like arthritis can progress without treatment. By examining the health of your joints today, you can set yourself up for a healthy future.
Work With The Bone and Joint Specialists
There can be many causes behind your noisy joints. Knowing what’s behind the noise can help you.
At Bone & Joint Specialists, six capable and experienced doctors and an impeccable staff are ready to give you the care and treatment you need, whether it may be corrective exercises or surgery.
You can work with them by calling 219-795-3360 to schedule an appointment at their offices in Merrillville, Highland, Hobart, or Valaspario, IN, to discuss your options.
