- Physical complaints
- Cracking joints
Cracking joints
Clicking or cracking joints
Cracking joints are common. The fingers and knees can crack in particular, but also the wrists, back, neck, hips, and all other joints. The cracking sound can be very annoying, but usually, there is no need to worry.
The best-known are cracking fingers. Some people crack them out of habit. Cracking knees are also common, especially when squatting and then coming back up.
Cause of cracking joints
Cracking joints can occur in two ways:
- Two structures moving over each other
For example, when bone moves over bone in a joint with osteoarthritis. - An air bubble being collapsed in the joint
A joint is enclosed by a joint capsule. This capsule contains joint fluid, but it also contains gas. Due to pressure on the joint or by pulling the joint apart, this gas bubble can be collapsed. Like opening a jar of jam.
Can cracking joints do harm?
No, generally cracking joints do no harm. Unless the joint is painful and swells. An acute crack or snap due to an injury is also usually not a good sign. But cracking joints when walking, climbing stairs, squatting, or performing other activities are harmless. Cracking your own fingers, neck, or back also does not lead to joint damage.
As we get older, we may hear the cracking sound louder. This is because there is then less joint fluid in the joints. Joint fluid provides a cushioning layer between all the structures in joints. If there is less joint fluid and the cushioning layer is thinner, you hear it better. The cartilage is also less protected.
When the cracking is painful or the joint becomes irritated, there may be osteoarthritis (wear) or rheumatoid arthritis. It is then advisable to see a physiotherapist or GP. With advice and tips from a physiotherapist, the symptoms can be reduced.
Cracking as treatment
Cracking of joints is also regularly used in treatment by a manual therapist. Although this is popularly called "cracking," the official name for this treatment method is manipulation of joints or manipulation.
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