Causes of Joint Pain & Popping

Basics

As people age, the protective lining, or cartilage, in the joints begins to wear, and certain movements cause cracking and popping noises. A common sign of aging in most people, popping is not always a sign of a serious medical condition that needs correction. Athletes and exercise enthusiasts often hear popping sounds when they move. When pain is associated with the popping, however, it may indicate a need for further investigation . Pain can signal an injury or a degenerative disease such as arthritis. Floating cartilage or torn ligaments will make a loud sound when they are moved and can be quite painful.

Environment

The weather can affect joints that have been injured in the past, are currently recovering or are in a degenerative state. When the barometric pressure falls and the air outside is moist and cool, people with fragile joints will feel more pain. Heat and dry conditions will help to relieve the pain.

Movement

As gas and air build up in the sacs that house the lubricants cushioning the joints and preventing bones from rubbing together, occasionally they burp and release a popping sound. Purposely cracking the knuckles causes pressure to be put on the sacs to create that popping sound. Released air can occur in any joint when it is deliberately or inadvertently pushed. Often, the bones move out of position, pulling on the joints and ligaments that hold the structure together. When they snap back into place, a popping sound occurs. There is typically no pain associated with this phenomenon unless the joint is completely out of the socket and needs to be ratcheted back into place.

Disease

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of pain associated with joint popping. The joint-destroying disease is a common side effect of aging and creates a wearing away of the cartilage, leaving bones to rub directly together with little or no protective coating. Osteoarthritis occurs in younger people under the age of 45 typically as a result of an injury, birth defect or genetic disorder. According to the National Institutes of Health, by 2030 more than 20 percent of the population older than 65 will have some level of joint arthritis. Areas most commonly affected are the knees, hips, thumbs and lower back. Doctors usually prescribe exercise and rest usually for mild cases of osteoarthritis. Weight control, medication and surgery are common options to treat the symptoms. Artificial joints can be used to replace the affected areas and relieve the popping and the pain.

Resources

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases