Tendons crackle. Let's single out three categories of people who are faced with this problem.

The human skeleton consists of bones connected by joints that provide them with mobility and mechanical support.

During the movement, which occurs constantly, even with the slightest, all the more abrupt movements, changes in positions and postures, various elements are arbitrarily displaced.

Often, various unpleasant sounds are heard, reminiscent of clicks. How much can this be cause for concern, and why do the joints crunch?

Anatomy of the phenomenon.

The signals are unpleasant, as a rule, they make themselves felt in such parts of the body as the shins, spine or ankles, in some cases fingers and hands crunch.

It is usually believed that such a problem is faced mainly by the elderly or people whose age passes a certain threshold. But the statistics stubbornly state that today such a state is often observed by the younger generation, whose representatives sometimes have not even reached 25 years of age.

Especially girls complain about these symptoms. This may be a random occurrence, the result of awkwardness and a combination of circumstances. But constant clicks are often the result of increased mobility. Doctors call this hypermobility.

The reason, as doctors explain, is the production of altered collagen in the body - a filamentous protein that is the basis of connective tissues, ensuring their elasticity. It has high strength, retaining the shape of cells and structures, but in some cases it is characterized by increased extensibility.

This changes the state of individual tissues, causing, among other things, a crunch in the joints.

Such a phenomenon is far from always harmless, and often turns out to be a harbinger of unpleasant, even dangerous diseases.

The components of the skeleton during movement should theoretically not make noise, functioning imperceptibly thanks to the substance that acts as a kind of lubricant, called synovial fluid.

In the event that it is produced in a reduced amount compared to the required amount, or important elements of cartilage tissues are damaged, friction occurs. The described becomes a factor leading not only to serious ailments, but these changes can eventually turn a person into a disabled person.

Causes and degree of danger.

Most experts are inclined to believe that a crunch in the joints can be considered a dangerous phenomenon that needs treatment if it is accompanied by pain symptoms. In the absence of those - to worry, most often, especially it is not necessary.

The structure of the constituent elements of the skeleton is such that even a slight but unsuccessful movement can provoke a sound inside the body of a person whose state of health is beyond doubt. So why are the bones crunchy?

This phenomenon may also be due to a number of reasons, which will be listed below.

  • Link movement. At a time when the position of parts of the body changes, the tendons in the joint are displaced. When they return to their previous state, a clicking sound is heard. This is a common situation, often having only a local character.
  • Accumulations of gases. In the joint lubrication, gaseous substances that are very common in nature are dissolved. At the moment of unnatural tension, they gather into bubbles. When moving, these clusters burst, and a pop is heard.

The above can happen in normal everyday situations. Unfortunately, there are a number of factors that require special attention, immediate consultation with a specialist, and, possibly, long-term treatment taking years.

If joints crunch all over the body, the causes may be caused by factors, which will be discussed later.

  • Diseases of certain organs. A diseased state of the liver can sadly affect the functions of the joints, as well as deviations in the activity of the gallbladder. These organs are actively involved in the production of collagen, which, as mentioned earlier, provides elasticity to tendons and cartilage. Reducing its amount in the body leads to unpleasant consequences.
  • Kidney diseases. Among other functions, the kidneys provide the maintenance of synovial fluid inside the bone frame. With various lesions, failures occur. Insufficient volume of this important lubrication in the body leads to increased friction of the articular elements.
  • Arthrosis. Occurs when the joint wears out. The disease is characterized by thinning of the cartilage. Most often, the impetus for this is age-related changes, but similar problems also found in younger generations.
  • Osteochondrosis. A disease that is a consequence of disorders in metabolic processes. Because of this, damage to the motor tissues occurs. Most of all, overweight patients are prone to such troubles, whose load on the joints and cartilage is disproportionate.
  • Appearance on bone tissue painful growths. This pathological phenomenon, often passing without any obvious symptoms, is called. At the same time, the growths that interfere with the movement of the joints take a wide variety of forms. They can be small or have the appearance of more massive formations, having a single or multiple character.
  • Inflammation. There may be a mismatch of the surfaces of the joints. The cause of unpleasant clicks can be changes caused by a wide variety of infections, as well as subsequent complications.
  • Pathological changes inside the bone frame. With the loss of lubrication, the rubbing surfaces are able to reproduce the sound. In a joint modified and filled with excess salts, it is possible a sharp decline freedom of movement of adjacent areas. This becomes a factor that causes a variety of unpleasant, disturbing sounds.

In situations where joints crackle all over the body, the causes of this phenomenon are so numerous that it is difficult to list them completely. Moreover, an unambiguous and exhaustive answer to this question cannot exist without a thorough examination.

Here it is best to seek advice from a trustworthy specialist.

Medical preparations.

In the presence of painful changes of the described nature, doctors may suggest chondroprotectors.

These agents are attractive due to their low toxicity. They help to reduce unpleasant symptoms, while being highly tolerable.

Such preparations contain two fundamental active ingredients.

  • Chondroitin. This substance is obtained from the cartilage tissue of animals and birds. Its function is to ensure the integrity of the tendons and ligaments. Standing out in the body, it contributes to the deposition of calcium in the bones. The lack of a substance can be compensated for in a more natural way by including red fish in the diet.
  • Glucosamine. This is important element for the synthesis inside the human body of components valuable for the joints. It also contributes to the strength of tendons and ligaments. Usually the substance is obtained from the shells of crustaceans.

Carrying out their activities through the above properties, the drugs prevent the destruction of articular elements, contributing to tissue growth and improving motor functions.

Together with the data medical means often prescribed, very useful in this case, vasodilators.

Such a measure helps to improve blood flow to the tissues, providing them with good nutrition.

Folk remedies.

There are also methods that are not only useful, but also affordable. One of these is the course of salt procedures.

Baths have their positive effect at the most various violations bone base, as well as diseases associated with improper metabolism. This is the oldest remedy used in folk medicine, the main healing component of which is sodium chloride.

Putting the method into practice, water is drawn into the bath, at first necessarily hot, dissolving in it sea ​​salt. In the absence of this component, it is possible to prepare it yourself by adding a few drops of iodine to the usual food, as well as an infusion of sage, natural needles or chamomile.

After the procedure, you can rub the problem areas of the body with medicated oils.

Prevention.

What other reasons and answers to the dilemma exist: why do joints crunch all over the body? Very often, such unpleasant and disturbing sounds, and then diseases, occur due to a sedentary lifestyle. This is the misfortune of the age of high technology that has changed life.

This often happens during work that requires a long stay in a certain position: sitting at a table or standing in one place. Realizing all the harm of this state of affairs, it is necessary to introduce some changes into your usual way of life. Which ones - depends on the profession, the vicissitudes of which make the muscles and joints all the time be strictly in a certain motionless state, but what to do?

Office workers are encouraged to conduct regular occupational gymnastics. It will not take much time and will not affect the work, but the benefits from it are quite capable of affecting the results of labor. Exercises can be the most simple: you should perform head turns or arm rotations.

It is enough even just to move your shoulders or make simple movements with your fingers, clenching and unclenching your fists. This will restore blood circulation in certain areas of the body.

The teaching profession forces the teacher in the classroom or the lecturer in the audience to stand for a long period of time without moving from one place. But even here it is not difficult to come up with a kind of gymnastics for yourself.

Perhaps explaining to schoolchildren or female students new material, walk from side to side, walk between the rows of students' desks, go around the audience in a circle, simultaneously having a conversation with opponents. The speaker, standing in one position at the pulpit, should at least try, removing the load from his legs, transferring weight from one of them to another.

For a good condition of the joints, it is advisable to conduct sports training several times a week. Just remember that injuries can be a problem. dangerous species sports. In this case, for the prevention the best option is a gym. Regular visits to the pool and long swimming also have a great effect on the condition of the joints.

The above measures and exercises help to improve blood circulation and, as a result, the nutrition of the muscles and tissues surrounding the joints. This will improve oxygen metabolism, which will have a beneficial effect on the entire body and regenerative processes.

By choosing the right physical exercises, it is possible to early stages prevent many troubles and avoid the most unpleasant problems.

As already mentioned, overweight can be a factor that causes clicks in the joints. Especially often in fat people increased load test the legs and spine.

In this case, a strict diet can help solve the problem. Especially should be excluded from the diet of foods such as fatty meats, refined white rice. Potatoes are also harmful, and of course: flour products, bread and sugar are the main enemies of a slender figure.

A great way to solve such problems are long walks in nature. Helps also physical work on the fresh air, where the chores for suburban area: planting and caring for them. Cycling helps to strengthen the muscles of the legs and eliminate the unpleasant crunch in the joints.

About the benefits of gelatin.

This substance is a colorless transparent powder with many valuable properties.

Natural gelatin is obtained by digestion of some animal tissues, the main percentage of which is tendons and ligaments. Its component is collagen.

Substance found wide application in cooking and cosmetology, gelatin is also used for medical purposes, helping, among other things, to eliminate painful crunching in the joints.

The properties of this substance are really amazing, which is of great scientific interest.

Studies conducted by American scientists have shown this in the best possible way.

The experiments involved 175 elderly patients suffering from arthrosis of the knee joint. Taking only 10 grams of gelatin daily, they felt a significant improvement in two weeks, and their muscle strength and joint mobility increased.

The explanation for the amazing, almost magical, properties of gelatin is hidden in the amino acids contained in it, obtained from the proteins that make up this substance. They maintain the mobility of articular cartilage and other elements associated with the process of movement, slow down or even prevent their destruction.

From the archives traditional medicine maybe get one healthy recipe, which can be useful in the treatment of arthritis, dislocations and sprains. It is simple, accessible, and also able to provide a great service to those who have weak hair and nails.

  • A teaspoon of gelatin should be diluted in a glass of cold boiled water, filling it exactly to half.
  • Leave the resulting solution overnight, waiting for this substance to swell by morning.
  • Next, add a teaspoon of honey to the contents.
  • Top up the glass to the top with hot, necessarily freshly boiled, water.
  • Thoroughly stir the contents of the glass and drink the mixture, slightly cooled, but warm, before the morning meal.

Such actions should be taken within ten days. After that, the break should last exactly the same amount, and then the course is repeated. So it is necessary to continue for about three or more months. The exact period is set depending on the degree of need, other conditions and characteristics of the body.

To prevent painful changes in various elements of the joints, this recipe can be used less frequently.

However, it is enough to simply change the menu to include dishes prepared using the miraculous gelatin powder. These, as you know, include: beloved and popular aspic by many, delicious aspic, sweet muses, jelly, marmalade.

Worrying about why joints crackle all over the body, you can get a lot of answers to this one, which requires detailed analysis, question. But the best thing to do is take care of your health. And if there are alarming symptoms, take timely action.

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Our joints are designed to connect the bones of the skeleton together and make the body mobile. Each joint has two articular surfaces (the end parts of two adjacent bones covered with cartilage), between which there is a synovial fluid that ensures their sliding relative to each other.

Normally, the movement of the limbs occurs silently due to the coordinated functioning of all constituent parts joints. But when uncharacteristic clicks suddenly begin to appear in the knees, elbows or wrists, a person begins to worry: why do the joints crackle and what to do?

Causes of crunching and clicking in the joints

There is a very common belief that the crunch comes from the joints and bones. However, this is not quite true. Integral bone tissue itself does not produce any sounds either during movement or during palpation. Therefore, the expression “bones crackle” should be understood as the appearance of crackling mainly during the movements of the joints.

This crack can be explained by the following reasons:

  1. During movement in the joint space, the pressure of the synovial fluid changes sharply (in the direction of decrease) due to its redistribution. In this case, a kind of “boiling” of the liquid occurs with the formation of gas bubbles. Since the joint is completely sealed, the gas does not find an outlet and bursts into the joint fluid with a characteristic pop.
  2. Decrease in the amount of joint fluid or its thickening. At the same time, due to the pronounced friction of the contacting surfaces, the joints click.
  3. Mechanical effects on the joint - microtrauma, cracks, fractures.
  4. Diseases leading to the destruction and thinning of cartilage tissue (arthritis, arthrosis). At the same time, the joints not only crunch, but also swell and hurt.

Osteoarthritis involves the gradual destruction of cartilage and usually affects the joints that are subjected to the greatest pressure (for example, people working with vibrating tools develop arthrosis shoulder joint, for dancers - arthrosis of the lower leg).

Arthritis refers to inflammatory changes in the joints caused by infection, allergies, or autoimmune disorders. Arthritis can affect one joint or the entire body (polyarthritis).

Why do knees crackle?

For many people, a crunch in the knees is noted at the beginning of the movement after a long rest. This is due to a sharp redistribution of fluid in knee joint. There is nothing wrong with such a cod if it stops after a few steps and does not cause any discomfort.

But in cases where the knees crackle and stiffness or pain is observed during movement, the cause is most often arthrosis of the knee. Advanced stages of arthrosis lead to complete change joint changes and severe lameness.

A crunch in the knees with arthritis is accompanied by swelling and redness of the joint, sharp pain even at rest. It can even increase body temperature.

The conditions in which the fingers on the hands crackle do not fundamentally differ from the diseases of the joints already listed.

Yes, when overloaded thumb arthritic changes may occur, which subsequently limit it normal movement. When all fingers are affected at the same time, rheumatoid arthritis is suspected in the first place.

This pathology is dangerous because, as a result of repeated inflammatory attacks, the finger joints change their configuration and become inactive. A person loses fine motor skills of the hands and becomes disabled.

Some people like to crack their fingers, which results in relaxation of the fingers or nervous calm. Such a habit is practically harmless and in rare cases harms the joints, however, it can cause great discontent among others, so it is better to get rid of it if possible.

What causes jaw cracking?

Mobility and chewing function mandible provides the temporomandibular joint. The appearance of a crunch in it is possible in such cases:

  1. Fine. In more than 90% of cases, the lower jaw crunches in completely healthy people due to the appearance of gas bubbles (as with the movement of other joints).
  2. Joint inflammation (arthritis). With arthritis, not only does the jaw crackle, but it is also observed strong pain when chewing and opening the mouth, as well as swelling of the cheekbones in the joint area.
  3. Trauma and its long-term consequences. Even after proper reduction of a dislocation or treatment of an intra-articular fracture, cracking in the jaw remains for many years.
  4. Change anatomically shaped teeth and bite (when enamel is erased or improper prosthetics).

For what reasons can joints in a child click?

The appearance of a crunch in the joints of a child may indicate hypermobility (excessive mobility, “looseness”) of the joints. This condition is observed in many children and passes by the onset of puberty.

In infants, the breeding of the legs is always checked in hip joints. Normally, it runs smoothly and silently. If a click or crunch is heard during movement, then congenital underdevelopment of the articular surfaces (hip dysplasia) is possible. This condition is fraught with the occurrence of subluxation or dislocation of the head. femur, which are accompanied by crackling.

How to treat crunchy joints?

Treatment for crunching in the joints, if it is not accompanied by other symptoms of cartilage damage, is usually not required.

If inflammation, swelling and pain in the joint appear during movement or at rest, it is better not to self-medicate, but to see a doctor who will determine possible cause and decide what to do in this particular case.

To reduce inflammation, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs are most often prescribed, and to enhance regeneration processes, drugs containing substances necessary for cartilage growth (chondroitin, glucosamine, glucuronic acid) are prescribed.

It is also impossible to ignore the crunch in the hip joints in a newborn. Seeing a doctor early (before six months of age) with this problem and doing special exercises, as well as wearing restraint stirrups, will help strengthen the pelvic ligaments and avoid lameness when walking.

Joint diseases, like many other diseases, are usually easier to prevent than to treat. Therefore, when sudden appearance constant crunch when moving the joint, you should take care of its functional unloading and good nutrition.

Prevention of articular cartilage wear

To prevent early wear of cartilage in an adult or adolescent and, accordingly, the appearance of a crunch in the joints, the following measures are recommended:

  1. Correction of excess weight - a decrease in body weight by 10 kg reduces pressure on the joints of the legs, commensurate with 60 kg.
  2. If, during active physical exertion, the joints often crackle, it is recommended to use fixing bandages, knee and elbow pads, which will protect the joints from sprains and injuries.
  3. Eating food with high content calcium (green peas, beans, cottage cheese, nuts) and glucosamine (beef, hard cheeses, salmon fish, jelly). Ready-made calcium preparations can be used, which often contain vitamins necessary for better absorption of calcium and bone mineralization, and are also easily dosed (unlike food, in which it is difficult to calculate the calcium eaten).
  4. Light exercises to strengthen the periarticular muscular apparatus and the joint itself. Swimming is suitable as a comfortable physical activity for the arms and legs (pressure on the joints is reduced in water, muscles are trained, blood circulation improves throughout the body) and cycling.
  5. With a tendency to crunch in the temporomandibular joint, it is advised not to try to crack through hard objects (for example, nutshells), to do gymnastics to strengthen the jaw (keep your mouth open for several minutes, imitate chewing movements with your mouth closed).
  6. Playing the piano, sewing or typing on the keyboard is great for warming up your fingers.
  7. Periodically give the joints a rest in a warm bath with sea salt.

Traumatologist-orthopedist the highest category. Adult and children's specialist, Mgmu, 1998

The crunching of the joints during movement can be a joke, but when it becomes constant and occurs in almost the entire body, anxiety appears. Why do joints crackle, is this a symptom of some disease?

The causes of the crunch can be both harmless and require immediate medical care. Consider in what cases, when a crunch appears in the joints, you need to see a doctor, and when you can get by with home treatments.

To understand why the joints crunch, let's look at how this movable articulation of the bones works. Structure various joints may have slight differences, but, in general, they all consist of:

  • The articular surfaces of the bones to be joined, covered with a thin layer of smooth cartilage tissue;
  • The joint capsule surrounding the joint, inside which there is a sealed synovial membrane, forming an articular cavity filled with synovial fluid;
  • Periarticular tissues, tendons and ligaments that protect, nourish and provide joint movement.

The cartilages of the articular surfaces of the bones are very thin, their thickness is only 0.2-0.5 mm. Their top layer is very smooth, to improve their sliding properties they are in the liquid environment of the synovial fluid, which not only eliminates friction, but also nourishes the cartilage with the compounds they need.

Due to their structure, in most people the joints function mostly silently, they begin to crunch in quite rare cases.

Possible causes of crunching

All causes of crunching in the joints can have either pathological character, or be a consequence of normal physiological processes. The latter include two types of clicking, the origin of which we will consider in detail.

Not dangerous types of crunch

The first type of physiological crunch is caused by the movement of tendons during flexion and extension of the joints. When moving, the position of the tendons changes, and its return to its place may be accompanied by a click.

Another type of "sound effects" that are not associated with pathologies is due to the accumulation of gases in the synovial fluid.

Synovial fluid, which fills the space between the cartilaginous surfaces of the bones of the joint, simultaneously acts as a lubricant and nutrient medium for the cartilage. It contains the following gases in dissolved form: oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide.

When the bones move, the pressure in the joint capsule increases, and the gases dissolved in the synovial fluid turn into a gaseous state in accordance with the usual laws of physics.

The bursting of gas bubbles inside the synovial membrane and creates a distinct clicking sound when moving.

This type of crunch is easy to distinguish from clicking caused by other causes. The fact is that it takes time for the transition of the formed gases back to the dissolved state. Therefore, such clicks cannot occur in one joint more often than every 15 minutes. On this basis, this harmless type of crunch in the bones can be easily distinguished.

Potentially dangerous types of crunch

Also, the joints of the skeleton can crunch with excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle. If both of these factors take place, and at the same time, the ankles, spine, fingers, and pain, swelling and other painful manifestations are absent, then such a crunch should be considered natural and natural.

It must be dealt with by getting rid of overweight and increased physical activity. If, along with clicking sounds, pain begins to appear, then it is necessary to consult a doctor to prevent the development of possible pathological processes.

Sometimes the joints begin to crackle after a sharp and significant weight loss. This is explained by the fact that the volume and composition of the tissues surrounding the skeletal hinge changes. The disappearance of the habitual fat "cushion", the reduction of pressure on the synovial membrane creates new conditions for the functioning of these elements of the musculoskeletal system.

The joint after losing weight begins to work in a new way, and until it adapts to the unusual "environment", a crunch may appear. For its speedy disappearance, it is recommended to drink enough water, warm up well before training and carefully monitor your feelings so that when slightest symptoms pathological changes- the appearance of mild pain during movement, consult a doctor and start taking preventive chondroprotectors.

Potentially dangerous include the type of crunch in the joints, the cause of which is birth defects articular surfaces. Of course, this is not the case when joints crunch all over the body, as a rule, there are rarely more than 2-3 “defective” joints in the body. You can identify them by the fact that they crunch without ceasing, since the musculoskeletal system has formed. The appearance of sounds in such cases is due to the mismatch of the shapes of the rubbing surfaces, in medicine this is called a violation of congruence.

Most often, a crunch in such malformed hinges does not always appear, but when certain types movements. You need to be especially attentive to such joints, not to overload them, especially with those types of movements to which they react with the appearance of sounds.

Clicks indicate unfavorable friction conditions, due to which cartilage can be injured. Therefore, the slightest appearance of pain should be the reason for going to the doctor.

Crunch as a symptom of dangerous diseases

Joints can crackle even more serious reasons that require treatment to be eliminated. The main signs of this are pain during movement or at rest. There may also be swelling, redness, and other symptoms.

If the crunch in the joints is accompanied by painful manifestations, then only a doctor should determine and prescribe the causes and treatment. It is impossible to postpone a visit to the doctor, because the earlier treatment is started, the more successful it will be.

Diagnostics

In diseases of the joints, the following diagnostic methods can be used:

  • radiography;
  • Ultrasound examination (ultrasound);
  • Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging(CT, MRI);

If it is necessary to examine the condition of the joints, the doctor will select informative methods diagnostics to find out the reasons why the joints crunch. There are many diseases accompanied by the appearance of this symptom.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a generalized name for inflammatory joint lesions that can be caused by infections (brucellosis, tuberculosis), metabolic disorders (gout), systemic diseases (rheumatism, ankylosing spondylitis).

In addition to the fact that the joints crunch, with any arthritis, there is pain, stiffness of movements, redness of the skin, deformity, and fever may appear. A disease in which many joints are affected at the same time is called polyarthritis.

In the treatment of arthritis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Brufen), corticosteroid injections into the affected joints (Hydrocortisone) and other drugs are used.

Treatment usually takes years. Great importance is given to therapeutic gymnastics and physiotherapy.

arthrosis

Another disease accompanied by a crunch in the joints is arthrosis (osteoarthritis). It is a lesion of the cartilage of the articular surfaces due to degenerative-dystrophic processes in them. The reasons for the development of arthrosis can be:

Arthrosis begins almost asymptomatically, and ends with the complete destruction of cartilage. Therefore, it is extremely important to diagnose it in time in order to slow down the development of pathological processes.

The characteristic symptoms of arthrosis, in addition to a crunch in the bones, is the appearance of pain after physical activity and inability to endure the usual load. The pain appears at rest, often bothers at night. All of these symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention. medical institution. The risk of developing arthrosis is especially high in representatives of risk groups with the factors listed above.

For the treatment of arthrosis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotectors, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises are used, in the early stages - laser therapy. In severe stages of arthrosis, the replacement of the destroyed joint with an artificial one is used - arthroplasty.

Salt deposits

Another reason that joints crackle all over the body can be the deposition of salts in the cartilage tissue. This disease is called chondrocalcinosis or pseudogout. Calcium crystals, penetrating the cartilage, cause its mineralization. The surface of rubbing bones becomes rough, which causes the appearance of microcracks during friction and provokes the destruction of cartilage tissue.

Pathological processes in chondrocalcinosis are accompanied by a crunch in the joints, pain, redness of the skin, swelling, stiffness. In 20% of cases, this disease is asymptomatic until the processes of cartilage destruction go into a severe stage.

The reasons for the development of chondrocalcinosis are not fully understood. It has been noticed that it often accompanies such diseases as gout, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrolithiasis and some others.

With age, the likelihood of getting chondrocalcinosis increases, the predisposition to it is transmitted genetically.

All diseases of the joints, one of the symptoms of which is a crunch in the bones, without timely treatment lead to disability, debilitating constant pain and limited mobility. Therefore, this signal cannot be ignored; at the slightest sign of trouble, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Modern methods treatment, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, spa treatment allow you to slow down the pathological processes in the joints as much as possible and improve the quality of life of patients.

Prevention

  • Healthy food;
  • Reasonable physical activity;
  • Ability to deal with stress;
  • Exclusion of bad habits and occupational hazards;
  • Fighting overweight;
  • Regular preventive examinations and surveys.

It is unlikely that anyone will disagree with the need to comply with the above points, but many understand the meaning of these postulates incorrectly.

Many modern adherents proper nutrition considered the most healthy diet containing a minimum of carbohydrates, fats and a maximum of animal proteins. From a joint health point of view, this is a mistake. An excess of meat food in the diet causes metabolic disorders, leading to the development of a disease such as gout.

Nutrition should be balanced in content nutrients. Products that do not have nutritional value- sugars, muffins, products with chemical additives.

Nutrition that helps prolong the youthfulness of the joints should include fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, dairy products. Useful products containing gelatin - jelly, aspic dishes. The most useful confectionery products are marshmallows and marmalade.

There is also often a bias in understanding the need for physical activity. The ubiquitous passion for bodybuilding, classes in gyms, a fanatical passion for running often leads to overtraining. Excessively high loads adversely affect the condition of the joints, and problems with them begin at a young age.

Sports focused on maximum results are not healthy and often lead to injury. The key to healthy joints is moderate regular physical activity - walking, gymnastics, swimming. With a sedentary lifestyle, every hour it is highly desirable to do at least a five-minute workout.

Joint health is highly dependent on general condition organism. The presence of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, diseases of cardio-vascular system, hormonal disorders badly affects the condition of the musculoskeletal system.

Metabolic disorders, forced restriction of mobility, excessive load due to excess weight - all this leads to the development of pathological processes in the joints. Therefore, all preventive measures aimed at preventing these diseases also help the health of the musculoskeletal system.

Crunching in the bones can be a false alarm, but it can also indicate the onset of serious joint problems, so this signal should not be ignored. Remember that it is better to play it safe and see a doctor without a serious reason than to miss the opportunity to start treatment when it helps prevent the development of a serious illness.

A characteristic crunch in the joints is observed in many people of different ages. It is difficult to imagine a person who does not know such a problem. And it is not surprising that for many people this causes concern and alertness. In addition, the range of sounds produced can be very diverse: from crunching and clicking to creaking and crackling. Some experts argue that the crunch is associated with increased mobility and is a congenital condition. But is it really so? Why do joints crackle? Is this a norm or a pathology? Below we will try to answer these questions.

It would seem that this problem quite harmless, but how true is it? In order to answer this question, it is necessary to know what causes this phenomenon?

The reasons may be as follows:

  1. Weak ligamentous apparatus. This is a congenital condition that occurs in people of all ages.
  2. Dysfunctions in the structure and functioning of the joint. Sometimes the surfaces of the joints do not correspond to each other, go beyond their limits, and when they touch, they make characteristic sounds.
  3. Accumulation of gases in the joints. This is the main reason for causing characteristic sounds. The joint cavity contains synovial fluid, which is a lubricant for the joints, providing them with smooth sliding and elasticity. Synovial fluid contains nitrogen, carbon dioxide and oxygen. Since the joint is completely sealed, the gas bubbles cannot escape, but burst under pressure, emitting characteristic sounds.
  4. With inflammation of the muscles that are adjacent to the articular cavity. In this case, the cause of the emerging sounds has not been fully identified.
  5. Some experts believe that joints crunch due to severe overwork and fatigue. Also a long position of the body in one position. For example, bending your knees under you, and then straightening them sharply, you can hear a click. In this case, a significant load was placed on the knees, which caused a click.
  6. Excessive motor activity can also cause characteristic sounds in the joints. However, we are not talking about normal mobility while walking or running. This is congenital anomaly caused by pathological mobility. It is manifested by the fact that when moving, the articular surface practically diverges, while not causing any discomfort. Joint crunch without pain salient feature pathological mobility. But returning to its original position, the joints, as it were, “reset” on their own, making characteristic sounds.
  7. Arthrosis develops as a result of degenerative - dystrophic processes occurring in the cartilage tissue. The disease occurs in almost every elderly person. Over time, cartilage degrades. Joints are separated by a layer of cartilage that wears and wears away over time, causing joint friction and pain. It is this process that causes the loss of flexibility, elasticity and mobility of the articular tissue. Unfortunately, this process is irreversible and can overtake any person. In this case, the joints crunch all over the body, in almost every joint.
  8. Injury to the joints can cause crunching, but in this case it is called crepitus. This phenomenon develops very often during fractures, however, after the application of a plaster splint, the sounds disappear. But the consequences of an injury can remind of themselves with a characteristic click, creak or crack.
  9. Ossification of joints and cartilage with adjacent muscles. These are the so-called congestion observed in older people.
  10. hereditary predisposition. Sometimes a crunch in the joint is observed both in children and in young people and is definitely not a symptom of pathology.
  11. A sedentary lifestyle leads to stagnant processes both in the whole body and in the joints.
  12. Excess production of synovial fluid and edema. As a rule, they are more likely to experience a deficiency of synovial fluid than its excess. But in case of its excess, fluid accumulates, which provokes swelling. Edema, in turn, can provoke a crunch in the joint.
  13. Inflammatory processes throughout the body. Sometimes the question of why joints crunch all over the body can be answered that multiple inflammatory processes in different joints provoke this problem.
  14. Elevated levels of protein in the synovial fluid can also cause squeaks and clicks. This happens due to excessive consumption of proteins.
  15. Overweight and obesity. A significant body weight loads the joints, therefore, experiencing a constant load, the joints begin to deform and collapse, and clicks indicate initial stage these processes.

Factors contributing to crunch


Sometimes articular clicks are acquired and appear as a result of some factors:

  • wearing uncomfortable tight shoes with high heels;
  • age factor;
  • taking hormonal drugs (contraceptives and glucocorticoids);
  • metabolic disorders and hormonal imbalances;
  • malnutrition;
  • excessive physical activity;
  • professional sports;
  • sedentary inactive lifestyle;
  • birth defects skeletal system(flat feet).

pathology or normal

It is well known that healthy joints should be elastic and flexible, move smoothly and silently. In some cases, the appearance of a crunch makes a person think about serious pathologies. However, things are not always so dire. Most often, a characteristic articular sound is not a sign of a disease, but simply a small defect in the connective tissue that develops due to improper alignment of the ligaments. This defect does not affect the well-being of a person or the health of the joints at all, but indicates a violation of biomechanical processes.

Anxiety can only cause a crunch, which is accompanied painful sensations. In this case, one can suspect the development of osteoarthritis, the main symptom of which is the growth of bone tissue. This disease occurs not only in the elderly, but also in the young. plays an important role in the development of the disease ecological situation: the water we drink, the air we breathe, the food we eat.

With osteoarthritis, in addition to clicks, other symptoms are observed:

  • crunch, accompanied by pain and numbness;
  • swelling, increase in volume;
  • redness of the skin over the joint;
  • weakness in the legs, unsteadiness;
  • crepitus of the joints, which is permanent and progressive.

In some cases, a crunch can signal a serious problems. In this case, it cannot be ignored. After all, at first, a crunch may not be accompanied by pain, but it may indicate incipient problems in the joints. In addition, it is almost impossible to prevent the destruction of the joint, you can only stop this process.

It is also important in which joint the clicks occur. If these are hands, then this is not so critical, since the joints of the hands do not experience significant loads. But with the legs, everything is much more complicated, they must withstand the weight of the human body and significant loads while running and walking. Therefore, in these cases, clicking and crunching are harbingers of joint destruction.

If clicks and crackles accompany movements in the joints of the spine, elbows, shoulders and fingers, besides, it is completely painless, then you should not worry. Anatomical structure of these joints is such that any movement can cause clicks in perfectly healthy joints.


Thus, it is important to determine whether articular clicks are accompanied by painful sensations whether there is pain in other joints, whether the person has chronic articular pathologies. And analyze all the answers, you can draw the appropriate conclusions. If, for example, a person is very worried about this problem, then you need to visit a specialist to calm down.

Joint clicks in children

Oddly enough, but such a problem is present in children. Usually this fact causes anxiety and panic among parents. After all, it is enough to squeeze the child in his arms as a characteristic click is heard, which, of course, greatly frightens parents. But don't worry. This problem is due to the fact that children's joints are very fragile, and the ligamentous - muscular apparatus is imperfect due to early age. In children, especially younger age, skeleton and bones are just being formed, bone and muscle mass grows and strengthens. The skeleton is fully formed only by the age of 25.

The crunch usually disappears with age, but some residual problems are not dangerous.

However, this fact still does not exclude the pathology of the musculoskeletal system in a child. Unfortunately, at present, there is a rapid rejuvenation of many ailments, and arthrosis is no exception. Children, like adults, are prone to many joint ailments. However, you only need to worry if the same joint clicks.

To exclude articular pathologies in your beloved child, you should seek the advice of a specialist. To do this, the doctor will advise you to donate blood to identify C-reactive protein, phosphatase, rheumatoid factor, instrumental research(X-ray, CT, MRI). If there is no pathology, then the doctor will reassure the parents and advise how to improve metabolic processes in the joints of the child for its functionality.


Click Diagnostics

In order to find out if there is a problem with the musculoskeletal system, you need to consult a doctor for advice. And diagnostics. Diagnostics is carried out in several stages:

  • collection of anamnesis;
  • examination of the patient;
  • x-ray;
  • ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the articular cavity;
  • computed tomography (CT);
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
  • study of synovial fluid;
  • general blood analysis;
  • a blood test to detect C-reactive protein;
  • analysis for rheumatoid factor.

Treatment of crunch in the joints

Crunch treatment must begin after diagnosis. If no pathologies have been identified, then the crunch does not need treatment. If clicks and crackles are a consequence inflammatory process then treatment is needed.

In this case, complex therapy is prescribed, since a crunch in the joint is a symptom of arthrosis and arthritis, but to a greater extent, arthrosis. Therefore, the principles of treatment do not differ from the treatment of these ailments.

So, for crunch therapy use:

  • drug treatment;
  • physiotherapy methods.

Medical treatment

As part of drug treatment, use:

  1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from the group of NSAIDs for external and internal use. This group includes: diclofenac, movalis, ibuprofen, indomethacin.
  2. Chondroprotectors. These drugs improve the condition of cartilage and prevent its destruction. The composition of chondroprotectors includes glucosamine and chondroitin.
  3. Steroid hormones are used as injections into the joint cavity. Hormonal injections have a very good effect.
  4. A complex of vitamins and microelements. Particularly needed are drugs that promote bone tissue regeneration: zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium. Vitamins D3, A, C and group B.
  5. Dietary supplements that stimulate the restoration of cartilage tissue.


Physiotherapy procedures

Physiotherapy is an indispensable method for the treatment of joint problems and their rehabilitation. The following methods are very effective:

  • phonophorosis;
  • iontophoresis;
  • magnetotherapy;
  • shock wave therapy;

Additional treatments are:

  • paraffin therapy;
  • ozokeritotherapy;
  • vacuum therapy;
  • massage;
  • reflexology;
  • manual therapy;
  • sanitary-resort treatment.

During the recovery process, it is necessary to fix and immobilize the joint, wear special orthoses, knee pads and bandages.

An important role in the treatment of joint ailments is played by diet therapy. You need to adjust your eating habits:

  • limit fatty, fried, salty, smoked and canned foods from the diet;
  • daily consumption of milk and dairy products, as they contain a lot of calcium, potassium and magnesium;
  • enrich the diet with fresh vegetables and fruits;
  • regularly consume fish and seafood containing phosphorus and vitamin D3;
  • consume nuts of different varieties and sesame seeds.


Why does the jaw click?

A lot of people are alarmed by clicks in the jaw. They occur for the following reasons:

  1. Physiological norm. In most cases, clicking and cracking of the lower jaw is normal. And the reason for the crunch is still the same - gas bubbles that burst with intense movements of the lower jaw. In this case, no pain is observed.
  2. Arthritis of the jaw. In this case, clicks are accompanied by pain, swelling and redness of the skin. In addition, a person hardly opens and closes his mouth, moves his tongue, and even when talking, feels pain.
  3. Jaw injury. Injury to the jaw bones sometimes manifests itself years later. In some cases, clicks remain for life.
  4. Changing the shape of the teeth and bite. These problems occur for a variety of reasons and can be seen in both older and younger children.

Have you noticed that your joints are cracking? Many people are interested in knowing what this means. There are even cases when the joints crackle all over the body. In most cases, such sounds are harmless and are not indicators of pathology. Noises are common in teenagers, young women who have very flexible joints. In addition, sounds can occur with joint hypermobility, as a result of physical activity, age-related changes. If crunches are accompanied by pain, discomfort, numbness, swelling, then it is worth sounding the alarm.

Why crackle and click joints

A crunch in the joints without pain is considered relatively safe - it often goes away on its own. You can learn more about the reasons for clicks later in the article. If the crunch is accompanied by pain, the cause may be:

  • sedentary lifestyle;
  • excess weight;
  • lack of lubrication in the joints;
  • malnutrition;
  • stress;
  • diseases of the liver, kidneys;
  • trauma;
  • exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Causes of crunching in the joints throughout the body

When moving, knees, fingers, ankles, shoulders, spine and other parts of the body may creak. Particular attention should be paid to cases of manifestation of this symptom in any large compound. The shoulder, hip and knee joints are more susceptible to damage, so if they make sounds, you need to immediately find out the cause of the occurrence.

Without pain

The main reasons for such clicks are:

  1. Congenital weakness of the ligaments (hypermobility). The reason for clicks and crunches is the effect on the body of a modified protein that causes excessive mobility of the joints.
  2. Bursting of gas bubbles in the synovial fluid. Occurs due to the ingress of air into the joint spaces, when it passes into a gaseous state, it explodes.
  3. Protrusion of the bone, which clings to the tendons and ligaments.
  4. Prolonged physical activity, after which synovial fluid does not have time to form.

When all the joints of the body hurt

  1. With autoimmune diseases. It breaks the body if a person has systemic scleroderma, lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, etc.
  2. Rheumatism. Sign of the disease - everyone is affected in turn large joints.
  3. Rheumatoid arthritis. Most often occurs after 40 years. When all the joints hurt, we are talking about an exacerbation or an aggressive form of the disease.
  4. Osteoarthritis. Accompanied by deformation and limitation of mobility of the affected joints.
  5. Infectious diseases(influenza, rubella).
  6. Poisoning with toxic substances.
  7. Blood diseases, for example, acute or chronic leukemia.
  8. Physical exhaustion.

At the baby

The musculoskeletal system of newborns differs from that of an adult: they have fragile, elastic joints, and a weaker muscular corset. For this reason, you can often hear quiet clicks when the baby is picked up, his legs are bent. The child's joints crackle against the background different pathologies, diseases, for example, with Osgur-Schlatter disease, with gonarthrosis, polyarthritis. Perhaps the baby genetic feature- excessively mobile joints and ligaments.

In the fingers of the hands

The most common cause of finger crunching is injury. They can be so microscopic that a person may not notice them. For example, often stretch the joints while working on the keyboard. In addition, bruises, sprains, sports and household injuries are not uncommon. Other causes of crunch:

  • arthritis;
  • arthrosis;
  • ankylosing spondylitis;
  • bursitis.

knees

A crunch in the knee during extension and flexion, walking, running may occur due to:

  • weight lifting;
  • high loads;
  • use harmful products;
  • injuries;
  • wearing shoes with high heels;
  • seated image life;
  • formation of calcium deposits;
  • viral infections;
  • endocrine problems;
  • arthritis;
  • arthrosis;
  • sclerotization of articular tissues.

The spine crunches

Pain, crunching may indicate the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system:

  • protrusions;
  • hernia;
  • osteochondrosis;
  • scoliosis, etc.

Many people observe genetic predisposition to back pain. More reasons:

  • deposition of calcium salts;
  • spinal injury;
  • constant stress;
  • disturbed metabolism.

shoulder joint

If you are worried about a crunch in your shoulder, elbow, then the reasons include:

  • irrational nutrition;
  • genetic predisposition to joint diseases;
  • infections;
  • trauma;
  • bad ecology;
  • passive lifestyle.

The older the person, the more the motor system wears out, and the more sounds occur when moving. Sometimes the crunch appears after active physical exertion. Often the reasons are:

  • arthrosis;
  • arthritis;
  • osteochondrosis.

Hip

Clicks are almost always observed with osteochondrosis, gout, hernia, protrusion. Other reasons for their appearance:

  • mechanical injuries of the thigh, pelvic bones that caused damage;
  • salt deposits;
  • wear of articular superficial bones;
  • chondropathy of various origins;
  • oncological diseases;
  • excessive stress on the joint, muscles;
  • arthritis, arthrosis.

Ankle

People who have pain in the knee when walking, squatting, crunching ankle often suffer from congenital weakness of the ligaments. Because of this, frequent dislocations and subluxations of the foot, wandering pains are not excluded. Another reason is the lack of exercise. Increased training, lifting weights can provoke a symptom. Diseases such as:

  • bursitis;
  • arthritis;
  • arthrosis;
  • tendinitis;
  • deforming osteoarthritis;
  • Reiter's disease (chlamydia).

Joint treatment

Sometimes crunches go away on their own, but more often you have to resort to medical treatment. Depending on the cause of the problem, antibiotics, creams, ointments, hormone injections, anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy procedures help to cope with it. Chondroprotectors effectively act on the mechanism of inflammation. As helper methods recommended folk remedies for joint pain.

Folk remedies

If the joints are very crunchy, cracking all over the body, it is necessary to provide the body with the elements it needs. It is useful to eat dishes containing gelatin, for example, jellied meat and jelly. They are rich in collagen and protein building materials for connective tissues. Regular use of these dishes will help get rid of cod, restore musculoskeletal system.

Treatment of crunch in the joints should begin with the use of lotions, tinctures, decoctions of herbs. In the early stages, it is recommended to use, for example, sunflower root. A decoction of it acts on salts, removing them from the body. As external means, you can use warm compresses with:

  • honey;
  • paraffin;
  • black radish;
  • horseradish;
  • clay.

Medications

AT official medicine to combat body aches, crunching in the joints, nonsteroidal and hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. In almost every case, it is recommended to take chondroprotectors, for example, Chondrosamine and Teraflex. A greater percentage of recovery is observed in those who began to be treated for clicking in the joints on early dates. Put away pain syndrome help ointments "Nurofen", "Diclofenac-Acre".

With a massager

With the help of massage, it may be possible to get rid of the crunch, squeaks. Its positive effects are obvious. Apparatus:

  • helps fight pain;
  • restores movement;
  • has a beneficial effect on the surface of the skin, joints;
  • relieves the feeling of fatigue;
  • eliminates swelling;
  • regulates the work of internal organs.

Which doctor to contact

Since it is impossible to independently identify the cause of the disease and cure it without a prescription, you should first contact a therapist. He will prescribe the necessary blood and urine tests and only after that he will write a referral to a doctor of a narrow specialization - to a rheumatologist. If the cause of the crunch is, for example, chlamydia, then you will need to consult a gynecologist and special methods of treatment.

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