Vim & Vigor - Fall 2017 - Gwinnett Medical Center - 7

SNAP

A tendon rubbing over a bone
can create a snapping sound or
sensation. This usually happens
when the tendon is inflamed from a
repetitive movement. Unlike many of
the other sounds, this one is often
accompanied by pain.
Some of the most common cases
of this include the Achilles tendon
in the heel and the long forearm
tendon used in kayaking. Chronic
inflammation may weaken the tendon
resulting in eventual rupture. In the
case of a tendon rupturing, the loud
snap (or pop) is accompanied by
immediate and severe pain, swelling
and an inability for the joint to
bear weight.
Ligaments are tough bands of
fibrous tissue that connect the
bones within a joint, such as the
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) of
the knee. An acute rupture can occur
during sporting activities such as
soccer and basketball. An audible
pop is noted along with the sudden
onset of pain and swelling, indicators
of a serious injury.

CRACKLE

If you feel grinding sensations or
friction when you move the joint,
hear a crackle sound with movement,
or feel as if the bones are rubbing
against each other, these are often
an indication that the cartilage in
the joint is damaged or inflamed.
This sensation is also called crepitus
and happens most often in the knees.

It is usually a function of age and has
a gradual onset.
In the early stages it is called
chondromalacia (sick cartilage),
and may be treated with antiinflammatory medications and an
exercise program.
In more chronic cases, crepitus
is associated with osteoarthritis.
Techniques to slow down the
deterioration process include
managing your weight, staying
active (avoiding activities requiring
repetitive jumping) and physical
therapy to strengthen the muscles
supporting those joints. Your health
care provider may be able to make
recommendations more specific to
your situation.

POP

A high-pitched pop or snap when
you flex your knuckles or stretch in
yoga class is usually not cause for
alarm. Typically this sound means
there are air bubbles in the joint's
protective fluid. These bubbles can
pop when the joint suddenly releases.
It is not thought to be harmful and is
not painful.
And, contrary to what your
mother may have said, cracking
your knuckles will not damage the
joint. However, in other cases, and
especially in larger joints, a popping
sound may mean a soft tissue like a
tendon or ligament is rubbing over
bone (see "Snap"). If the pop is
painful or creates lingering pain,
see your health care provider. ■

BY THE

NUMBERS

3 Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults
reports having chronic joint
stiffness, achiness or pain.

3 Up to 50 percent don't know
what causes their joint discomfort.
3 Arthritis is the most common
cause of joint pain. It is estimated
that 67 million American adults
will have arthritis by 2030.

WEBSITE

Help Your Joints
Don't let noisy or painful
joints cause you to stop
participating in the activities
you enjoy. Gwinnett Medical
Center's affiliated, boardcertified orthopedists
can make individualized
recommendations about how
best to support your arthritic
joint, injury or condition.
Options may include at-home
treatments, physical therapy,
medications, minimally
invasive procedures or
total joint replacement.
Find an orthopedic
physician near you at
gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/
physician.

FALL 2017

7
http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/
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