Is it normal for my joints to click?
Ask the doctor
Q. I know some people like to crack their knuckles or other joints, but even when I’m not trying, various joints all over my body often click, pop, or creak. Should I be worried?
A. Our joints can get noisier as we age, but if they don’t hurt when they’re popping, cracking, or creaking, you needn’t be overly concerned. There are many normal reasons for our knees, hips, neck, spine, or shoulder joints to make noises. These include air bubbles that “pop” inside a joint; tendons and ligaments that slide over other structures; and wear and tear that commonly occurs inside joints over time. Joints are also more likely to make noise when we spend long periods sitting or staying still, so avoiding clicking and popping may be as simple as getting up and moving about more.
But if popping, clicking, or other noises occur with pain or swelling, that’s a sign you may have a condition such as arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, or lupus. With arthritis, you’d also likely experience stiffness or the feeling that your joints are unsteady or loose. Talk to your doctor to determine what’s causing your symptoms and how to best relieve them.
Image: © Thicha Satapitanon/Getty Images
About the Author
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
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