One of the most frequent questions, I encounter from patients are those concerning crepitus, audible clicks/pops/snaps produced by bodily movement. It is rare that I make it through an entire day without at least one patient asking me about a weird sound coming from a particular joint or area. The ubiquitous nature of this question can leave the therapist feeling frustrated, which unfortunately is the surest path to well-intentioned dismissal.
From an empathy perspective, it is important to understand that these noises can be distressing. Cognitively, they can make the patient think that something may be wrong with that body part, or that they may be causing damage. Since these sounds rarely improve, they can foster a sense of powerlessness / low self-efficacy. Emotionally, they can be a source of worry, anxiety, and frustration.
COMMON CAUSES OF CREPTIUS INCLUDE:
1. Air bubbles popping inside the joint. This popping does not cause pain.
The sounds are most often caused by the presence of air in the closed subcutaneous tissues surrounding the joints. In most cases, the popping or snapping sounds are the result of these buildups of air being released quickly due to movement of the joint. (As an aside, the term “crepitus” associated with this sudden release of gas is related to the Latin term “decreptitus”‘ meaning aged and infirm, but it probably wasn’t inspired by the myth of the alleged Roman god of flatulence named Crepitus.)
2. Tendons or ligaments snapping over the joint's bony structures. This snapping sometimes causes pain.
3. Arthritis—typically either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis—that causes a joint’s articular cartilage to degenerate. While arthritis often leads to pain, not everyone with joint degeneration will experience it. When a joint's cartilage degenerates, the joint is no longer adequately protected against friction and impacts. In addition, the loss of cartilage can alter the joint's biomechanics and cause bones to grind against one another. These changes can result in crepitus.
Crepitus is caused by the rubbing of cartilage on the joint surface or other soft tissues around the knee during joint movement. When knee snapping or catching is painful, that is usually a result of scar tissue, a meniscus tear or a tendon moving over a bony prominence within the knee joint.
Cartilage, the smooth, elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones, normally allows the bones to glide easily in the joint. But over time, the cartilage surface may start to lose its smoothness. The crunching you hear likely is due to the cartilage in your knee becoming rough, so the bones cannot slide as easily in the joint as they normally do.
NOTE : Research shows that the sound you hear when cracking a knuckle is caused by “popping” bubbles in the synovial fluid, the fluid that lubricates your joints
WHEN TO REACH FOR A HELP????
As a medical condition, crepitus is not usually considered a problem. It often appears in the mornings or after a period of inactivity, and goes away when your body “warms up.” However, if the popping and creaking sounds of crepitus last for long periods of time, or are accompanied by pain, signs of inflammation around the affected joint (swelling, redness, and increased temperature), or actual limitation of physical movement due to pain or stiffness, it is worth consulting your physician or chiropractor. In these cases, the popping and cracking sounds may actually be related to damage to the cartilage of the knees or other joints, or may be an early indication of damage to the articulating surfaces of Joints.
HOW TO MANAGE IT
WARM UP & STRETCHING BEFORE EXERCISE
LIGHTER WEIGHTS WHILE EXERCISING
DO NOT MAINTAIN ONE POSITION OF JOINT FOR LONG DURATION
FOLLOW “RICE” (Rest, Ice , Compression, Elevation)
STRENGTHEN YOUR MUSCLE around that joint
MASSAGE - It releases the tension in the muscles.
MAINTAIN BODY WEIGHT
Improve Your Joint Health with These Super foods
Glucosamine, especially in combination with chondroitin, is a common treatment for arthritis. Fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients, may be useful as well.
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables- I have all heard about free radicals and the damage they can inflict on the body. Fight them with spinach, spring greens, broccoli and parsley, all of which contain the antioxidant carotenoids, as well as calcium and magnesium. Foods high in antioxidants can help reduce the rate of cartilage breakdown .
Avocado- This super fruit contains antioxidant mono-saturated oils, essential fatty acids, beta-sitosterol and vitamin E—all hard workers in the fight against joint inflammation. It also promotes cartilage repair and is especially beneficial for osteoarthritis patients.
Turmeric - You probably recognize turmeric as a spice often found in curries and stir-fries, but it also contains a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient called curcumin. While it can be hard to eat enough of the spice to make a difference, it’s easy to throw it in a smoothie like this tropical turmeric smoothie or this tropical turmeric cleanser green smoothie. Another option is to supplement with Osteo Flex, which contains clinically studied levels of curcumin.
Extra virgin olive oil- Olive oil contains oleocanthal, which blocks inflammation. Many studies report that increased olive oil consumption is directly correlated to a reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Onions and Garlic - Onions are a rich source of quercetin, an antioxidant that works to reduce inflammation. Red onions are particularly high in antioxidants. Garlic contains allicin, a compound that can help to alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Grapefruit - Grapefruit contains vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which work to reduce inflammation and strengthen cartilage. Opt for red grapefruit as it’s a richer source of antioxidants than yellow.
Green Tea - A study done at Case Western Reserve University showed that the antioxidants in green tea may prevent and reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Meanwhile, green, white, oolong and black teas all contain the antioxidant catechins, which inhibit inflammation in arthritic joints.
Berries -Cherries, elderberries and raspberries contain antioxidant anthocyanins that help to reduce inflammatory chemicals in the body. And black cherries lower uric acid levels, which helps to prevent gout.
Yogurt and Kefir -We’ve all heard about the importance of gut health. Yogurt and kefir contain probiotics, which may help reduce the degree of joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Kefir makes great smoothies and you can double the power of your drink by adding chia seeds, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Stay tuned & don't forget to subscribe it's absolutely FREE!
Happy Health
MOVEMENT FOR HEALTH
Comments
Post a Comment