Why your joints make noise
17 hours ago
- #joint health
- #exercise science
- #osteoarthritis
- Two types of joint noises exist: cavitation (like knuckle cracking) due to gas bubbles popping in joint fluid, which temporarily relieves pain, and friction from overuse causing swelling in bursae or tendons.
- Cavitation in joints works similarly to smoothing cake batter by popping bubbles; it reduces pressure on joint receptors, providing immediate relief.
- Friction-related noises often persist even after healing from sprains or strains, as swollen bursae limit space, leading to ongoing clicking or popping.
- Exercise is recommended for osteoarthritis to maintain overall health, reduce joint friction, and provide nutrition to joint surfaces, rather than avoiding movement due to pain.
- Avoiding movement based on pain can lead to negative outcomes like loss of motion, increased pain, reduced mobility, weakened strength, poor health, and weight gain, affecting millions of people.