Clicking in the joints is a fairly common occurrence. But nevertheless, in certain cases, the question may well arise, how similar this manifestation of the body is harmless, and is it time to go to the doctor. In general, it should be noted that clicks can be both relatively normal and evidence of serious pathologies.
To understand the details, it is necessary to consider the anatomy of the human joints, and then turn to medicine.
Causes of clicks in the joints
Despite the fact that the doctors themselves are still discussing the causes of such manifestations, certain versions already exist. It makes sense to pay attention to the most logical of them. So, many experts are sure that clicks in the joints do not always indicate any problems. After all, it can be generated by gases that are in the synovial fluid.
This fluid is a joint lubricant, providing health and freedom of movement of this part of the musculoskeletal system. It is known that it contains a lot of carbon dioxide, in total - up to 15 percent. Therefore, the formation of bubbles becomes the norm.
If the pressure in the liquid rises, then the bubbles may appear and burst with a characteristic crack. And the pressure increases with the load on the joints, for example, if you suddenly begin to move. This mechanism is still being actively studied, however, evidence of the correctness of doctors in any case exists.
The x-ray made it possible to establish the presence of a gas cavity in the joint, which is created in order to expand the range of actions. When stretching the legs, the appearance of this cavity may well be observed. Under loads, the bubbles burst, a common cavity forms, which is accompanied by a characteristic sound.
Interesting fact: It was initially believed that crunching occurs when the bubbles break. However, today it is believed that sound vibrations of this type are generated at the moment when bubbles are created. This is proven by MRI scans.
So, the joint structure is quite complex, it provides freedom of movement, minimal risk of injury, and much more. The formation and disappearance of bubbles also takes a few moments - only 0.01 seconds. After this period no trace remains of them.
If you keep in mind the complexity of the functioning of the joints and the features of the processes occurring in them, you can understand that it is not worth worrying about sounds. Especially if there are no unpleasant sensations and pains. Moreover, experts have proven the complete safety of a crunch even in situations where a person does this on purpose.
So, Donald Agner, a professional doctor, performed an experiment for 60 years - he deliberately cracked the fingers of one hand. Further examination revealed that the hands were in equally good condition. However, is the situation always so harmless?
It should be borne in mind that the crunch and clicks when bent are not always so harmless.In some cases, they can alert you to health problems. This should always be remembered.
When does a crunch in the joints indicate problems?
As a rule, it is necessary to judge the risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system in those cases when the crunch is accompanied by other disturbing symptoms. Moreover, some doctors categorically disagree even with the fact that a painless crunch is harmless. In their opinion, clicks in any case warn of the risk of developing joint diseases and can be considered as their harbingers.
Especially relevant fears are at risk if the sound from one of the joints differs from the others, or the frequency with which clicks are heard is allocated. If this is noticeable in a child or adolescent, we can talk about birth defects.
In addition, this phenomenon indicates the contact of bones and ligaments, in such a situation the sound will be deaf. After an injury, a crunch may indicate a rupture of various elements of the joint or sprain. Violation of geometry and other physical defects always cause such sounds. In addition, crunching and clicking can be relevant for arthrosis and arthritis, and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
If the clicks are accompanied by pain, special attention must be paid to them. Indeed, in such situations we have to talk about pathologies that have already been developed. As a rule, in such cases, it is already a question of joint damage. In addition, inflammation may occur - the joint bag, tendons, and so on. Urgently needed see a doctordiagnose, be treated.
Thus, clicks and cracking in joints can manifest themselves for a variety of reasons. In some cases, all this turns out to be a natural physiological phenomenon. However, in other situations, urgent medical attention is needed for diagnosis and treatment.
