popping joints

Grubworm1943
Grubworm1943 Posts: 50 Member
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
my joints pop a lot. is this a weakness issue? like is there something i can do to strengthen them? i doubt its "normal" and everyones does it.
IE- if i lay flat on my back and do leg lifts (legs straight, lift one or both legs at a time, slowly lower them back down) my hips make a popping feeling. it doesnt hurt. but i always wonder if im harming them or if its just the way it is.

and if it is a strength issue, should i avoid doing anything that makes them pop like that until i get stronger or work through it?

Replies

  • 40andFindingFitness
    40andFindingFitness Posts: 497 Member
    From John Hopkins website:

    Is cracking and popping of joints normal?

    Cracking and popping of joints is usually normal and most of the time is nothing to be concerned about. Strangely enough the exact reason joints pop and snap is not totally understood. One theory is that the ligaments (tethers that hold the bones together) make these noises as they get tight rapidly when the joint is moving. In some instances, popping may be due to a tendon snapping over or around the joint. Another theory is that nitrogen bubbles in the fluid inside the joint are rapidly brought into or out of solution when the joint is manipulated, such as cracking the knuckles in the hand. These noises with movement of a joint, particularly the knee, may sound like folding stiff paper, and are called "crepitus". These noises are increased frequently after surgery on a joint, although the exact reason is not clear.

    When should I worry about the cracking and popping of a joint?

    The only time to worry about cracking or popping of a joint is if there is pain when the joint pops. Swelling is not normal and should be evaluated if it accompanies the noises. If the joint gets locked or stuck when it pops or cracks then it may indicate a joint problem that should be evaluated. If you are losing motion of the joint, if it is swelling or if you are losing function of the joint, then you should seek medical treatment.
  • mulecanter
    mulecanter Posts: 1,792 Member
    All your joints or just your hips? More info please. If it's all of them I'd see someone, maybe you should have some blood tests.
  • Grubworm1943
    Grubworm1943 Posts: 50 Member
    mulecanter wrote: »
    All your joints or just your hips? More info please. If it's all of them I'd see someone, maybe you should have some blood tests.
    well my ankles and wrists pop if i wiggle them around, i dont know how to explain it. but it doesnt happen when working out. its mostly just my hips. sometimes my knees
  • Grubworm1943
    Grubworm1943 Posts: 50 Member
    thanks!
    40andFindingFitness wrote: »
    From John Hopkins website:

    Is cracking and popping of joints normal?

    Cracking and popping of joints is usually normal and most of the time is nothing to be concerned about. Strangely enough the exact reason joints pop and snap is not totally understood. One theory is that the ligaments (tethers that hold the bones together) make these noises as they get tight rapidly when the joint is moving. In some instances, popping may be due to a tendon snapping over or around the joint. Another theory is that nitrogen bubbles in the fluid inside the joint are rapidly brought into or out of solution when the joint is manipulated, such as cracking the knuckles in the hand. These noises with movement of a joint, particularly the knee, may sound like folding stiff paper, and are called "crepitus". These noises are increased frequently after surgery on a joint, although the exact reason is not clear.

    When should I worry about the cracking and popping of a joint?

    The only time to worry about cracking or popping of a joint is if there is pain when the joint pops. Swelling is not normal and should be evaluated if it accompanies the noises. If the joint gets locked or stuck when it pops or cracks then it may indicate a joint problem that should be evaluated. If you are losing motion of the joint, if it is swelling or if you are losing function of the joint, then you should seek medical treatment.

  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    40andFindingFitness wrote: »
    From John Hopkins website:

    Is cracking and popping of joints normal?

    Cracking and popping of joints is usually normal and most of the time is nothing to be concerned about. Strangely enough the exact reason joints pop and snap is not totally understood. One theory is that the ligaments (tethers that hold the bones together) make these noises as they get tight rapidly when the joint is moving. In some instances, popping may be due to a tendon snapping over or around the joint. Another theory is that nitrogen bubbles in the fluid inside the joint are rapidly brought into or out of solution when the joint is manipulated, such as cracking the knuckles in the hand. These noises with movement of a joint, particularly the knee, may sound like folding stiff paper, and are called "crepitus". These noises are increased frequently after surgery on a joint, although the exact reason is not clear.

    When should I worry about the cracking and popping of a joint?

    The only time to worry about cracking or popping of a joint is if there is pain when the joint pops. Swelling is not normal and should be evaluated if it accompanies the noises. If the joint gets locked or stuck when it pops or cracks then it may indicate a joint problem that should be evaluated. If you are losing motion of the joint, if it is swelling or if you are losing function of the joint, then you should seek medical treatment.

    Yep. Almost all of my joints make scary sounds. You get used to it.
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