Causes and treatment of crunching in joints

Causes of crunching in joints

Factors that cause crunching in the joints (crepitus) include:

• Genetic characteristics of connective tissue. The elasticity of the joint capsule and ligaments can be influenced by hereditary characteristics. In some individuals, there is increased joint flexibility. If a person has the ability to extend a limb more than 180 degrees, the crunch can be caused by anatomical factors. Genetic causes also include insufficient formation of synovial fluid in the joints;
• Dioxide bubbles. The joint lubrication that forms in the joint can trigger the production of gas bubbles. As a result, in the event of sudden unloading of the limb, a characteristic pop appears in the area of ​​the knee joint;
• Tendon displacement. Occurs during motor activity of the joint. Returning to its original position, it can provoke clicks. A similar phenomenon occurs in persons in the age group from 12 to 19 years;
• Rapid development during adolescence. As is known, adolescents experience spasmodic growth, which can lead to an imbalance in the proportions of the torso. However, the joints are not able to quickly adapt to such changes. If the teenager does not have other pathological processes, one can hope that the crunching in the joints will disappear by the age of 18-24;
• Developmental defects. There may be a discrepancy between the articular surfaces, with the extreme part of the bones extending beyond the limits of the articular capsule, which contributes to the appearance of a crunch. It should be noted that many pathologies of the musculoskeletal system can provoke a crunch in the knee joint, which specialists can detect in a child under the age of 7 years;
• Hormonal imbalances and metabolic disorders. We are talking about changes associated with age-related factors (menopause in men and women), autoimmune diseases and other hormonal causes that negatively affect joint flexibility. Also, crunching in joints throughout the body can be caused by salt deposits due to metabolic pathologies of various types;
• Use of hormonal therapy. Tablet contraceptives and glucocorticoid drugs can cause crunching in the joints of the fingers and other parts of the body. You can cope with it after completing the above remedies;
• Injury or increased physical activity. If a crunch in the shoulder or any other joint occurs as a result of injury, you should contact an experienced specialist. Common dehydration of the joint often occurs due to the absence of the articular ligament. In this situation, you should minimize the load on the affected limb and, for 14-20 days, take medications for crunching in the joints. If discomfort makes itself felt due to wear and tear of the joint, a prerequisite is to consult a rheumatologist;
• Lack of mobility for a long period of time. In order for the natural formation of synovial fluid, an optimal load must be placed on the joint. With physical inactivity, the normal sliding of the joint is disrupted and a characteristic crunch appears. If the factor causing stiffness in the joint is injury, you should visit a specialist involved in restoring its functionality;
• Age-related pathologies. Persons in the age group over 60 years of age are more often than others susceptible to progressive metabolic disorders in the cartilage tissue of joints and inflammatory processes in nearby muscles.

Also, discomfort and crunching in the joint area can be caused by uneven load, which is a consequence of obesity, wearing uncomfortable shoes and prolonged work in an uncomfortable position.

The effect of hyaluronic acid injections in the treatment of joints

In older people or those who suffer from any joint disease, the amount of joint lubrication decreases sharply, it ceases to perform its protective and lubricating functions, and cartilage tissue is destroyed. This further aggravates the situation, causing inflammation and increased joint pain.

The introduction of hyaluronic acid into the joint cavity eliminates (reduces) these negative consequences, replenishing the amount of synovial fluid, increasing its viscosity.

Hyaluronic acid also improves the nutrition of hyaline cartilage cells (chondrocytes), thereby ensuring cartilage renewal and stopping its further destruction.

Patients note a noticeable effect from treatment in the initial stages of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joint.

When is a visit to the doctor urgent for cracking joints?

It should be noted that crunching in the joints itself is not considered a pathological process. Causes for concern may arise only if the following signs are detected:

• Sensation of friction between the heads of bones;
• Painful manifestations that intensify during physical activity;
• Muscle cramps even in the absence of movement;
• The appearance of swelling in the joint and soft tissues;
• Decreased motor activity in the joint;
• Sensation of a foreign body in the synovial bursa;
• The appearance of redness just below the knee joint, local temperature increase;
• Weakness and loss of sensation in the muscle area.

It should be noted that the periodic occurrence of crackling is a completely normal phenomenon. In turn, pathology is indicated by a regular, gradually increasing, rough crunch.

Teraflex® Plus

Teraflex® Plus promotes:

Intensive restoration of cartilage tissue of intervertebral discs and joints of the spine1-6,13

Reduce muscle soreness7-12

Theraflex® Plus for the back is a unique product that has a complex effect, promoting intensive restoration of cartilage tissue and reducing muscle soreness.

The components of Theraflex® Plus help reduce the need for painkillers, increasing the safety of treatment.

• Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have a chondroprotective effect, taking part in the processes of natural restoration of cartilage tissue that is subject to wear due to physical activity or under the influence of pathological processes. Glucosamine enhances the synthesis of type II collagen, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. Chondroitin sulfate has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, promotes active regeneration of cartilage.
• B vitamins are cofactors of enzymes involved in the production of energy in the cell, without which its normal functioning is impossible. Strengthen the chondroprotective effect of glucosamine and chondroitin.
  Vitamin B3 deficiency is associated with the development of osteoarthritis, including in the spinal joints. Vitamin B3 plays a critical role in metabolic processes and tissue respiration.

  With a deficiency of vitamin B1, the activity of various parts of the nervous system and skeletal muscles is disrupted. Vitamin B1 (thiamine hydrochloride) plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism and energy generation processes in the body's cells. The addition of vitamin B1 to the complex of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate enhances their chondroprotective effect.

  Vitamin B5 plays a key role in providing energy to cells.

  Vitamin B6 is necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and supports metabolic processes in nervous tissue.

  Vitamins B1 and B6 potentiate each other's effects, which is manifested in a positive effect on the nervous, muscular and cardiovascular systems.

  Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is involved in the synthesis of the myelin sheath of nerve cells, stimulates hematopoiesis, reduces pain associated with damage to the peripheral nervous system, regulates nucleic acid metabolism in synergism with sfolic acid.

A combination of Glucosamine and Chondroitin in proven effective doses, enhanced with B vitamins.

This combination promotes restoration processes in the spine and surrounding tissues in conditions that are accompanied by back pain

Recommendations for use:

Adults: 2 capsules 2 times a day with meals.

Duration of treatment is 1-2 months.

*Plus the trademark Teraflex® dietary supplement (dietary supplement) 1. Henrotin, Y. & Lambert, C. Chondroitin and glucosamine in the management of osteoarthritis: an update. Curr Rheumatol Rep 15, 361 (2013).

2. Leela, A. et al. Pharmacological treatment options for osteoarthritis: focus on symptomatic slow-acting drugs (SYSADOA) and individual patient characteristics. Resolution of the international meeting of experts. Contemporary Rheumatology 13, 143–147 (2019). 3. Zhu, X., Sang, L., Wu, D., Rong, J. & Jiang, L. Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res 13, 170 (2018). 4. Fransen, M. et al. Glucosamine and chondroitin for knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating single and combination regimens. Ann. Rheum. Dis. 74, 851–858 (2015). 5. Nagaoka, I., Tsuruta, A. & Yoshimura, M. Chondroprotective action of glucosamine, a chitosan monomer, on the joint health of athletes. Int. J Biol. Macromol. 132, 795–800 (2019). 6. Tsuruta, A., Horiike, T., Yoshimura, M. & Nagaoka, I. Evaluation of the effect of the administration of a glucosamine containing supplement on biomarkers for cartilage metabolism in soccer players: A randomized double blind placebo controlled study. Mol Med Rep 18, 3941–3948 (2018). 7. Chen, L.-Y. & Liu-Bryan, R. Effect of nicotinamide riboside on cartilage matrix homeostasis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 27, S148 (2019). 8. Yeong-Mi, S., Choi, W.H. & Kim, TK Factors affecting The Pain of Osteoarthritis Patients. Rese. Jour. of Pharm. and Technol. 12, 699 (2019). 9. Rajaran, JR & Choi, WS Effectiveness of vitamin B complex in reducing chronic temporomandibular joint disorder pain - double blind randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 46, 235 (2017). 10. Dehghan, M. Comparative effectiveness of B and E Vitamins with Diclofenac in Reducing Pain Due to Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Med Arh 69, 103 (2015).

11. Amani, A., Safdari, F., Ashtiyani, SC & Aalizadeh, A. The effects of B vitamins on pain relief and improving physical function in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Der Pharma Chemica 7, 275–279 (2015). 12. Kobayashi, T., Notoya, K., Nakamura, A. & Akimoto, K. Fursultiamine, a vitamin B1 derivative, enhances chondroprotective effects of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate in rabbit experimental osteoarthritis. Inflamm. res. 54, 249–255 (2005). 13. Zeng, C. et al. Effectiveness and safety of Glucosamine, chondroitin, the two in combination, or celecoxib in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Sci Rep 5, 16827 (2015).

Joint diagnostics

In order to identify the factors that provoked the development of the disease and detect hidden pathology, diagnostics are performed. To do this, resort to the following methods:

• Ultrasound examination of joints;
• X-ray;
• CT or MRI;
• Puncture;
• Lab tests.

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Treatment of cracking joints

At the first step, the rheumatologist makes a diagnosis for the patient. After this, the most effective treatment procedures are selected. That is, an examination, laboratory tests and radiography are initially performed. If the cause that provoked the crunching in the joints and the need for treatment of this pathology is injury, you should immediately visit a specialist.

The key goals that treatment measures are aimed at include:

• Relief of inflammation in soft tissues and joints;
• Combating primary pathologies that cause joint damage;
• Restoring cartilage flexibility;
• Prevention of destructive processes in the joint in the future.

Tablets for cracking joints

If a person notices severe pain and signs of inflammation, he is traditionally prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include: Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Nimesulide, Meloxicam, etc. In advanced situations, it is recommended to resort to glucocorticoids. It should be remembered that the method of use and dosage of such medications should be selected by a doctor.

For the purpose of prevention and as part of complex therapy, the patient may be prescribed drugs based on substances that make up cartilage tissue (Dona, Artracam, Chondroprotectors). They are taken for at least 4-6 months.

If the desired result is not achieved using medications, there may be a need to install a prosthesis.

Physiotherapy for cracking joints

Physiotherapeutic procedures can be used both during the period of remission and in the acute stage. They allow you to stop the inflammatory process, accelerate the flow of drugs into the tissues, reduce pain and improve motor activity in the joints. To understand how to remove crunching in the joints through physiotherapy, you should first find out the mechanism of their action. First of all, with the help of such methods it is possible to restore normal blood flow in muscle and connective tissue, provide the necessary nutrition to the cartilage, and also improve metabolic processes. The most effective physiotherapeutic methods are:

• A set of physical exercises aimed at preventing and restoring the affected joint (physical therapy);
• Massage treatments;
• Health-improving gymnastics - kinesiotherapy;
• UVT;
• Exposure to direct electric current in combination with medicinal substances;
• UHF;
• Amplipulse therapy.

Treatment of cracking joints using UVT

Exposure to shock waves is considered one of the most effective and successful methods used to eliminate pathological crunching in joints. This method is often used in the field of rehabilitation and orthopedics. This procedure shows the most effective performance in the fight against pathological processes in the musculoskeletal system.

Among the key “advantages” of UVT are:

• No pain during the procedure;
• Non-invasive nature;
• Possibility of achieving a positive result after the first procedures.

Our medical center implements a whole range of measures aimed at preventing and eliminating pathological crunching in the joints. We perform all necessary diagnostic procedures and perform surgical interventions. However, the highest priority method of combating this disease remains shock wave therapy, which makes it possible to stop inflammation and restore motor activity in the joints without significant tissue injury.

Folk remedies for cracking joints

As a rule, to eliminate signs of muscle-joint pathologies, the following traditional medicine is used:

• Rose hip. 50 g of raw material is poured with 1 glass of vodka. Then the mixture is infused for 14 days in a cool, dark place. Prescribe 20-25 drops 15 minutes before meals;
• Radish. The vegetable is grated. The cake is removed, and the juice is used for compresses;
• Comfrey. 2 tablespoons of plant roots are poured into 500 ml of water and brought to a boil. Then the broth is infused for 5-6 hours. Compresses and lotions are also made from comfrey roots;
• Fir cones. 2-4 cones need to be poured with 500 ml of boiling water, after which the mixture is infused. It is recommended to take this decoction 1 glass 20 minutes before meals.

It is important to understand that folk remedies are used exclusively as part of complex therapy. Before using them, you should consult an experienced specialist.

Methods and frequency of administration of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of joints

Hyaluronic acid for joints is available in the form of a solution placed in a disposable syringe. The injection is given in the aseptic conditions of a treatment room or small operating room by a surgeon, neurologist or rheumatologist. The medicine is injected directly into the joint capsule.

The standard treatment regimen is one injection per week. Depending on the severity of the disease, the course includes 3–5 injections. The duration of breaks between repeated courses is different for each drug: repeated treatment, for example, with Fermatron, can be carried out within a month, a break in treatment with other drugs ranges from 6 months to a year.

Indications and contraindications for hyaluronic acid injections for joints

Doctors' recommendations for cracking joints

If there is no focus of inflammation, but a characteristic crunch in the joints, you should not look for the causes of the disease and demand that effective treatment be prescribed. Experts recommend following the usual preventive measures:

• Take plenty of water. This will reduce blood viscosity and ensure a rapid supply of nutrients to the joint area;
• Provide optimal load. By performing proper physical exercises, it is possible to quickly enrich tissues with nutrients. The highest priorities are visiting the swimming pool and race walking. Experts do not recommend jogging. In this case, light gymnastics will not be superfluous;
• Prolonged idle time on both lower extremities should be avoided. In addition, if you have cracking joints, it is not advisable to do jumping and squats;
• Balanced diet. A prerequisite for recovery in such pathologies is the consumption of jellied meat and fish soups;
• If the disease was caused by excessive salt deposits, it is necessary to exclude canned food, fatty meat soups, smoked meats and fatty fish from the daily diet. You should also remember the need to take vitamins A and D, as well as calcium, which allows you to quickly restore cartilage tissue.