It isn't unusual to hear your joints, particularly your shoulders, pop or click from time to time. Most of the time, it is harmless and does not cause any pain. However, if the cracking is persistent and does not seem to resolve, or if it causes pain and discomfort, it is time to consult a doctor.

It is important to note that shoulder popping can be caused by various factors. Also known as shoulder crepitus, this type of clicking and cracking can also occur in other parts of the body, like the knee and finger joints.

Here's all you need to know about it.

Why Do Joints Pop?

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr G Manoj Kumar, Orthorobotic Surgeon, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, says, "Joints can pop, crack, and click due to various reasons, primarily attributed to the movement of gases (such as nitrogen) within the synovial fluid, the release of ligaments or tendons over bony prominences, or the movement of cartilage within the joint."

He adds that it is generally harmless and often occurs during normal movement or when the joint is manipulated in a certain way.

Possible Causes Of Popping And Clicking In The Shoulders

The shoulder joint, also called the glenohumeral joint, is a complex structure where three bones meet: the humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). It is a ball-and-socket joint with the most extensive range of motion in the human body, as per StatPearls Publishing.

This socket is lined with a soft cartilage cup called the labrum, which acts like a gasket to deepen the socket and keep the humerus in place for stable movement.

Therefore, when you hear your shoulder joint pop or crack, here are the factors that could be causing it:

• Tendons or ligaments snapping over bone: This can happen due to sudden movements or repetitive actions.
• Air bubbles in the joint fluid: Movement of these bubbles can cause popping or cracking sounds.
• Inflammation or degeneration of the joint: Conditions like osteoarthritis or inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis) can contribute to joint noises.

When Should You Seek Immediate Attention?

Sometimes, a popping or clicking sound in the shoulder may be serious.

According to Dr Kumar, it could be a dislocated joint, which can be accompanied by severe pain, swelling, bruising, and a noticeable deformity of the joint. Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Visible deformity or misalignment of the joint, in which the joint looks out of place or misshapen.
• Inability to move the joint or if movement is extremely limited.
• Severe pain and swelling
• Numbness or tingling could indicate nerve involvement.

Who Is Most Prone To Joint Popping?

Some people may be more at risk of getting their joints popped and cracked. They include:

• Athletes, particularly those engaged in sports that involve repetitive motions or impact on the joints.
• Older adults due to age-related changes in joints, such as degeneration of cartilage.
• People with certain medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hypermobility syndromes.

Management Tips
Sharing a few tips to manage joint popping, Dr Kumar lists:

• Indulge in regular, low-impact exercise to keep joints mobile and maintain their range of motion.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Practise good posture to reduce strain on joints and minimise symptoms.
• Use joint protection techniques and supportive gear.
• Apply heat or cold, depending on the cause of joint discomfort.
• Consider physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve stability.

“If joint popping or clicking is accompanied by pain, swelling, or limited range of motion, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management,” Dr Kumar concludes.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/why-your-shoulder-joints-pop-or-clicks-1715420700