Is it bad when your bones keep crunching?

What is joint crepitus?

Crepitus is the medical term for the pops, cracks, or "dry crunching" sounds heard when moving certain joints, such as the knees, shoulders, or neck. It's a very common phenomenon and, in most cases, completely harmless.

Why do joints crack when you move?

It can be caused by the formation and collapse of gas bubbles in the synovial fluid (the same phenomenon behind knuckle cracking), by tendons or ligaments sliding over bony structures during movement, or simply by small variations in the joint surface.

When is it a cause for concern?

Isolated crepitus, without pain or swelling, rarely signals a problem. More attention is warranted when the cracking comes with pain, swelling, a feeling of locking or instability, or when it appears after a blow or injury.

How to take care of your joints

Maintaining good overall mobility, strengthening the muscles around your joints, and avoiding prolonged inactivity all help your joints move more smoothly and reduce discomfort linked to stiffness.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for my knees to crack when I squat? Yes, it's very common and, if there's no pain, it's usually nothing to worry about.

Does crepitus mean my joints are wearing out? Not necessarily. It can occur in perfectly healthy joints, although in some cases it is linked to degenerative changes.

Does exercise make crepitus worse? On the contrary, staying active usually improves joint health in the long run, unless there's an injury that requires adapting activity.

Can I do anything to stop my joints from cracking? It's not always possible or necessary to eliminate the sound, especially when there's no pain involved.

When should I see a professional? If the cracking comes with pain, swelling, loss of mobility, or appears after an injury.