Why the joints crunch: we understand the causes and treatment

Why the joints crunch: we understand the causes and treatment

Joint anatomy: brief excursion

Before delving into the causes of the crunch in the joints, it is important to understand how they are arranged. The joint is a connection place of two or more bones. The main components of the joint include:

• Joint surfaces: The bones forming the joint are covered with a smooth layer of hyalin cartilage, which provides sliding and shock absorption.
• The joint capsule: The connective tissue shell surrounding the joint is hermetically closing and stabilizes it.
• Synovial fluid: Inside the articular capsule is a synovial fluid that serves as a grease for cartilage, nourishes it and removes metabolic products.
• Blues: Durable connective tissue bones that connect the bones to each other and provide joint stability.
• Muscles and tendons: Surround the joint and provide its movement. The tendons attach the muscles to the bones.

Violation of any of these components can lead to various problems, including crunch.

Normal crunch: when there is nothing to worry about

Not always a crunch in the joints is a sign of the disease. In some cases, it is considered normal and does not require medical intervention.

• Crepitus: Crepitus: This is a soft, crispy sound that occurs when the joint moves. It is believed that it can be associated with the movement of gases (nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide) in the synovial fluid. This phenomenon is known as cavitation. The pressure in the joint changes when moving, which leads to the formation of gas bubbles, which then burst, making sound. Such a crunch is usually painless and is not accompanied by other symptoms.
• Clicking tendons: Sometimes the tendons passing next to the joint can shift slightly and make a clicking sound. This is often found in the knee joint, the shoulder joint and the ankle joint. If clicking is not accompanied by pain or restriction of movement, usually does not require treatment.
• Adolescence: In adolescents, the crunch in the joints can be associated with the rapid growth and inconsistency between the growth of bones and the development of muscles and ligaments. This usually takes place with age.

Pathological crunch: when you need to consult a doctor

In some cases, crunch in the joints may be a symptom of the disease and requires medical consultation. The signs indicating a pathological crunch include:

• Pain: A crunch accompanied by pain is a serious cause for concern. The pain can be acute, stupid, aching or stitching.
• Edema: Swelling or swelling around the joint is also a sign of inflammation and may indicate a joint disease.
• Movement restriction: Difficulty in bending or extension of the joint, a feeling of stiffness or blocking of movement requires immediate seeing a doctor.
• Redness of the skin: Redness of the skin around the joint can indicate an inflammatory process, for example, arthritis.
• Joint deformation: A change in the shape of the joint, for example, curvature of a finger or knee, is a sign of a serious disease.
• Cryst after injury: A crunch that arose after an injury, for example, falling or blow, may indicate damage to ligaments, cartilage or bones.

Possible causes of pathological cryst

There are many diseases and conditions that can cause a pathological crunch in the joints.

1. Osteoarthritis (deforming arthrosis): The most common cause of crunch in the joints, especially in the elderly. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the destruction of the cartilage covering the joint surfaces of the bones. As the cartilage is destroyed, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, constraint and crunch. A crunch with osteoarthritis is often described as a “rattle” or “sand in the joint”. Risk factors for the development of osteoarthritis include age, overweight, joint injuries, genetic predisposition and repeated movements.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own joints, causing inflammation and damage. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect several joints at the same time and is often accompanied by pain, constraint, swelling and crunch.

3. Gout: The form of arthritis caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints. Gout often affects the thumb of the leg, but can occur in other joints. Symptoms of gout include acute pain, redness, edema and crunch in the affected joint.

4. Joint injuries: Damage to the ligaments, cartilage or bones in the joint can lead to crunch. Examples of joint injuries include ligaments, ruptures of meniscus (in the knee joint), dislocations of the joints and bone fractures.

5. Bursit: Inflammation of the synovial bag (brush), a small bag filled with liquid, which is located between bones and tendons and facilitates sliding. Bursitis can cause pain, swelling and crunch in the affected joint.

6. Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon connecting the muscle to the bone. Tendinite can cause pain, stiffness and crunch when the joint moves.

7. Synovitis: Inflammation of the synovial shell lining the joint capsule. Synovitis can lead to an increase in the amount of synovial fluid in the joint, causing edema, pain and crunch.

8. Joint dysplasia: Violation of the development of the joint, in which the articular surfaces do not correspond to each other. Joint dysplasia can lead to instability of the joint, pain and crunch. Hip dysplasia is a common example.

9. Autoimmune diseases: In addition to rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma, can also affect the joints and cause a crunch.

10. Joint infections (septic arthritis): The infection that penetrated the joint can cause inflammation, cartilage damage and a crunch. Septic arthritis requires immediate treatment with antibiotics.

11. Chondromation of the patella (knee of the runner): Softening and destruction of the cartilage on the posterior surface of the knee cup (patella). Chondromation of the patella can cause pain in the knee, especially when running, jumping or climbing the stairs, as well as a crunch.

12. OSGUDA-SHITTER disease: The disease that affects the tuberosity of the tibia (place of attachment of the tendon of the patella) in adolescents. The disease of the Osgud-Schletter can cause pain, swelling and crunch in the knee.

13. Pertes disease: The disease that affects the hip joint in children, characterized by impaired blood supply to the femoral head. Pertes’s disease can cause pain, lame and restriction of movement in the hip joint, as well as crunch.

14. Bekhterev disease (ankylosing spondylitis): Chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine and sacral-illegal joints. The illness of Bekhterev can cause pain, stiffness and restriction of movement in the back, as well as a crunch.

15. Microtrauma: Repeated microtrauma of the joints, for example, when playing sports or performing monotonous work, can lead to damage to cartilage and crunch.

Diagnosis of the causes of the crunch in the joints

To determine the cause of the crunch in the joints, the doctor may prescribe the following studies:

• Physical examination: The doctor will examine the joint, evaluate the volume of movement, check the presence of pain, edema and deformation.
• Anamnesis: The doctor will ask about the nature of the crunch, accompanying symptoms, injuries and diseases.
• Radiography: X -ray pictures allow you to see the condition of bones and articular surfaces. X -ray can help identify osteoarthritis, bone fractures, joint dislocations and other bone pathologies.
• Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI): MRI allows you to get a more detailed image of the soft tissues surrounding the joint, such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons and synovial shell. MRI can help identify meniscus ruptures, ligaments, inflammation of the synovial membrane and other soft -tissue pathologies.
• Computed tomography (CT): CT provides detailed images of bones and can be used to evaluate complex fractures and other bone pathologies.
• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound): Ultrasound allows you to evaluate the condition of the soft tissues surrounding the joint, such as tendons, ligaments and synovial fluid. Ultrasound can help identify tendonitis, bourgearis and accumulation of fluid in the joint.
• Analysis of synovial fluid (joint puncture): The doctor can take a sample of synovial fluid from the joint for analysis. Analysis of synovial fluid can help detect the infection, inflammation and presence of uric acid crystals (with gout).
• Blood tests: Blood tests can help identify signs of inflammation and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Cryst treatment in joints

Treatment of crunch in the joints depends on the cause of its occurrence.

• Conservative treatment:

  • Anesthetic drugs: Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen and Narksen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Analgesics: Paracetamol can help reduce pain, but does not have an anti -inflammatory effect.
  • Local drugs: Ointments and gels containing NSAIDs or menthol can help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected joint.
  • Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, improve the volume of movement and reduce pain. The physiotherapist can prescribe exercises to strengthen muscles, stretching, massage and other treatment methods.
  • Medical physical education (exercise therapy): LFK includes a set of exercises aimed at restoring the joint function. LFK exercises should be performed under the guidance of a specialist.
  • Orthes: Orthes are devices that support and stabilize the joint. Orthes can be used to reduce pain and improve joint function. Examples of orthosis include knee pads, bandages on the ankle joint and orthosis on the wrist.
  • Taping: Taping is a method of imposing special tapes (teips) on the skin to support and stabilize the joint. Taping can help reduce pain and improve joint function.
  • Injections of corticosteroids: Injections of corticosteroids in the joint can help reduce inflammation and pain. However, corticosteroids are not recommended for a long time, as they can have side effects.
  • Hyaluronic acid injections (synovial prostheses): Injections of hyaluronic acid into the joint can help improve the lubrication of the joint and reduce the pain. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the synovial fluid.
  • Weight loss: If you have overweight, weight loss can help reduce the load on the joints and reduce the pain.
  • Life change change: Avoid repeating movements that can aggravate the pain in the joint. Take breaks during work or sports. Use the right technique when performing exercises.
  • Auxiliary means: The use of cane, crutches or other auxiliary means can help reduce the load on the joint and reduce the pain.

• Surgical treatment:

  • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure in which the doctor introduces a thin tool with a chamber (arthroscope) for examination and treatment of damage into the joint. Arthroscopy can be used to remove damaged cartilage, restore ligaments and treat other problems.
  • Actoprosthetics of the joint (joint replacement): The surgical procedure in which the damaged joint is replaced by an artificial joint (endoprosthesis). The joint -prophetic acting can be necessary for severe osteoarthritis or other diseases leading to significant damage to the joint. The most commonly performed endoprosthetics of the hip joint and endoprosthetics of the knee joint.
  • Osteotomy: The surgical procedure in which the bone is cut and its form for the redistribution of the load on the joint is changed. Osteotomy can be performed to treat joint deformations or to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.
  • Arthrodesis (joint fixation): The surgical procedure in which the bones forming the joint are connected together so that the joint stops moving. Arthrodesis can be performed to relieve pain in severe arthritis or with a joint instability.

Folk remedies

Some folk remedies can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. However, before using folk remedies, you need to consult a doctor.

• Warm compresses: Warm compresses can help reduce the pain and constraint in the joints.
• Cold compresses: Cold compresses can help reduce inflammation and edema in the joints.
• Herbal teas: Some herbal teas, such as ginger tea, turmeric or chamomile, can have anti -inflammatory properties.
• Massage: Massage can help reduce pain and stiffness in the joints.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a treatment method in which thin needles are introduced into the skin at certain points of the body. Acupuncture can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
• Diet: Some products can increase inflammation in the joints. The use of a large amount of sugar, processed products and red meat should be avoided. Include products rich in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, such as fish, nuts and seeds.

Cryst prevention in joints

Although it is not always possible to prevent crunch in the joints, there are measures that can help reduce the risk of its occurrence.

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Excessive weight increases the load on the joints, which can lead to damage to the cartilage and crunch.
• Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises help strengthen the muscles surrounding joints, improve the volume of movement and reduce the risk of injuries. It is important to choose exercises that do not have excessive joint load, such as swimming, walking or cycling.
• Correct posture: Maintaining proper posture helps to evenly distribute the load on the joints evenly.
• Avoiding injuries: When playing sports or performing work related to the risk of injuries, it is necessary to observe precautions, such as the use of protective equipment.
• Proper nutrition: Balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, is necessary for joint health.
• Stretching: Regular stretching exercises help maintain the flexibility of the joints and reduce the risk of injuries.
• Timely treatment of joint diseases: It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner when pain, edema or restrictions on the joints appear. Early treatment of joint diseases can help prevent further damage and crunch.
• Avoid a long stay in one position: Try to take breaks and knead if your work requires a long stay in one position.

When to see a doctor?

You should consult a doctor if a crunch in the joints:

• It is accompanied by pain, edema or redness of the skin around the joint.
• Limits the movement in the joint.
• Arose after an injury.
• Does not pass within a few days.
• It interferes with everyday activity.

The doctor will conduct an examination, determine the cause of the crunch and prescribe the necessary treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of joint diseases can help prevent further damage and maintain joint health.

Conclusion

Cryst in the joints is a common phenomenon that can be caused by various reasons. In most cases, a crunch is not a sign of a serious disease and does not require treatment. However, if the crunch is accompanied by pain, edema, movement restriction or other symptoms, you must consult a doctor for examination and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of joint diseases can help prevent further damage and maintain joint health for many years.