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Dec 22, 2017 · What the researchers can say is they detected no immediate pain, swelling, or damage being done to the joints as they were cracked, and found no discernible difference between the joints of their habitual knuckle-crackers and those who never did it. This backs up the results of an experiment by a Californian medical doctor who spent 60 years ...
- Overview
- Causes
- Treatments
- Prevention
- When to see a doctor
- Summary
The sternum, or breastbone, is the flat bone where the ribs meet. Sometimes, the joints can pop or crack as a person stretches or moves. A muscle spasm, an injury, costochondritis, and surgery are some possible reasons for this.
Hearing the sternum popping can be discomforting, especially if a person has not heard or felt this before.
In many cases, a popping sternum is not a cause for concern. The joints that connect in the sternum can make noise as the person moves.
However, if the person has other symptoms in the area, such as pain or swelling, it may be best to see a doctor.
A person may hear a creaking or popping sound in their sternum when doing everyday activities, such as stretching to reach an object or breathing deeply.
The sternum popping is not always a cause for concern. The sound may be like that of any other joint popping or cracking, such as those in the hips or neck.
However, if the sound occurs with other symptoms, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs treatment.
Possible medical causes of sternum popping include:
A popping sternum is not usually a cause for concern. However, anyone who notices swelling or pain in the area should see a doctor.
While working to determine the underlying cause of these symptoms, the doctor will likely recommend treatments to help bring down the swelling and relieve any pain.
Depending on the cause and severity of the pain, the doctor may recommend prescription-strength medications or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), which can also reduce swelling.
Similarly, applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the chest for 20 minutes at a time may also relieve symptoms of muscle and connective tissue injuries.
In these cases, the popping or crackling noises may go away as the inflammation resolves.
If an injury to the area is responsible for the sound, the doctor will likely recommend rest. Avoiding overexertion — by taking a break from any heavy exercises that involve the shoulders, back, or chest — may reduce pressure and help injuries heal.
It is not always possible to prevent sternum popping.
Because this sound sometimes results from an injury, taking steps to reduce the risk of injury can help. For instance, stretching the muscles fully before and after strenuous workouts can help prevent muscle spasms and tightness that can lead to sprains and strains.
A popping or cracking sound in the sternum is generally not a cause for concern. However, anyone who wonders about the cause may wish to see a doctor.
This is especially important when any other symptoms, such as pain or swelling, accompany the sound. These may indicate an injury or another health issue in the area.
Symptoms that can accompany a popping sound in the sternum can resemble those of a heart attack. Anyone who experiences indications of a heart attack or other troubling chest symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms may include:
•shortness of breath
•a crushing feeling, as if there is a heavy weight on the chest
Sternum popping can be a discomforting symptom. However, the sound alone is typically not a cause for concern.
If a person experiences any additional symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, or stiffness, they should see a doctor.
When minor injuries are responsible for these symptoms, simple home remedies, such as NSAIDs and rest, may be enough treatment.
Anyone who experiences chest pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms should see a doctor.
Crepitus is a symptom of these common conditions: Osteoarthritis – due to your bones rubbing against each other because cartilage is damaged or degenerated – though not everyone with arthritis will experience crepitus. Tendonitis – injury and inflammation of a tendon, such as a tennis elbow. An injury can cause crepitus in the knee, such ...
Nov 1, 2022 · Diagnosis. Joint popping (crepitus) refers to audible sounds, including popping, cracking, and grinding, that results from movement of a joint. Joint popping can also cause the sensation of pressure being released within the joint. Joint popping is a common occurrence from having stiff joints, but it can sometimes occur from more serious issues.
Oct 4, 2017 · The most common noises are what Dr Vagg calls "benign pops or high-pitched snaps". These are thought to occur when the fluid-filled sac within joints gets stretched by a sudden change in position ...
Mar 15, 2024 · You might have cracking or popping, painful joints for a few reasons. Possible causes include: Bursitis: The bursa, or the padding between the bones of your joints, swells with fluid, which can ...
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Dec 9, 2023 · Joint space cracking or popping is caused by releasing gases from the synovial fluid, which lubricates and lines the joints. With aging, the cartilage in the joint thins, leading to more popping and cracking. There is no evidence that cracking the joints of your hands (knuckles) is dangerous; however, it is inadvisable to purposely crack or pop ...
