The condition when the joints crackle is considered a very common phenomenon. However, despite its fame, it has not yet been fully studied by medicine.
In many cases, the reasons why joints crackle are harmless. For example, this phenomenon may occur due to increased mobility and flexibility. However, when the joint crunch is accompanied by discomfort, redness and pain, and in some cases progressive deformity, it is necessary to consult a specialist. In such cases, this condition indicates a pathology.
The most common disease in which joints crackle is osteochondrosis. It is also called salt deposition. This ailment is more characteristic of people with physical inactivity. Imbalance in the body between calcium and potassium in favor of the former is also a provoking factor. Treatment of osteochondrosis, despite its seeming harmlessness, must be started at the first manifestations. A disease in advanced form can lead to serious disorders in the motor function of a person and a disorder of cerebral circulation. In addition to crunching joints, patients with osteochondrosis often experience dizziness, numbness of the limbs, and joint pain. An active lifestyle, as well as a varied, vitamin-rich diet, is recommended as therapy and prevention of the disease.
Joints can also crack on the background of deforming arthrosis. This is not an inflammatory disease caused by cartilage degeneration. Deforming arthrosis often affects the joints of the fingers, spine, as well as the knee and hip joints. This disease is characterized by a pathological decrease in the total amount of cartilage, as a result of which there is progressive wear of the cartilage. Experts believe that predisposing factors for the development of the disease are injuries, static overstrain with overweight, sprains and dislocations, prolonged stress associated with professional activities, rheumatoid arthritis and others. Deformation that develops gradually can lead to disability. Therapy is usually conservative. In especially severe cases, surgery is prescribed. Massage is also effective.
If the joints crackle during movement, this may indicate the presence of a disease such as ankylosis. This pathology is characterized by limited mobility up to absolute immobility. Ankylosis develops as a result of fusion of the surfaces of joints in dystrophic or infectious processes in an advanced course. Intra-articular fractures can also provoke the disease. Ankylosis also occurs with prolonged exposure to a plaster cast. The disease is accompanied by severe pain during movement. As a rule, the disease is cured by surgery. Surgical intervention involves replacing the affected joint with a prosthesis.
To prevent crunching, experts recommend carefully monitoring the diet and avoiding overweight, not overloading the joints, treating their diseases on time, preventing an excess of calcium, and doing physical education.
If there are signs of arthrosis, the doctor may prescribe a course of chondroprotectors. They help restore cartilage. The course of intramuscular injection is usually from fifteen to thirty injections.
Along with this, vasodilating drugs that improve blood circulation to the joints are also recommended.
In the cold period, salt baths are effective at home. At the same time, natural complexes containing extracts of medicinal plants (chamomile, pine, sage) and salts of trace elements are recommended. After baths, it is useful to rub a small amount of fir oil into the joints.