Clicking joints is something that concerns many of us, especially the patients at Paul Gough Physio Rooms… But what is the cause of it and why does it happen?
A joint that decides to ‘pop’ or make a clicking sound can sometimes feel worrying, especially as you get older.
I’m sure that we’ve all moved at least once and felt our joints making a clicking noise whether this was in your knees, back, shoulders, or even knuckles.
The main thing to understand is that, more often than not, these noises are common and come along with the inevitable consequence of growing older.
Chances are that if you’re 50+, clicks and pops might even be one of the first sounds that you hear when you get out of bed on a morning, and it’s likely that you’ll hear your knees creaking or clicking when you bend your legs too…
Which is why all of our reading is essential for those aged 50+… We want to help you make better choices about your health and lifestyle.
Why Do My Joints Make Noise?
Our joints make noises when the bubbles in the fluid that lubricates our joints pop, or when our bones rub against one another.
Joint sounds can come and go depending on your posture, position, and how you move around… the bottom line is that joints simply can make a sound.
Knee Joints Clicking
The knee joint is probably one of the more popular places for our joints to click…
Think about it!
We move around every single day, and it’s your knees’ job to act like a cushion that protects your body by absorbing the shock it receives each time your foot hits the floor.
Every day walking, jogging, playing golf, bowling, or enjoying a simple stroll can be a lot of impact for your knees to take over the years.
As a result, the protective cartilage (the cushion I spoke about) can begin to wear down, which causes the clicking noises to start as your joints rub together.
Knuckles Clicking
I’m sure we’ve all seen someone cracking their knuckles before… and I’m also sure that you’ve heard the old wives tale of it causing arthritis.
Cracking your knuckles can annoy the people around you, but it probably won’t increase your risk for arthritis.
When you crack your knuckles, the sound is coming from compressed bubbles that develop in the spaces of your points… remember that fluid we spoke about?
That’s what it is!
How Can I Stop My Joints From Clicking?
There isn’t one single reason why your joints will be clicking as much as they do, but there is one major solution that I recommend – keep moving.
Pretty simple, I know.
The more you move, the more you lubricate your joints.
Regular movement and exercise is ideal to keep your joints healthy, this is because it allows fluid to move around them and stops them from clicking as much.
Our Top Tip: One of the main things you can do is stretch properly and warm up before doing any exercise to prevent injuring yourself.
Here’s a video from our physio, Jonny, showing us some of the easiest ways to stretch!
How Do I Prevent Injuring Myself?
Before and aftercare is one of the most important things when it comes to keeping your joints and muscles healthier (and pain free!) for longer.
Our top tips for preventing injuries (especially in your knees) are essential for anyone wanting to look after their health and keep active.
Here’s our top physio tips…
Use Ice
If you feel that nagging pain beginning, or notice slight swelling, make sure to apply ice wrapped in a tea towel for 20-minute intervals. This will reduce swelling and tenderness in the area, along with help the muscles to cool down and return to their natural state.
Take It Easy
Remember that we’ve been in a pandemic for 16-months, your exercise levels may not be what they were 2 years ago. Make sure you take it easy and know your limits!
Stay Hydrated
By staying hydrated, you’re reducing the risks of cramp (which causes muscle sprain) and you’re also looking after your blood sugar levels which can stop you from feeling light-headed and dizzy!
Remember that too much of a good thing can be bad. Over-exercising can lead to exhaustion and issues with your joints (they might do more than just click!) so remember to always listen to your body.
It’s a marathon – not a sprint!
We’re Here To Help…
For more tips on how to put an end to knee pain and stiffness – without taking painkillers, without risking surgery, and without having to wait to see the GP, click here to download a free copy of Paul’s popular knee pain report.
If you’re in pain and would like to talk to us about getting some help, some specialist advice, or if you are looking for a diagnosis, remember we are always here to help you…. and we’re offering you the chance to have your first session with a physio for FREE (with a taster session).
If you would like to get one of our limited taster session slots, please click here to complete our enquiry form or CALL us on 01429 866771.
P.S. Do you know someone with clicking joints?
Who do you know that is always telling you about their aches and pains? We would love to help them live a pain-free life too.
That person could be someone who you live with, work with, or an extended friend or family member, who is maybe suffering with some kind of ache or pain that we can fix.
Forward this blog post full of health tips on to them. Even better, if you refer someone to come and see us at the clinic, you’ll be entered into our ‘Referral for Rewards’ prize draw, to say a huge thank you.
You might know Paul as an expert Columnist who writes weekly health articles for TWO of the North East's biggest daily Newspapers, The Northern Echo And The Hartlepool Mail, he is a regular Speaker at Industry Seminars around the globe and a Radio Personality, often heard on the BBC. Paul has been an expert guest on dozens of Radio shows and regularly interviewed in newspapers, magazines and trade journals all over the world, including the Guardian.
Paul’s background included working extensively in the Premier League with a Top Professional Football Team, and since quitting his job in Professional Football in 2007, his Physio Practice has become the fastest growing in the UK and biggest in the North East. So successful, that companies like BUPA, ASDA, The Vela Group And Coast & Country, repeatedly retain his Physio company's services to keep healthy their own staff and workforce. Paul Gough Physio Rooms is now a large multi-physio, multi clinic speciality practice in Darlington, Durham, Guisborough and Hartlepool.
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