Physiotherapy for Cracking Joints

Cracking Joints Treatment & Therapies and Mobility Exercises

Primarily known as Crepitus, joint cracking or popping is described by clicking, popping, or crackling sound in the joint. This sound actually means that there is air present in the joint, which is completely harmless. People will mostly note this popping sound in the knee regions but can happen in other joints as well as the neck, elbow, and shoulder.

Normally, the sound is nothing to be worrying about. But, if that sound comes with pain, then it is a sign of tear and wear or any injury of the joint areas. In case the Crepitus is painful, it is better to consult a doctor. The reliable physiotherapists have some of the best non-invasive techniques, which will focus on therapies and free mobility exercises to get rid of pain and the popping sound as a whole.

Plan Consultation

Tests for Cracking Joints

Depending on the joint where you hear the popping sound and facing the pain, the examinations will vary. Most of the time, doctors will recommend an X-ray of the chosen area, followed by some blood samples. But, there are various types of impingement tests that take place if the doctor wants to get to the core of the pain. Some of those tests are:

  • Neer test or Neer sign
  • Hawkins-Kennedy test
  • Coracoid impingement test
  • Yocum test
  • Cross-arm test
  • Jobe’s test

Overall, it is a joint pain that you are dealing with, and physical exams are the best way to get to the core of the issue.

Physiotherapy for Cracking Joints Treatment

Physiotherapists are qualified healthcare experts who have experience in assessing the joints. If discomfort, pain, heat, or swelling is experienced with some clicking joints, then one proper assessment will be a good call to address. It will help in providing a reason to where his pain is arising from and rule out or prevent any injury, which can deteriorate potentially. Based on the case of the clicking sound within the joint, the cracking joints treatment will vary. If caused because of an injury within the joint or arthritis, the treatments are mostly aimed to decrease the pain, optimize the healing process and improve joint integrity. Some of the major treatments are listed below:

Physiotherapy for Cracking Joints: Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy as one proper medical treatment. Here, the therapy can include various treatments, which will include the proper use of electrical devices like deep brain stimulators for covering neurological diseases. Similarly, there are special tools and therapeutic sessions available for the joints to help you get relief from the popping sound of it all. This method helps in increasing local blood circulation and relaxes muscle spasms. So, getting your joint back on its track won’t be that tough with this method.

Physiotherapy for Cracking Joints: Acupuncture

Acupuncture might help in reducing some of the short-term pain and improve total physical functioning in long and short-term people suffering from knee osteoarthritis. More of the recent research states that the pain-relieving effects associated with acupuncture might last for a minimum of 12 months.

This method is perfect for removing inflammation in joints and even reduces the pain due to this procedure. If your joint pain and popping are due to rheumatoid arthritis, then acupuncture is the best way to treat the problem from its core.

Physiotherapy for Cracking Joints: Movement exercises or Mobility Exercises

Lack of movement can lead to some disastrous results and can also give rise to painful cracking joints, followed by pain and swelling. Therefore, some of the movement and mobility exercises from well-trained physiotherapists can help you understand the problem and provide the best results.

Stretching can help in improving flexibility, reduce stiffness and increase motion range. So, it is important for relieving from painful cracking joints , joint pains and some arthritis symptoms. The ideal stretching routine will differ from one person to another and also based on affected joints. 

Physiotherapists will ask you to provide walking as one low-impact free mobility exercise form to help with aerobic conditioning, mood, and heart and joint health. It is vital to wear the proper shoes while walking and also to keep hydrated.

Physiotherapy for Cracking Joints: Strengthening exercises

Strengthening exercises can also help keep Crepitus at bay. Some of the major active mobility exercises, as mentioned by the physiotherapist, will be calf raises, half squat, hamstring curl, leg extensions, straight leg raises, side leg raises, and even prone leg raises.

Physiotherapy for Cracking Joints: Self-management strategies

Physiotherapists will train you on some of the best Self-management strategies. The basic heat and cold compression, use of proper pain-relieving ointments on the affected areas, and yoga are just some of the basic strategies to address. On the other hand, you have balance training as part of the strategy.

Physiotherapy for Cracking Joints: Proprioceptive exercises

Proprioceptive exercises can help improve the condition of your joint. Some of the advanced exercises as presented by experts are single-leg squad, cone pick-ups, crossover walk, and more.

How PhysioTattva Can Help You Treated for Painful Cracking Joints

PhysioTattva makes it a point to hire only well-trained professionals to keep track of their patients’ recovery process and present top-notch services related to Cracking Joints Treatment. We have been associated with the physiotherapy world for decades now and know how to solve patient’s painful endeavors from the core. We will first examine the popping through some tests just to get to the core of it before offering the best treatment plan.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crepitus means?

Crepitus is primarily the result of a previous joint injury or arthritis. Crackling sound and irregular feeling in the joint can also result from air presence in tissues.

Can Crepitus go away?

It is hard to avoid Crepitus completely. But with some physiotherapy, you can control the level of pain and swell to a great extent.

How to treat Crepitus?

The first line of treatment is RICE, or rest, ice, compression, and elevation. But, if the pain persists, visiting a doctor is a good call.

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