Why do my toe joints crack, click or pop? In fact, why do any of my joints make noises is a common question asked to me. Why do I have clicking joints? Well, the first thing to say is that joint “cracking” or “clicking” is normal and very common and is often used by massage therapists and reflexologists to indicate an effective treatment as you hear that sometimes satisfactory “snap” as the toes are pulled or stretched and feel they have been put back in place.
It’s perfectly normal to hear these noises and in most cases, it will be harmless. Indeed, they are not being put back into place, they are in the same place they were before, it’s just that you heard a noise in between.
Why Do I Have Clicking Joints?
WHY ARE MY JOINTS NOISY?
The cause of the clicking joints is complex but is either due to pressure changes or snapping tendons. All human joints have a small amount of fluid called synovial fluid which acts as a lubricant to prevent friction and stiffness. The joint is surrounded by a capsule which is like a vacuum seal. A click is thought to come from a change in pressure and volume of the joint as small bubbles of oxygen or nitrogen form and burst causing a snapping sound. In addition, joints are held together by ligaments and moved by tendons. Both ligaments and tendons can rub over nobbly bits to your toe bones causing a snapping sound as well. The more nobbly your toes are, the more common this is.
SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT MY CLICKING JOINTS?
If the clicking noises coming from your toes are painless, it’s safe to say that they are likely to be harmless. Clicking joints are very common. If you feel pain when your toes click or notice any redness or swelling, then it could indicate a problem such as joint or soft tissue damage and I would recommend you seek expert assessment and advice.
COULD MY POPPING JOINTS BE A SIGN OF AN UNDERLYING DISEASE?
As a rule, clicking toes that are not painful are innocent and just normal. Some people have more clicky toes than others and it may be due to the stretchiness of their ligaments. Studies that have tried to find an association between clicking toes and arthritis in the main show no connection between them whatsoever. However, if you are over stretchy then repetitive use of your joints outside of their normal range of movement can put pressure on the joints increasing the chance of wear and tear long term. The stretchiness of soft tissues is a spectrum. Most people are within the normal range, but some people are over stretchy and have a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility syndrome. If you are concerned about your joints, it’s always worth seeking expert advice who in the main will be able to reassure you.
WHAT SELF HELP MEASURES CAN I DO FOR CLICKING JOINTS?
It is really important to have well fitted and supportive shoes and to do regular foot exercises to keep the muscles strong and to avoid over-bending of the joints.
It’s also important to work on your core stability with exercises like Pilates and other core strengthening work as strong muscles, in particular a strong core, protects your joints. Remember, if you are experiencing pain or swelling in your any joint, please do seek medical advice.
In summary, clicking, popping, cracking, or snapping joints are normal, so don’t worry, be happy.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU SUFFER FROM CLICKING JOINTS?
- What is causing my symptoms?
- Do I need any special tests?
- What’s the best treatment plan for me?
- Are there any alternatives to what you are suggesting?
- Is there anything I need to avoid?
- Do you recommend any patient information guides or websites for more information?
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