Dr. Kristina Serotenko notes that joint cracking accompanied by pain may be an early sign of arthritis.
Arthritis is characterized by the gradual and chronic deterioration of joint cartilage, often without actual inflammation. As the cartilage wears down, bones may rub against each other during movement, producing cracking or popping sounds. Pain usually occurs during activity and subsides with rest, while joint deformity is a hallmark of the condition.
اضافة اعلان
Arthritis primarily affects middle-aged and older adults, particularly those over 65, due to age-related weakening and damage to cartilage. Chronic diseases, unsuitable work conditions, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition also increase the risk, which can reduce quality of life and make even simple movements, like standing up from a sofa, painful.
However, Dr. Serotenko cautions that joint cracking does not always indicate osteoarthritis. Other potential causes include gas bubbles in synovial fluid, dehydration, excessive physical activity, infections, injuries, salt deposits, or misalignment of tendons and ligaments.
She advises against self-treatment and recommends consulting a doctor to accurately determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
