What Is Crepitus?
Periodic cracking of the joints is a fairly common, harmless occurrence; however, regular or recurring crackling and grating noises are not typical and are signs of a more serious condition. The condition is typically defined or characterized as frequent grinding or crunching within a joint. The noise or sensation is the result of the joint surfaces or tissues rubbing together.
A symptom of previous joint injury or arthritis, crepitus can be categorized into several different types. The most common are bone, joint and bursitis. Bone crepitus involves two fractured bone fragments moving against one another. Joint crepitus deals more specifically with the movement of the joint, exhibiting the characteristic sensation as the joint is moved. Bursitis actually is the result of inflammation of bursae within the body and is felt if the fluid within the bursae contains fibrous segments.
Crepitus typically affects the weight bearing joints of the body including the hips, knees, wrists, and ankles. Crepitus neck is another fairly common form of the condition. While crepitus is not normally painful, it can cause pain if the cartilage between the joints is becoming coarse or rough or if a bone is broken exposing jagged edges.
By definition, crepitus is actually a symptom of an underlying condition. As such, the underlying condition must be determined before an effective treatment can be found. In any case, a number of common natural treatments are available to help mediate the condition. Taking a daily supplement of magnesium chloride or vitamin D has been shown to relieve symptoms and eradicate crackling bones. Additional treatments involve increased physical activity and weight loss. Physical therapy is often used to treat crepitus neck.
