The human body produces a variety of sounds that can generate uncertainty, especially when they come from knees, shoulders or fingers. The snaps, clicks and joint crunches They are common phenomena in everyday life, but understanding their origin is essential to differentiate a natural process from a possible medical condition.
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Experts from the Harvard University have analyzed these sound manifestations to provide clarity on their operation. According to Dr. Toni Golen, a physician at Harvard Women’s Health Watch, lMost of these noises are harmless and should not be a cause of distress if they occur in isolation.
The causes behind trachydes
There are various biological mechanisms that explain why a joint can become noisy. One of the most frequent is the release of dissolved gases, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide, into the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints.
When you make a movement, the internal pressure changes, causing these bubbles to collapse or burst, generating the characteristic clicking sound.
In addition to this gaseous phenomenon, the physical structure of our body plays a relevant role:
- He displacement of ligaments and tendons which, when moving, can gently rub on bony prominences and make a clicking sound.
- He natural wear and tear of the joint surfaces that occurs progressively over the years.
- The lack of physical activitysince the sedentary lifestyle It encourages tissues to adopt static positions that creak when movement is resumed.
“Our joints can become noisier as we age. However, if these clicks, creaks or squeaks do not cause pain, there is no need to be overly concerned,” explained specialist Toni Golen in statements collected by Harvard Health.
Sedentary lifestyle as an aggravating factor
The prolonged inactivity It is one of the reasons why the joints seem to “protest” when we get up from a chair or after spending a long time still. During these periods, the tissues may undergo slight position alterations. When moving again, these structures return to their usual place, producing the noise.
Arthritis causes pain, inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Photo:iStock
The medical recommendation is simple: increase daily movement. Regular physical activity not only reduces the frequency of these noises, but improves the natural lubrication of the joints, strengthens the surrounding muscles and prevents stiffness.
When it is necessary to seek medical attention
Although sound alone rarely indicates damage, the situation changes radically when the noise manifests itself alongside other physical signs. Dr. Golen emphasizes that pain is the main warning sign.
If the crackling sounds are accompanied by Swelling, heat in the area, redness or an obvious limitation in performing normal movements could be symptoms of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.. Among the associated pathologies are arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis or even lupus.
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Bursitis involves inflammation of the serous sacs that cushion the friction between bones and tendons, while arthritis manifests itself with persistent pain and stiffness, especially in the morning. “Talking to your doctor is the best way to determine the cause of your symptoms and what measures can help relieve them,” Golen said in an interview with Harvard Health.
As long as joint sounds do not cause discomfort, instability or weakness, they are considered part of the mechanical functioning of the body. Staying active and monitoring the appearance of pain is the best strategy to maintain healthy mobility over time.
*Article developed with AI support and reviewed by a journalist.
