Have you ever heard a 'click', 'tuck', or something like a clicking sound when you raise your arm, rotate it back, or just shake your shoulder? This is not only from the shoulder, but for some people it can also come from the knee, elbow, or neck. In medicine, this sound when a joint is moved is called
crepitus . Most of the time, it is painless and harmless. However, if you experience shoulder pain along with this sound, it could be a sign of damage to the cartilage or tissues in your joint.
Why is this shoulder making this noise? What are the reasons?
Our shoulder joint is a very complex and important joint. The humerus, the bone in our upper arm, is connected to the scapula by a series of cartilages, muscles, and tendons. If there is a slight change or problem in any of these connections, you may start to hear different sounds coming from your shoulder. Especially as we age, these problems and the resulting sounds in the shoulder joint can become more common. Let's take a look at the main causes of this.
| Reason | Simply put... |
|---|
| Gas bubbles (Cavitation) | Air bubbles that collect inside the joints burst when you suddenly move your limbs. It's like breaking a finger. This doesn't cause any harm or pain. |
| Bursitis | This sound can occur when the cushion-like sacs between the joints called bursa become inflamed. This can also be accompanied by a stabbing pain and a feeling of warmth in the shoulder. |
| Cartilage tear (Labral tears) | If the labrum, the cartilage that connects the arm to the shoulder, tears due to overuse or an accident, it can cause a popping sound and persistent pain when the arm is moved. |
| Arthritis | Over time, as the cartilage in the joints wears down, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing a clicking or grinding sound. |
| Old fractures | If a bone in the shoulder is broken in a past accident and does not heal properly, the surface of the bone loses its smoothness and becomes bumpy. This can cause a clicking sound when you move your arm. |
| Bone tumors (Osteochondromas) | A benign, non-cancerous bone tumor that develops in the shoulder or ribs. These can also cause a clicking sound in the shoulder, but may not cause any other symptoms. |
How does this noise affect our health? Should we be afraid?
This is the most important thing you need to understand here.
Imagine that your shoulder makes a popping sound every now and then, but if you don't feel any pain, discomfort, swelling, or warmth , there's nothing to worry about. Your shoulder is probably healthy.
However, if you experience
pain, warmth, swelling, or stiffness in your shoulder along with this noise, you may need medical attention. If conditions that accompany this type of pain are left untreated, the condition of the joint can worsen over time. Even small amounts of damage to the cartilage can add up to a big problem. An injury that could have healed with simple treatments, if ignored for months or years, may eventually require surgery. Therefore, if you are constantly experiencing pain and a clicking sound when using your shoulder,
be sure to see your doctor to discuss the cause and treatment.
What are the treatments for crepitus?
A doctor will never treat just the noise coming from your shoulder. They will focus on treating
the underlying condition that caused the noise . Once the cause is treated, the noise will go away on its own. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend one or more of these treatments.
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications: If you have a joint condition like arthritis , medications like Ibuprofen and Naproxen can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical therapy: If a joint has been damaged due to an accident, physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and tendons , reduce stiffness and pain, and restore movement to the joint.
- Corticosteroid shots: If joint pain and swelling increase over time due to an accident or arthritis, your doctor may recommend a steroid injection into the joint. This can quickly reduce swelling and help with the healing process.
- Surgery : In cases of serious injury, tendon rupture, or bone spur, surgery is the best solution. After surgery, your joint will be more comfortable, easier to use, and the unnecessary noise will disappear.
If there is no pain, how can I control this condition at home?
If your shoulder makes an occasional popping sound without any pain, there are a few things you can do to prevent it from getting worse.
Maintaining good posture
If you are someone who slouches and leans forward all the time, it can cause your shoulder joints to shift out of alignment. This can cause gas bubbles to collect inside the joint, increasing the noise. Simply keeping your posture straight can sometimes help reduce this noise.
Ice-laying
If you think you're making a noise because of a minor injury, such as a sprain or strain, applying ice can help. Apply ice to your shoulder for 10-15 minutes several times a day. This will help reduce swelling and ease discomfort while it heals.
Exercises that help reduce shoulder noise
Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint provides good support for the joint. This can help prevent discomfort and unnecessary noise. But remember,
if you already have pain, do not exercise without consulting a doctor or physiotherapist. For those who do not have pain, gentle exercises that do not put too much pressure on the joints, such as yoga, Pilates, and swimming, are very good. Here are some simple exercises you can do at home:
- Crossover Arm Stretch: Bring one arm straight across your chest. With the other hand, grab the top of your elbow and slowly pull it toward your chest for about 30 seconds. Then do the same with the other arm.
- Scapula Setting: This is a bit of a special exercise.
- Lie on your stomach on the floor. Place a pillow under your forehead to make your head comfortable. Keep your arms at your sides.
- So, slowly bring your shoulder blades together and move them down your back as far as you can.
- Then relax back about half the distance you brought it, and hold that position for 10 seconds.
- Relax completely and do this again about 10 times.
If you are recovering from an accident, doing these exercises two or three times a week will help keep your shoulders strong.
Take-Home Message
- If you're hearing a 'crackling' or grinding sound (crepitus) coming from your shoulder, it could be a message from your body.
- If there is no pain, swelling, or discomfort associated with this noise, there is no reason to worry about it. It is usually not harmful.
- However, if you have pain, warmth, or difficulty moving your shoulder along with the noise, don't ignore it. Definitely see your doctor .
- Maintaining good posture and doing simple exercises that strengthen the shoulders can help control this condition.
crepitus, shoulder pain, shoulder clicking, joint pain, shoulder pain, shoulder pain, clicking, joint inflammation, arthritis, physiotherapy treatment
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