Khaberni - Dr. Cristina Serotinko indicates that the sound of cracking accompanied by pain in the joint may be the first sign of arthritis.
Arthritis is known as chronic damage and gradual deterioration of the joint cartilage, which is typically not accompanied by actual inflammation. The cartilage degradation leads to bones rubbing against each other during joint movement, causing the cracking or clicking sound. Pain usually occurs when exerting effort and subsides with rest, while joint deformity is a characteristic feature of the disease.
Arthritis usually affects middle-aged and older individuals, especially after the age of 65, due to cartilage weakening and damage with age. Chronic diseases, unsuitable work conditions, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition also contribute to the increased risk, leading to diminished quality of life and making even simple movements like getting up from a couch painful.
However, Dr. Serotinko warns that joint cracking does not always indicate osteoarthritis; other potential causes exist like gas bubbles in the synovial fluid, dehydration, excessive physical activity, inflammations, injuries, salt deposits, and misalignment of tendons and ligaments.
Therefore, she advises against self-treatment and recommends consulting a doctor to accurately determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
