A feeling of noise when moving a joint.
Crepitus is a type of noise (perceived as a clicking, popping, cracking, or crunching sound) when a joint moves. Crepitus in a joint can be noticed by people of any age, but it is especially common in the elderly.
It is necessary to determine the cause if the crepitus is accompanied by pain or discomfort.
This sensation can occur in any part of the body, but is most common in:
- Knee;
- Hands;
- Feet;
- Hip;
- Shoulder.
Causes include:
- Air bubbles in the joint;
- Bone rubbing;
- Tendon or ligament tearing.
Crepitus is a symptom of the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis;
- Trauma;
- Tendinitis;
- Baker's cyst;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Gout;
- Psoriatic arthritis.
In a large percentage of clinical cases, specific treatment is not required, and applying ice wrapped in tissue to the painful joint or taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is completely sufficient.
However, treatment is provided when the patient's daily rhythm is significantly impaired due to other acute symptoms.
Acute clinical cases can be managed with the following treatment measures:
- Steroid injection;
- Arthroscopy;
- Joint replacement.
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