"Crinkley" Joints

[GardenGirl639]

I just started "lifting" last week.

I noticed that when I do leg extensions, my knees crackle like they are full of saran wrap. Last night when I was working my shoulders, my shoulder started making the same noise. I am experiencing no pain while these joints are making this noise. However, I don't want to be doing something wrong and incur an injury.

Anyone know what causes this and how can I avoid it?

Thanks.

[amiga74]

well i don't know what it is either but i have crinkley knees too. maybe its cartilage or debris stuff rubbing? ewww! don't like to think about it.

but congrats on your progress and for starting lifting! it works!

[KajunDC]

This is oftentimes a result of dehydration. Humans should be 70-75% water. The average american is 52-56% water due to dehydration from lack of water and too much soda, coffee, juices, etc. At as little as 3% total body dehyration, water is sacrificed from spinal discs, ligaments, and joints of the body. This makes the tissue more leathery and will at times make that crinkling sound you are talking about. Start by trying to up your water intake.

Could also be mild arthritis. Glucosamine and MSM can help with that. You must take these for a few months to get the benefits.

Good luck.

[inatic]

it can also be nothing. many folks knees click. I forgot the name for it, will add when it comes to me. I think it begins with a C. Kajun?

[inatic]

Crepitus

Crepitus (joint noise) that is not associated with pain or swelling in the joint is not a reason to quit training.. The noise does not necessarily correlate with cartilage damage

[Pleiades]

My knees do it, too. Especially when squatting.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

That's what I was thinking, Ileen, crepitus. I have it also.

So Dr. Paul, how is crepitus different from what you've described and dehydration?

[KajunDC]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

That's what I was thinking, Ileen, crepitus. I have it also.

So Dr. Paul, how is crepitus different from what you've described and dehydration?

Definition of Crepitus

Crepitus (in the knees) is a fine crunching noise, usually on bending the knee from standing, reminiscent of crushing a packet of crispie rice breakfast cereal.

In the early stages it is felt, rather than heard, by laying the palm of the hand on the kneecap and bending the knees (while standing).

There is no clear consensus as to the mechanism of production of the sound, although most are in agreement that the kneecap mechanism is involved. It is related to a wearing of the joint cartildge.

Surgeons tend to be concerned about crepitus only if it is accompanied by pain, and talk of ‘physiological crepitus’. But there seems to be a continuum, where the timbre of the crepitus can be measured and shown to alter progressively as symptoms progress.
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That is the official definition.

Crepitus is the clinical name for the mild arthritic degeneration I was refering to. Exercise oftentimes improves this condition (due to muscle strengthening balancing stresses on the knee but it is caused by problems (wearing) of the joint cartildge that can, and oftentimes does, get worse over time.

If you are suffering from these symptoms, I'd definitely recommend the joint supplements (Glucosamine and MSM) to prevent further damage, help the mild damage present to heal before it gets to the point where symptoms begin, and to help prevent damage in the future.

It is nothing to stop exercising over, but you should be pro-active so that damage does not reach the point of pain and inflammation, which with continued degereration is likely to happen one day.

Think of the sound as an "oil light" in your car - meaning a warning sign. It is warning you before degeneration gets bad enough to give you symptoms. I would heed that warning.

[GardenGirl639]

Thank you, everyone, for replying.

I hope it's dehydration. I have been awful about drinking water lately and have been consuming too much coffee.

Kajun, if it is dehydration, how long do you think it would take to resolve?

If it ends up not being dehydration, do you know if it is safe to take Glucosamine and MSM with Synthroid? How much is recommended?


Thank you!

[amiga74]

thanks alot for the info about crepitus. i shall keep it in mind. i drink a ton of water, 48oz at a time, over a gallon a day so i don't believe dehydration is the issue for me.
again, thank you everyone! i will look into glucosamine.