Question
Hi,

I just have some questions as to what is really going on with my body. Last year, i noticed both my knees all of a sudden start to pop. And from there, it started to occur more frequently and now it happens a lot when i extend my leg only (it locks up slightly but i can make it pop). From there, my ankles, wrists, and elbows start to pop and crack (elbows lock little though). For the most part i feel no pain at all when these popping and crackign sensations occur. from time to time, my knees to get slightly sore but maneagable. i can still play sports if i wanted to and run. Is this something of a concern?? I hope its not cancerous or its a degenerative disease because im only 21 which makes me nervous adn scared. thanks for the help!

-michael

Answer
Dear Mike,

Please understand that answering a couple of questions on the internet doesn't substitute for an evaluation with a good physician.  Please make sure that you follow your doctor's orders.  That being said, here are a couple of thoughts:



Cracking and popping of the joints is usually benign....

But it can be the sign of joint deterioration or joint component injury.

For example, my knee used to click and pop, and it would catch from time to time. This began after in had sustained a pretty nasty injury of the knee playing basketball. MRI confirmed that it was a cartilage tear, which needed to be trimmed surgically and removed.

The fact that it is involving multiple joints, right and left, upper and lower extremities does not make me think that this is "cancerous".

There are some arthritic conditions that affect those that are young.  If I were you, I would go to my medical doctor and have some blood tests run to see if you have any blood markers that indicate arthritis, and see what he/she says. I would consider having an orthopedist evaluate your knees, especially if there is any history of trauma to the knees.

As I said at the onset, however, most clicking and popping doesn't indicate anything at all.  The important thing is to take the steps that you need to take to put your mind at ease.

Good Luck,

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com