Question
QUESTION: Hi there!

I'm 61. I noticed about 12 months ago that I could hear my bones sort of rubbing together as I walked. I saw my GP and got no help. It's now to the point where my bones make noises all the time. It's not just walking but most things. eg. if I'm lying on a couch and get up I hear a crack. Getting out of bed, things crack. Getting out of a chair. Nearly every form of movement ends up with some sort of cracking noise. If I walk up stairs, every leg movement cause a crack until I get on level ground. Any ideas what's going on? What tests should I have done?

Thanks you.

ANSWER: When there is no pain associated with the cracking, it is usually your body just releasing tension in the joints.  Muscle tension can also contribute to this, so a regimen of stretching may be beneficial.

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QUESTION: Thanks you so much for your answer. That's good news however, I'm still concerned that as this is happening with probably about 40% of every major movement I make, that this can't be normal. There's possibly over 100 cracks a day that are audible. Before this started, I might mear a crack perhaps once every three or four days..... Perhaps not even as frequent as that. Am I deficient in something? Every step I take when walking upstairs is accompanied by rubbing of bones noises. Thanks for your excellent help.  Dean

ANSWER: I would then suggest as a first step a visit to your family doctor to have any medical issues ruled out.  He/She may find a deficiency that may be causing the noises.  A trip to a good chiropractor may also get you answers, as a more thorough examination could be performed.

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QUESTION: Yes, I've done been to the GP. I only go when my wife forces me to when some problem has come up. When I've dealt with that problem, I always mention the cracking bones thing. Every time they gave me the old "take three aspirin and call me never" routine. If it is diet related, what test should I be asking for? Alternatively, if I'm not asking you the right questions, can you tell me what is the name of the specialist area I'm looking for? Am I after an appointment with say a Bone Specialist or a Dietician or Orthopaedic Specialist. I've been told I may have arthritis. I don't even know how to actaully have this confirmed. Could arthritis be causing this?

Thanks again

Dean

Answer
Arthritis may be causing the cracking noises.  Since your GP "ignores" your request, I would suggest finding a good chiropractor to asses and possibly treat you.  If you are in need of another specialty in addition, they should be able to make that referral.