Types of Crepitus
Following are some common types of crepitus:
- Shoulder Crepitus
If your shoulder joints get cracked and popped during the moment of your arms, this condition refers to “shoulder Crepitus” which is caused by variety of reasons. It is either due to the roughness on surface of shoulder joints or from sinews cracking over a bony prominence. The movement of fluids in the joints may create popping sound due to the changing of pressure occurred by arms movement. Shoulder weakness can also be associated with the condition of shoulder crepitus. A torn rotator cuff can also lead to this disorder.
- Knee crepitus
It refers to a vibration or noise arising in the region surrounding the knee joint. This occurs particularly during extension or flexion of the knee joint. The disorder often develops due to a torn meniscus (semilunar cartilage) or degeneration of the patellofemoral joint. It also occurs due to benign conditions and adherence or scarring of the joint capsule or bursa. The condition is also known as patellar crepitus, affecting the patella, or kneecap.
- Crepitus in the neck
As the name suggests, it is a kind of crackling that affects only the neck. The condition is characterized by an uneasy feeling in the neck and is accompanied by a loud creaking or cracking. Individuals with crackling neck are usually found to have suffered neck injuries in the past or swelling of the soft tissues or ligaments in the neck. It is not caused by a bone condition. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used for the initial treatment of the neck crepitus.
- Scapular crepitus
This disease is caused by a thickening and swelling of the tissues within the shoulder blade and the scapula. Repetitive movements are usually a reason behind inflammation. The repetition of certain movements such as shoulder as hanging objects or throwing baseballs can result in inflammation of the joints. This disease is usually treated with the help of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin. These non-surgical methods are usually successful in treating this disease. However, rest, ice and occupational or physical therapy may also benefit people who suffer from this condition.
- Crepitus Retropatellar
This is a form of crackling affecting the retro (rear) position of the patella. This usually involves grinding the bones of the joints or two broken bones together. This results in popping, cracking or grating sounds below the joints and skin.