Clicking Joints

[crgb14]

I've got worryingly bad clicking joints in body. You name it, it cracks / clicks.

Why does it happen and what can i do / take to stop this happening. I'm worried about the whole arthritis thing.

[FP]

Are you a teenager?  For some reason unknown to me most teenage boys I know have clicking, cracking joints.  Perhaps it's something to do with growth spurts.  Nothing to worry about, I can remember my son sitting clicking all his joints and making me feel quite sick (shoulders, ankles, knees, fingers - you name it, he clicked it).  It doesn't indicate arthritis.

However, phone the NHS Direct line and discuss it with a professional if you are worried.

[artee]

If you have arthritis crgb14 you would be suffering with pain. Some clicks are not bone on bone, they are gas pockets. Don't know which one yours is of course. Gas pockets never generate pain, and there is no danger of arthritis. I have read of a substance that could be taken, but cannot remember what it was as that was years ago, and I, and others I know, never needed it anyway, as all of the clicks disappeared after a while.
If you are able to click on the address following it is explained in full. Not too lengthy to read, but too lengthy to copy onto this box. 
http://www.studentbmj.com/back_issues/1097/data/1097ed2.htm
hope this is helpful. 

[Mistopheles]

Cracking joints are usually indicitave of air in the joint, and rarely herald arthritis. Unless you have pain or any other symptoms, don't worry.

[nik74]

I have the same problem and have done for a number of years.  This morning I was at the doctors about something else, but mentioned it to him whilst i was there.  He said as long as it isn't causing me any pain, there is nothing to worry about, and it's not necessarily a sign of having arthritis in future years.  This put my mind at rest, hope it does for you too!