No matter your age, joints popping when you stand up, flex your hand, or stretch your arm can grab your attention and the attention of those around you. But when it’s painless, does it matter? And if it’s painful, how can you get it to stop?
Is wrist popping good or bad?
Most joint popping, knuckle cracking, or other involuntary noises that happen in the course of your normal life are harmless and common. However, you’re the best judge of what’s “normal” for your body, so if any noises from your wrists or other joints are accompanied by discomfort, pain, or a change in function, it may be worth getting looked at.
And contrary to folk wisdom, cracking or popping your knuckles or wrists won’t cause arthritis in those joints later on. This is because the cause of the noise when you pop a joint simply doesn’t affect the health of the structures located there, especially not in any way that’s similar to how arthritis eventually causes pain.
Causes of wrist popping and pain
Not everyone’s wrist popping or cracking is caused by the same thing, so it’s important to take general advice with a grain of salt and a healthy awareness of how your wrist feels specifically. Common reasons your wrist may be popping but not in pain are:
- Ligaments or tendons rubbing past another ligament or tendon
- Gas being released from a synovial membrane
- Creation of negative pressure zone where skin and fascia separate
- Worn-down joints rubbing together (crepitus)
If your wrist has suddenly started popping, cracking, or making other noises more often, or if the noise is accompanied by pain or discomfort, there may be a different underlying cause that may or may not be a concern. Conditions that often affect the wrist and sometimes include popping or cracking sounds can include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Wrist arthritis
- Wrist tendonitis
- Tendon or ligament damage
- Hypermobile joints
If you suspect your wrist isn’t functioning normally, especially if you’re in pain, don’t hesitate to reach out for an appointment where our physical therapists can take a look at your symptoms and let you know what exactly is going on.
At-home treatment for wrist popping
The treatment recommended for at-home care or physical therapy varies widely by the cause of your wrist pain and the overall condition of your joints and health. Some people have minor injuries that benefit from active rest and gentle strengthening exercises, whereas others may be experiencing the first symptoms of a chronic condition that won’t go away over time.
Generally, wrist pain at home can be treated with a combination of:
- Rest
- Ice/heat application
- Compression
- Elevation
It may be helpful to wear a wrist brace or other device that helps stabilize (but not completely immobilize) the joint to allow your body to heal if there’s any damage. If you’re still experiencing pain or discomfort after a week or more, or the pain worsens suddenly, it’s probably time to see a specialist.
Specialist evaluation for wrist pain or popping
A physical therapist is an accessible way to get targeted answers and a plan forward for conditions like wrist pain or popping that may be bothering you but don’t warrant a trip to your primary care provider. Learn more about how the physical therapists at Back in Motion may be able to help you by calling one of our nearby clinics or by requesting an appointment online today.
