RA and clicking joints?

joanne66

Hello,
i have RA and for the last year my joints click....they dont hurt when they click but its quite load, shoulders mainly. Rhummy just asked if it hurt when i said no he wasnt conserned... :!:
just wondered if anyone else had this and do you think it means joint damage for the future? :roll:
(just about to start my 3rd year of RA)

jo

mrsshazbat

I haven't been officially diagnosed yet, but odds are I have RA or PA and my joints click. At the moment, my left wrist clicks almost every time I move it. My knees and ankles click. There's no pain and it's not loud, in fact I just feel my wrist click, can't hear it.

stickywicket

I think clicking joints are a normal part of RA. I don't think it means you're any more likely to get joint damage than if they didn't click but that would really be a question for your rheumatologist at your next visit.

lizzieuk1

The general consensus for joint clicking is that its caused by a change of pressure in joint fluid - air bubbles suddenly coalescing and thus making a pop sound there are several theories but as I say most therapists follow this one. I think since in ra we have increased fluid there are more bubbles and hence more clicking! There are other causes such as tendon rub over bony prominences cartilage damage amongst others but you would usually feel that too rather than just experiencing sound.
So following the bubble theory it is thought to be totally benign and poses no increased risk of damage.

frogmorton

I think it's also called crepitus - well that's what my rheumy said anyway

Love

Toni xxx

lizzieuk1

frogmorton wrote:

I think it's also called crepitus - well that's what my rheumy said anyway

Love

Toni xxx

Yep crepitus is the tech term.

applerose

My rheumie told me it was nitrogen bubbles and nothing to worry about. I think everyone clicks to a certain degree even without arthur.

frogmorton

Just remembered my mum used to tell me not to 'click' my fingers or I'd get arthritis - I bet that's where the worry comes from. An old wive's tale :roll:

Love

Toni xxx

joanne66

Thanks for the replys folks, you are a clever bunch