Cracking Joints
Q: My problem developed gradually. My joints, especially my ankles, crack constantly (I'm not exaggerating when I say that). When I walk or sway from side to side, they crack with each step.
As an active woman of 35, I hate to think that this is permanent. Could it be a vitamin deficiency? Or do I need to build up the muscles around the joints? Thanks so much for your help!
A: Ann Rosenthal, MD, a rheumatologist who teaches at the Medical College of Wisconsin, told me that the most common question that she gets asked by medical students is "Why do my knees creak?"
She explained that creaking joints are actually not unusual in healthy people. Hips and knees are often involved, especially in young adults. As long as there is no pain involved, one does not need to worry. It does not represent arthritis or other joint disease and is not related to any vitamin deficiency or ligament weakness. Toning and strengthening your muscles is always a good idea, but you'll probably still snap, crackle, and pop when you walk.
Article Created: 1998-07-23
Article Updated: 2004-10-08
"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.
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