Noisy joints are a common complaint. This problem may be associated with varying degrees of pain, but there may be absolutely no pain. In either case – the fact that you can hear a noise when moving about is a sign that something is awry.

The most significant areas that can be involved are the joints of the hips, knees and shoulders. These joints may click due to a number of reasons. There may be a bony growth caused by overuse or damage or it may simply be caused by short and tight muscles which alter the arrangement of the joint.

A bony growth will most commonly cause pain. So if you are experiencing pain along with your noisy joint it is highly advisable to seek a health professional such as a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist for advice.

If there is no pain associated with your noisy joint, a likely cause will be the altered arrangement of the joint anatomy. Tight muscles will pull on the bony structures, which effectively alters the foundation of the building that is your body. An example is at the shoulder; tight chest and upper shoulder muscles will cause the shoulders to sit forward. This will alter the small spaces through which muscles and tendons pass. When the passage of these tissues is altered, they can be pushed out of their normal space but then click back in, causing noise (this would happen very quickly).

This altered structure also causes a friction or rubbing and can cause inflammation. The end result will be pain. It is recommended that the problem be addressed before pain becomes associated with the noise. Not all cases will end in pain, however it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health of your body. For more information call bodytrack health and fitness on 07 3870 4119 or visit the website www.bodytrack.com.au