What's the matter with the squeaking sound when moving the arms and legs?

A netizen sent me a private message and said: When I was doing activities with my square dancing friends, many people had squeaking in their arms and legs. I was a little worried. Is it caused by calcium deficiency? It is suggested that I write a special article in this area, feeling that I should popularize relevant knowledge.

This situation is called "joint snapping" in clinical orthopedics. It is mainly divided into physiological snapping (that is, normal condition) and pathological snapping (that is, abnormal). Below we Let’s introduce them separately.

Physiological snapping

Almost everyone will have this experience: there is a joint snapping sound when moving the joint, which is relatively crisp and has no pain. We have seen in movies and TV shows that masters make a sound when they move their finger joints and swing their necks left and right before a battle. This sound is very powerful. This kind of snapping is physiological snapping. In fact, the change in pressure in the joint cavity has its characteristics. It means that the popping sound cannot be repeated in a short period of time. After the snapping, the joints can become more flexible, which has the effect of relaxing the meridians and rejuvenating the bones. This situation does not require special treatment, but it is not recommended to repeat such actions frequently. Over time, it will also be a chronic injury, which is not good for health.

Pathological snapping

Pathological snapping refers to joint snapping accompanied by corresponding joint pain, swelling and other discomforts. The reasons are mainly divided into: joint bony structural factors; soft tissue structural factors. In addition to being accompanied by pain, the popping sound is also characterized by special feelings such as dullness, friction, and the feeling of stepping on snow. When we encounter such a situation, please seek medical treatment promptly and provide appropriate examination and treatment.

The relationship between joint snapping and calcium deficiency

Needless to say, physiological snapping has nothing to do with calcium deficiency. As for the joint snapping caused by bony structures and abnormal bone metabolism, it is recommended to undergo osteoporosis-related examinations and provide appropriate calcium supplements.