Arthritis is defined as a chronic and progressive deterioration of articular cartilage, usually without actual inflammation. This cartilage degeneration causes bones to rub against each other during joint movement, resulting in a clicking or popping sound. Pain often occurs with exertion and subsides with rest, while joint deformity is a hallmark of the disease.
Arthritis typically affects middle-aged and older adults, especially after age 65, due to the weakening and deterioration of cartilage with age. Chronic diseases, poor working conditions, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition also contribute to an increased risk, leading to a reduced quality of life and making even simple movements like getting up from the couch painful.
But Dr. Serotenko warns that joint cracking does not always mean osteoarthritis, as there are other possible causes, such as gas bubbles in the synovial fluid, dehydration, excessive physical activity, inflammation, injuries, salt deposits, and misalignment of tendons and ligaments.
Therefore, it is advised not to self-medicate, and to consult a doctor to accurately determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.