What Makes the Joint Noises?

In our daily routine we all have experienced such joint noises. Some people
found these sounds very embarrassing while others are quiet worried about their
consequences. Everybody is curious to know the cause behind these noises. So
let us know about the basic causes for these sounds:

Pop up sound when we crack our knuckle joints: When we crack our joint,
the joint capsule stretches. The stretching of capsule is limited mainly due to the
volume of the joint that is maintained by the amount of synovial fluid contained
in it. The synovial fluid cannot expand unless the pressure inside the capsule
drops to a point at which the dissolved gases can escape the solution; when the
gases come out of solution, they increase the volume and hence the mobility of
the joint. The cracking or popping sound is thought to be caused by release of
gas from the solution that allows a little stretch of the capsule. The joint cannot
be cracked again until the gases have dissolved back into the synovial fluid,
which explains why you cannot crack the same knuckle repeatedly.

Snap or crack sound during work out in Gym: The click or soft snapping
sound that comes during work out in gym indicates muscle tightness. Rubbing
and friction of tendon over the bone creates these sounds.

Joint noises from knee or ankle joint while standing from seated position:
These popping sounds are thought to be mainly due to sudden shuffling of the
tendons. On the movement of joint, the tendon changes its position with respect
to the joint followed by sudden return of tendon to its original position causes a
snapping sound.

Crepitus or grinding sound from joints: These sounds are more common in
older people. These are because of gradual wearing of the cartilage present
between the joint surfaces. Successively the joint surfaces become little
irregular and rough. The crepitus or grinding sound produces due to the rubbing
of these rough joint surfaces against each other during the movement.