It may be faint or loud enough for people to hear.
It often comes with a popping or crunching sensation, which can sometimes be uncomfortable or painful.
The termcrepitusis derived from the Latin for “rattling” or “creaking.”
Crepitus is not a condition, but rather a descriptive quality.
Healthcare providers use it to help pinpoint the source of a problem.
This article explains crepitus and some of its causes in the joints or the lungs.
It also discusses how crepitus can be a part of diagnosing and then treating a condition.
What Causes Joint Crepitus?
Crepitus of the joints is typically related to joint damage.
It may occur in tandem with a joint disorder or entirely independently.
They suddenly pop with strenuous movement.
It also needs treatment if you have other symptoms of joint damage, infection, or injury.
Joint Damage
Crepitus can occur when the rough surfaces of two joints rub together.
This causes the cartilage and bone to grate against each other physically.
When there is pain, it is typically related to advanced joint damage.
Pain also may be due to the compression or squeezing of nerves between the narrowed joint spaces.
These types of disorders are usually accompanied by pain and restricted movement.
What Causes Lung Crepitus?
Crepitus in the lungs is caused when collapsed or fluid-filled air sacs abruptly open when you breathe.
Also referred to as crackles orrales, the sounds are related to lung abnormalities.
Most often, the sounds signal that there may be lung scarring or a buildup of excess fluid.
Among some of the conditions for which rales are common:
How is Crepitus Diagnosed?
It may not warrant an extensive investigation or any treatment.
They may choose from several tests.
Imaging
Imaging tests may detect or help confirm a bone or joint injury.
Amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)scan may better detect any soft tissue damage.
Blood Tests
Your healthcare provider may order blood tests to check for infection or inflammation.
A blood test for RF would show this.
Antibodies Tests
Tests forantibodiesalso are used to confirm RA and other autoimmune disorders.
These occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues.
Arthrocentesis
Anarthrocentesisis a procedure done to remove fluid from a joint space with a needle.
The tests your healthcare provider will order depend on your symptoms and your medical history.
They also may include pulse oximetry and heart function tests.
Pulse Oximetry
Pulse oximetryis used to measure the level of oxygen in your blood.
The test relies on a simple probe, often clipped to your fingertip, to do so.
Electrocardiogram
Anelectrocardiogram(EKG) or anechocardiogrammay be used to check for heart irregularities.
How is Crepitus Treated?
Treatment for any conditions that cause crepitus will depend on the diagnosis.
As a result, these treatments may vary widely.
In some cases, such as mild joint inflammation, basic interventions may help.
Others may require complicated surgery to treat a serious heart or lung condition.
Low-impact activities and using lighter weights can help keep crepitus in check.
Healthcare providers will typically treat bacterial pneumonia or bronchitis with antibiotics.
Chronic conditions usually require lifestyle changes.
These may include:
Conditions like COPD will generally require medication with oral or inhaledcorticosteroidsandbronchodilators.
Pulmonary rehabilitation and oxygen therapy can help prevent disease progression and allow you to maintain a quality of life.
Crepitus related to the fluid buildup of pulmonary edema may require aggressive treatment for heart failure.
This may range from long-term medication to bypass surgery.
Surgery also may be an option for people with advanced lung disease when all other treatments fail.
A lung transplant is a last resort for those with no longer functional lungs.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Crepitus in joints on its own is usually harmless.
If you are having difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical care.
The popping or crackling doesn’t always mean there’s a medical problem.
In the joints, crepitus is often associated with inflammation or infection.
It also may be a sign of joint injury, such as a torn rotator cuff.
Crepitus of the lungs often occurs with heart and lung diseases, such as COPD.
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