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Some MyMSTeam members notice joint symptoms such as cracking and popping sounds and joint stiffness.
“I would like to know if anyone has experienced joint or bone popping or cracking in the knee area?” one member asked. “They feel as if they are locked or about to go out. It ends up being very painful.”
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can indirectly affect the musculoskeletal system. Because the condition damages myelin, the protective covering around nerves in the brain and spinal cord, this damage can interfere with movement, sensation, and other body functions.
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It can be helpful to understand how MS can affect your joints and what you can do to help manage symptoms.
People with MS often have stiffness and pain that can affect any joint, such as the knees, ankles, back, hips, and shoulders.
“I am having a lot of pain in my right shoulder and elbow, mainly at night,” shared one MyMSTeam member. Another said, “For the last two months, my elbows have been giving me so much trouble, my doctor tells me to get an elbow brace.”
In people with MS, joint symptoms may happen because nerve and muscle changes affect how you move, stand, or support your body. This is different from the way some other health conditions cause joint symptoms. For example, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and lupus directly affect the joints.
MS can cause muscle stiffness and spasms, muscle weakness, fatigue, and balance and walking changes. All of these can indirectly contribute to joint issues.
Spasms and stiffness can affect how you move and may limit your range of motion. They can also change the way you walk or use a joint, which may put extra stress on it.
“This morning I woke up cracking and popping like cereal. Didn’t get too much of a good sleep last night due to muscle spasm,” said one MyMSTeam member.
MS can affect your walking, posture, and balance because of muscle weakness, fatigue, or nerve changes. When your walking changes, it can lead to joint symptoms.
“Omg I’ve felt so weak for the last week. My bones are non-stop cracking,” shared another MyMSTeam member.
Fatigue is also very common in MS and can affect physical function. Over time, moving less because of fatigue or other symptoms may make muscles weaker, which can leave joints less supported.
Anyone can experience cracking or popping joint sounds, so it may not necessarily be related to MS. These sounds may be muffled or easy to hear.
The medical term for joint noises is crepitus. Crepitus can describe sounds or sensations when a joint moves, including:
If you’ve wondered about crepitus and MS, it may help to know that crepitus can happen to anyone. It’s not a specific MS symptom.
Here are some common reasons joints make noise:
“I have cracking and popping in my knee with pain after I had pain in the muscles around the knee,” one MyMSTeam member said. “I am concerned that I will wear out the knee because of muscle misalignment.”
If joint sounds are new, painful, or happening with swelling or an injury, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare professional.
Even though some people worry about them, painless joint noises are often normal and don’t usually require treatment.
For instance, some people intentionally “pop” their knuckles or other joints as a habit, but there’s no proof that knuckle cracking causes permanent joint impairment.
Also, noisy knees don’t always mean there’s a serious problem. Research has found that knee crepitus can be linked with osteoarthritis or other changes inside the joint. However, it can also occur in people who don’t have joint issues.
A wide range of MS treatments may help ease joint symptoms by indirectly reducing other musculoskeletal problems with MS. For example:
Overall, no two people with MS will have the same symptoms. People who live with MS and notice that their joint pain, stiffness, or joint noises are worsening or becoming more frequent should speak with their doctor or medical professional.
On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you experienced joint stiffness, cracking, or popping with MS? Let others know in the comments below.
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Thankyou. Actually I have searched in many sites to know about this joint cracking sounds, i couldn't find a proper answer anywhere. Thanks for this. I get joint cracking/ popping sounds in my left… read more
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