Elbow Popping: What Is It And What Causes It? | OrthoNeuro

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What is elbow popping, and how is it treated?

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An occasional painless joint pop or crack is a common experience. However, it may be time to consult an expert if you notice persistent elbow popping accompanied by elbow pain or stiffness. 

At OrthoNeuro, we provide comprehensive treatment options for elbow injuries at our multiple locations throughout Greater Columbus. Don’t let elbow pain interfere with your daily life—reach out today for an expert diagnosis and treatment.

What Does It Mean When My Elbow Pops?

In many cases, your elbow pops are harmless and due to cavitation. 

You have fluid-filled sacs in your joints. When you change positions suddenly, the pressure and volume change, releasing gas bubbles. 

Medical professionals don’t know if it’s the formation or collapse of those bubbles that cause cracking or popping sounds.

However, if you have elbow pain, as well as popping, it could be a sign of a more serious issue that might need medical attention.

What Causes Elbow Popping?

The elbow joint is a complex structure composed of bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that all work together to allow a wide range of motion. Various factors can contribute to joint popping, especially if you experience additional symptoms like pain or stiffness. Common causes of elbow popping include the following:

Elbow Injury

Elbow injuries such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, sprains, or bursitis can lead to painful popping sounds in the joint. Serious injuries, like an elbow dislocation or lateral collateral ligament damage, can cause instability and joint pain that might require medical attention.

• Elbow Popping and Scar Tissue

Elbow popping might be caused by scar tissue from previous injuries or surgeries. In fact, a hard tennis or golf swing could tear scar tissue in your elbow joint, causing the pop as well as pain, swelling, and bruising.

Scar Tissue

Previous elbow injuries or surgeries can result in scar tissue within the joint. In some cases, sudden movements or repetitive actions, such as a powerful tennis or golf swing, can tear the scar tissue, resulting in an elbow pop accompanied by pain, swelling, and bruising.

Inflammation

Inflammation in the forearm muscles, tendons, or ligaments can also contribute to elbow popping. Conditions like lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) cause the tendons to become inflamed, leading to clicking sounds when the elbow is moved. Inflammation of the ulnar nerve can also result in popping as the nerve slides in and out of its protective grooves.

Arthritis

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint popping in the elbow. When the cartilage that cushions the bones wears away, the bones rub against each other, which may lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness. In some cases, the inflamed tissue in the joint can create a popping sensation when the elbow moves.

Who is Most Affected by Elbow Popping Symptoms?

Athletes and manual workers are more likely to experience elbow popping and related discomfort. These groups often use their elbows for repetitive motions, which can lead to a repetitive strain injury.

Aging also contributes to wear and tear on the elbow joint, making older individuals more prone to experiencing joint pain and popping. If your elbow pops consistently and is accompanied by pain, seeking physical therapy or an orthopedic evaluation is a good next step.

Should I Seek Treatment If My Elbow Hurts and Pops?

As mentioned, almost everyone experiences a joint pop occasionally, and it’s usually harmless. However, if you have elbow pain and stiffness, you should consider talking to a doctor.

If you have mild elbow pain, you can try rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine at home.

• If your pain persists or worsens despite your at-home care, call OrthoNeuro to schedule an appointment.

Diagnosis

The orthopedists provide thorough exams to identify the cause of your elbow popping and pain. They will review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors before feeling your elbow for signs of inflammation or deformity. 

Your doctor may gently manipulate your elbow so they can hear the pop and feel the movement in your joint as it happens.

When necessary, your doctor may order X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to see inside your elbow to confirm your diagnosis or evaluate the severity of your condition.

Treatment

Your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan to address the underlying injury or condition causing the popping, snapping, and cracking in your elbow. 

Depending on your needs, you doctor may suggest:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• A brace to support the injured elbow
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Joint injections

Surgery is usually only recommended in severe cases and if non-invasive therapies don’t relieve your pain and other symptoms.

Call OrthoNeuro today or make an appointment online if you have painful elbow popping that reduces your range of motion and interferes with your life.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Specialist Today!

If you’re struggling with elbow pain or joint popping, don’t wait to seek help. OrthoNeuro’s board-certified specialists are available to treat patients at seven convenient locations throughout Columbus, Ohio, with most appointments available within 24 hours.

Medically reviewed by Scott A. Smith, MD, FAAOS

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Elbow

• Elbow Fracture
• Elbow Bursitis
• Elbow Popping
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• Ganglion Cyst
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• Hand Arthroplasty
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Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Specialists

YOU USE YOUR HANDS, WRISTS, AND ELBOWS ALL THE TIME. DON’T LET PAIN INTERFERE WITH YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE OR INDEPENDENCE. CALL ORTHONEURO TODAY OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE IF YOU HAVE PERSISTENT PAIN IN YOUR HAND, WRIST, OR ELBOW THAT LIMITS YOUR MOVEMENT OR INDEPENDENCE.

James C. Cassandra, DO

Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon

Gary M. Millard, DO

Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon

Scott P. Stephens, MD  

Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon

Desmond J. Stutzman, DO

Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon

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