“Urge to crack my elbows?”
Age: 13 Sex: Male Height: 5.0 Weight: 70 lbs Current medications: Adderall "For ADHD". Whenever I straighten one of my arms really fast it makes a cracking noise at the elbow. I can do this as many times in a row and it will keep on cracking. I have never injured my arms or elbows before and don't know why it is constantly cracking. Also, I almost always have a huge urge to crack my elbow if I don't a really uncomfortable almost painful feeling occurs and it gets worse the longer I wait. It sort of feels like when you really need to straighten your legs but even when I crack my elbow the feeling only gets slightly better and after about 10 seconds it goes back. I could crack my elbows for 10 minutes straight and the feeling still wouldn't go away. Does anyone know why this is happening?
Male | 13 years old
3 Answers
OrthopedistOrthopedist
Nothing to worry about.
It is an inflamed tendon snapping over a bony prominence. Try not to crack the elbow because you are keeping it inflamed. Try taking an anti-inflammatory such as advil, 3 tablets 3 times a day.
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
It does not sound like a serious condition. Cracking and popping of joints is not harmful as long as the popping is not painful. But considering what you describe, I would highly recommend that you obtain an evaluation by a qualified orthopedic surgeon and at least obtain basic x-rays to rule out any potentially serious conditions which may later harm you.
