Snapping, cracking and popping are noises people might expect to hear from their morning bowl of cereal, but not during or after a workout. Most of the time, cracking sounds from an elbow are simply normal sounds associated with movement. Cracking elbows usually do not require treatment, but if it is accompanied by pain or swelling, seek medical evaluation before you resume exercise.
Features
When working out, people might hear just one elbow crack or pop or several in succession. Other joints, such as the ankles, knees and neck, might also make cracking or popping noises during a workout. The elbow might feel stiff or "locked up" before the cracking noise occurs and then normal after the cracking noise stops. In some cases, the cracking noises from the elbow might be accompanied by additional symptoms such as extreme pain, bruising and a distortion of the elbow joint.
Causes
A buildup of gasses in the synovial fluid in the elbow joint can cause cracking or popping sounds after a workout as the pressure in the joint is released by flexing, stretching or moving it, explains the Library of Congress Everyday Mysteries website. Popping or cracking of the elbow can either result from friction as the bones, tendons or ligaments rub together or if there is a loss of cartilage, which happens in people with osteoarthritis. Falling during a workout, or using improper lifting techniques with weights or presses can also cause a dislocated elbow, which might make a noise when the dislocation occurs.
Treatments
Elbow cracks from a buildup of gasses in the synovial fluid do not require any special treatment. They are a normal side effect of moving the joint during a workout. People with osteoarthritis might consider taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen before working out, or doctors might prescribe a corticosteroid to reduce swelling that causes bones in the elbow to rub together and make noises. If the cracking elbow results from a dislocation of the joint, doctors often prescribe pain relievers and muscle relaxers before realigning the bones, explains the Mayo Clinic website. Patients might require surgical treatments for damaged ligaments, nerves or blood vessels or fractured bones related to dislocated elbows. Surgery would be followed by physical therapy to improve motion and strength before before the patient resumed upper body workouts.
Prevention
Stretching the arms before a workout to help warm the joints and muscles might help prevent painful strains and dislocations that cause elbow cracking. Alternative medicine practices such as chiropractic treatments and acupuncture might help reduce elbow cracking from working out, although anyone considering alternative medicine treatments should first seek their physician's approval.
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