A popping shoulder can be a real nuisance. As we age, our shoulders can begin to creak and pop, sometimes indicating an issue and sometimes simply wear and tear. So, when is a popping shoulder a real problem?
Popping shoulders, sometimes called crepitus, can be expected. Some sounds the shoulder will make are not unusual, but shoulders can sometimes begin popping, creaking, or grinding in a way that isn’t normal. In this case, it will be essential to be seen by a doctor. Crepitus is not a condition, however, it is a symptom of what could be one of many conditions. The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the human body, composed of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bursae that must all work in coordination. Because of this complexity, even small disruptions to any of these structures can cause noticeable sounds, sensations, and discomfort. Here are some examples of conditions that can cause crepitus or popping shoulder.
What Conditions Cause Popping Shoulder?
Some conditions that cause shoulder joint popping can be remedied by stretching, anti-inflammatory medicine, or other treatments. But some of these conditions may be more serious. How will you know the difference? Here are the conditions that will be of no concern and those that you shouldn’t ignore.
Osteochondroma
This condition is characterized by the development of benign bone growth. The formation of the bone growth will cause a rub, grind, or popping sound in the shoulder. This type of shoulder joint popping is of no concern. Rarely will this type of growth cause secondary issues that need to be removed or repaired. Typically, this popping in the shoulder joint is not a health issue. It can be a bit of a nuisance, but nothing to worry about.
Cavitation
The creation of air bubbles or air pockets around the shoulder can be another cause of popping in the shoulder joint. Air or gas is sometimes released from the fluid sac in the shoulder when excessive movement occurs. When this gas is released, it can make a popping sound, not dissimilar to the sound made when you pop your knuckles. This is also a situation that is not cause for concern. This type of shoulder joint popping is not typically painful and requires no treatment. Staying hydrated supports healthy synovial fluid production, which helps keep the joint lubricated and may reduce the frequency of cavitation-related sounds.
Scapulothoracic Bursitis
There are sacs of fluid that surround each joint in the body. These sacs are called bursa. These bursae help cushion and lubricate the joints to protect the shoulder from injury. However, the bursa can become inflamed or irritated, this can create a popping in the shoulder joint coupled with pain and burning. This can create concern, and you may want to see a doctor, though it’s not typically an emergency.
Treating Scapulothoracic Bursitis
Bursitis treatment can be conservative, but it is important to obtain a diagnosis. Usually, treatment includes rest, icing, and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. However, many patients benefit from cortisone injections. Occasionally, the bursa must be aspirated to remove fluid buildup in the sac. If all else fails and this painful shoulder joint popping continues, surgery can be performed to treat bursitis, and occasionally the entire sac will need to be removed.
Bone Fractures
Bone fractures are a reason to see a physician. Unfortunately, a shoulder joint popping can sometimes mean an existing bone fracture. In the case of a bone fracture, you will likely know it has happened and realize that you will need treatment and help. A fracture of the upper arm bone (humerus), scapula, or clavicle can all cause instability and audible popping as the broken pieces shift during movement. Any suspected fracture warrants immediate evaluation and imaging.
Treatment for Bone Fractures
Shoulder bone fractures can be treated in several ways, depending on severity:
- Immobilization
- Ice
- Pain Medication
- Physical Therapy
More complex fractures may require:
- Fixation (surgical stabilization with pins, plates, or screws)
- Shoulder Replacement
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Sometimes, a rotator cuff can be so seriously injured that there is popping in the joint. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder, the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. When any of these tendons become inflamed (tendinitis) or tear, they no longer glide smoothly over surrounding structures.
The result can be a snapping or clicking sensation, often accompanied by pain, weakness, and loss of range of motion. Athletes who throw, row, or swim are at particular risk, as are anyone who performs repetitive overhead movements. Understanding what a torn rotator cuff feels like can help you recognize whether your shoulder popping may point to a more significant structural injury.
Osteoarthritis
Arthritis in the joint can cause the cartilage to decrease or even disappear altogether. This is an entirely normal part of the aging process but can cause popping in the shoulder joint. In addition to popping, osteoarthritis will cause pain and stiffness, often worsening with movement or after periods of inactivity. The joint surfaces become rougher as cartilage wears away, which creates the characteristic grinding or crackling sensation known as crepitus.
There are several treatment protocols for osteoarthritis, including:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- General pain relief
- Shoulder replacement surgery
Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injuries
Many rotator cuff injuries can be managed without surgery through rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy focused on strengthening the surrounding muscles. However, for complete tears or injuries that do not respond to conservative management after three to six months, surgical repair may be necessary. Recovery typically includes a structured rehabilitation program to restore strength and range of motion.
Labral Tears
Labral tears are a more significant shoulder injury that can create a popping sound. They can also cause a severe degree of pain, a lack of range of movement, and sometimes a cessation of movement altogether. A labral tear can be caused by a fall, a pull to the arm, or a more severe injury. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, providing stability, when it tears, the rough edge can catch during movement, creating that audible pop.
Treatment for Labral Tears
The initial treatment for a labral tear would include rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. This is often adequate, and the labrum will heal. However, sometimes a labral tear requires surgery to either remove the damaged portion or repair and reattach the torn tissue using screws and pins. Whether surgery is needed or not, physical therapy and rest are required to allow the labrum to heal fully.
When Should You Seek Emergency Care for a Popping Shoulder?
Most popping shoulders do not require emergency attention. However, certain symptoms signal that the situation has escalated beyond what watchful waiting can address. Seek immediate care if you experience:
- Sudden, severe pain accompanying a pop during an injury or fall
- Visible deformity, swelling, or a shoulder that appears out of position
- Inability to move the arm or lift it away from the body
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness traveling down the arm
- Signs of infection such as fever, warmth, or redness around the joint
- A popping sound that occurred during trauma with immediate inability to bear weight or move
In these situations, prompt orthopedic emergency evaluation is essential. An untreated structural shoulder injury can progress to frozen shoulder, a condition involving severe stiffness and pain that significantly limits daily function and is far harder to treat than the original injury. If you are also experiencing burning or radiating pain that extends from the shoulder down the arm or into the back, it is worth reading about what causes burning back pain to understand whether a nerve component may also be involved.
Conclusion
Popping of the shoulder joint can be a nuisance, but it can also indicate a much more significant issue. If the shoulder joint popping becomes painful, more frequent, or is accompanied by weakness or restricted movement, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a physician who can help you. When in doubt, get it checked out. The earlier a shoulder condition is identified, the better the outcome, delaying evaluation is rarely in your favor when the joint is involved.
Village Emergency Centers
When seeking care for an injured, popping, or stressed shoulder, look no further than Village Emergency Centers. We offer the most comprehensive care at one of Texas’s most prestigious medical centers. For orthopedic care, we have the most skilled physicians in the area. Whatever the need, no matter the hour, we will be there to provide compassionate care with no wait times and a very experienced medical team. We are open 24 hours a day at both our League City and Jersey Village locations, feel free to contact our team before your visit or simply walk straight in.