This week’s Ask the Docs answers are provided by Dr. Michael C. Ciccotti Jr., Sports Medicine Surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics, Official Orthopedic Partner of All-Star Sports Academy! Remember, if you need quick access to a Rothman Physician, be sure to utilize their Fast Scheduler program!
Question #2: Is it normal for you to hear a lot of “popping” sounds in your body when you are going through a growth spurt? I feel like every joint in my body pops regularly and it low-key scares me. – Dylan (Bryn Mawr)
Answer #2: Dylan, thank you for your question. “Popping” sounds are very common in the human body and often are completely benign. The honest answer is that we don’t always know the exact answer for every “pop”; there are a variety of possible reasons like a tendon snapping over a prominent part of a bone or an air bubble temporarily forming in normal joint lubricating fluid and collapsing/popping. In my opinion, one of the most important questions is: is your “popping” just a sound or does it come with pain? If it comes with pain, I would certainly recommend mentioning it to a parent/coach/trainer and consider having it evaluated by a Sports Medicine physician. However, it’s never wrong to have someone qualified, like a Rothman physician, take a look at it if you are anxious about it.
