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symptoms chronic joint cracking all over

HI there
For the past year and a half I have felt my joint areas degenerating - there is a lot of cracking in all my joints at all time at this stage. All day every day and night. It started in my shoulders and has moved all over my body. I also had testicular cancer, and one treatment of chemo and syphillis last year. Rheuamtology tests have comeup negative and doctors are at a loss for what is going on. Am fully recovered at this time from both.  Also beginning to feel numbness and tingling in my hands and fingers.  Also it is not just cracking, there is strange movement and sometimes I have mild involuntary twitching though it is becoming more frequent.
It is quite extreme and at the moment a bit scarey.
Does this sound like anything to anyone?
I am 32
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Avatar universal
Hi Sebastiandelacroix- I am having some of the same symptoms as you and am wondering what it is also. I am interested in knowing if you have some of the others I have had...along with the involuntary twitching in my legs and numbness and tingling in my arms and hands I have had fatigue and migraines. My doc put me on a heart medication for my migraines and they have subsided for the most part but now the twitching and arm/hand probs have arisen. You are further than I on getting tests done but do you have any heart probs or migraines? Sorry I cannot be of greater help to you but I had to write you becuase we have very similar symptoms going on...let me know what happens and keep me posted please. Thanks Plante.
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1 Comments
You should get tested for Lyme
Avatar universal
I'm also in my 30's and also experience this, it seems that every bone in my body is cracking. I also have the shakes at time to time,could be caffein, not sure what it is but recently experience a injury on my lumbar spine and have Denerating disc disease, it seems that my health is going down hill.30 going on 60.
I feel for you, your not alone...
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Avatar universal
Thanks for replying. I don't seem to have migraine or heart issues so that is a no.. I am leaning to fibromyalgia - thinking my muscles must be shortening thus all the cracking but this is just from reading various other posts. I am not in the extreme pain some people seem to have with this condition. But I still do not have an answer. I should be ssing a rheumatologist in the new year and will let you know how I go
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When I was 16 my right arm started not wanting to straighten out all the way and it was painful. I felt like it was so stiff sometimes especially waking up that I would break it if I moved it. Now, at 28 all the sudden my left arm within 2 days is now the exact same and every joint in my body is cracking, I have headaches and I get twinges of pain in my abdomen. I eat holistic and have since put myself on a regimen of baking soda, apple cider vinegar, nattokinase, turkey tail, tart cherry juice and vitamin c. If I try tucking my chin to my chest and clasping my hands around my neck to pull the pain radiates down my spine. My knees and shoulders started being wonky too. It has me so paranoid.
Avatar universal
I have been searching for people with this problem for years.  Mine started when I was 12.  It felt like my shoulder really had to crack, but it wouldn't.  I woke up the next day and it cracked and grinded every time I moved it.  I'm now 23, and it still does it, along with almost every other joint in my body.  It started with the shoulders, then elbows, wrists, etc.  Junior year of college is when my knees started, and they are really really bad now.  Also, my back started from pilates senior year of college.  I'm afraid I'll end up in a wheel chair!  Does anyone know what causes it?   I also have really really bad knots in my back from it, and get leg and arm cramps often.
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Did you ever get an answer to this? I have the same thing, extreme joint cracking, twitching, numbness and pains all over. I believe its lyme, but just curious if anyone has a dx
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666921 tn?1254990618
HI,  been reading through archives just wondered if you have found any answers to your joint problems
gorbybelle
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Avatar universal
I also have all my joints stiff and crackle, popping sound along with bone pain. I have a list of other medical problems but was wondering if Im getting DBD  ( degenerative bone or joint disease).or DJD? Even with excercise all day my joints snap crackle and pop. Anyone have a clue to what causes this?
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i have pain in my joints ,arms and alot of cracking going on. mainly my 2 thumbs.and i seem to be getting worse. any ideals
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Avatar universal
Same here. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. ANA blood work was off...have your doctor test your ANA, this will tell whether or not your body is attacking itself/joints. I also have involuntary muscle twitches but I believe its from my adderall (i take for adhd) My father has been diagnosed with rheumatoid and osteoarthirits...im 33. Had knee surgery at 26, now other knee is going. I crack constantly. Google degenerative autoimmune diseases...and check out there symptoms
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Avatar universal
Definition: Crepitus is a symptom characterized by a crackling or grating feeling or sound under the skin, around the lungs or in the joints. In soft tissues, crepitus is often due to gas, most often air, that has abnormally penetrated and infiltrated an area (for example, in the soft tissues beneath the skin).
In a joint, crepitus can indicate cartilage wear in the joint space. The term "crepitus" is derived from the Latin, meaning "a crackling sound or rattle." Typically, crepitus is a grinding noise coupled with a sensation in the affected joint. Crepitus can occur with or without pain.
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Avatar universal
I am 34 years old and just recently I  have been having cracking in every joint in my body. It started in my shoulders, now it has gone to my ankles, knees, hips, elbows, and wrist. Along with that, i have been getting numbness all over to where I have to sleep on my back to avoid putting pressure on my sides, I am terrified that this might become worse, because just like some of you, i have been checked for almost everything and they all come back negative. I was told by a doctor that it may be related to anxiety and stress but I don't know. Can stress and anxiety affect your bones?
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Avatar universal
Were any of you guys ever on a Benzodiazepine such as Valium, Klonopin, or Xanax?

What you are describing is called benzo withdrawal and sometimes takes 2 years to heal from.  It is very hard to find any doctor to recognize what is going on because there are so many symptoms.   Check out http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/index.htm

I was put on these meds for GAD, however after 4 years they stopped working and docs kept upping the dose.  I finally realized what was going on and got off.  Now I am healing, and it feels like crap for the past 7 months.  
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Avatar universal
Hey
I am the guy who wrote the original question, It is now 4 and a half years and it has just gradually got worse, while all joints crack now my knee cracks every few minutes if it is moving, and I still have strange sensations all over particularly around the knee and legs and most areas are tender and sore to the touch.
My doctor has put me on amitriptayline or some name like that, which is a mild depressant, and advised I see a psychoanalytic psychotherapist. Perhaps he is right, nice though that they tell you you're "mad" when they can't find what is the problem.
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Your not mad, fine a new doctor! And another  if he won;t  listen another. Have you ever been given prednisone? Id see a rhummy doc first, and then ask to try a round of steroids and see if it helps. I have sero positive RA and feel like what you described  during a flare but sometime in places  like spine, hips, ribs, collar bone, they hurt and make all types of noise. Also people with diseases  like Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are often told to see a psychologist  because the doc is just not educated  on it, i think if its ra or something  else that causes  it prednisone  helps alot, also sleeping on my back with very good neck support sometimes without a pillow will lessen the pain takes a few weeks to notice a difference  from that, hope u get an answer.
Avatar universal
I have the exact same sybdrome and I was a heavy user of benzodiazepines. I just started withdrawal and its muiserable. I never had joint bone or muscle problems until I was prescribed these medications.
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My Gandmother is suffering form the same problem....We have given them so much medication but still its not fyn with her...
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Avatar universal
Have u been checked for EDS?
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Avatar universal
I think the doctor is full of it putting you on an antidepressant. My doctor tried to put me on one, I told him I am not depressed I told him I am in pain. When I was in the military I experience my upper back and and neck was a bit discomfort. My hands and fingers falling asleep. I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel by 3 doctors.

Then when I was 29 a chiropractor told me I had straighten of the neck. Now doctor tell me I have a tear in my supraspinatus/Infraspinatus tear.

My neck and upper back feels like pins and needle are sticking me. It feel like creepy like when feet falls asleep and you are trying to wake them. The pressure goes to my head whereas I can't sleep for no more than 1 1/2 hour. I test show vitamin D defienciency, high triglyceride but all cholesterol are all normal.

Neurologist put me on Gabapentin 600mg 3 times a day. that seems to take the pain from a 10 to a 3 which is much release for me. I still feel the pressure in the head.

It doesnt fix the excessive bone cracking all over my bone and the pain that comes with it. And as squirtatious EDS may be a part of the problem also MS/autoimmune disease. My neurologist told me the popping to normal and cut me short. I'm thinking I kinow better than that. I am a nurse but he don't even let him know that after two years I've been seeing him.

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Avatar universal
I am in my early thirties, and have begun to develop this cracking too.  Started with just my shoulders cracking and grinding all of the sudden in the mornings, then often when I moved them, and now my body sounds like a bowl of Rice Krispies whenever I move it around (especially after being in one place for a while, I think).  Mine is part of a huge set of symptoms, though.  

I've been tentatively diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Some of the symptoms some of you were listing are things that I have read as sometimes connected to CFS or Fibromyalgia.  You may want to read those symptom lists and see if that seems to fit you if you still haven't found anybody to take you seriously or figure out what's wrong.  It's not a great one to get doctors to treat well unless you can get to a specialist who knows what they're doing, but there are treatments out there that are really helpful for some people.  I had never heard of anyone mentioning the cracking thing, which is why I was searching, but maybe it's related?  
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You probably test negative for Lyme as well. I have multiple symptoms and recently began experiencing crepitus in almost every joint. Get Dr. Neil Spector, Gone in a Heartbeat."
Avatar universal
NPE
I have EXACT same thing with all joints cracking.  I also have burning sensation in several joints.  I also have fibromyalgia.  Have real problems with my knees; yet, x-rays are normal.  I feel all my tendons and ligaments are shortening which is causing cramping in muscles in hands, calves, toes.  Don't know what is going on.  Have seen numerous doctors.  All they can tell me is what it isn't.  Not rheumatoid arthritis; not lupus.  All blood work is normal.  But I certainly don't feel normal.  Some meds take away the pain, but don't necessarily help the actual problem.  I'm avoiding as many meds as I can for as long as possible.
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Avatar universal
im having the same probs guys. cracking bones an joints ard knees, shoulder blades, neck and mid low back. smtimes i felt a warm feeling surrounding my back, gritty sensation in thoracic cavity and slight burning eyes and well as some skin problems inluding itch spot, petechia and visible fine purple capillaries under skin. I was diagnosed with chlamydia 6 months back but was cured after. 1 month after, these symptoms start to occur, and I suspect its chlamydia induce reactive arthritis but doc did a series of tests and said its not. Im at wits end.... some doc that I went to said im too stress but i know its not stress related ... smthing jus wrong with my body esp after i was diagnosed with chlamydia. nw im thinking if its Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). experts said EDS is a hereditery diesease and symptoms includes loose joints stretchy skin.... these fits my symptoms. but Im more interested to know if there's a possibility for EDS to start at age 29? the series of symptoms r very irritating (not painful) and i can hardly concentrate on what I do. please advise anyone. tks
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Avatar universal
I have read all that, and for years I've had all the same symptoms. Saw lots of doctors, specialist. I'm tired of people not believing me, doctors think i'm a hypocondriac, depressed... mri shows stenosis, bulging disk, and prolapsed disc... Ive googled the hell out of every thing to find out what it is... I'm about to get my mercury fillings out, my vitamin d level back to normal, I refused to take endep and about to sue the boss for a bad office set up... I haven't listed all the diagnosis ... I'd be typing for ever... my current research is on polio and tb ... see what turns up... my partner insists on changing my mindset to a positive one... Think your self healthy... see how that goes. I've given up on the doctors so thats all I can do.
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With-in the period of  3 weeks almost all my joints began cracking. I also have lost a lot of muscle tone. I am leaning to believe that has something to do with fibromyalgia. If any body have some advise I would appreciated  
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Find someone who understands and can treat Lyme disease even if you've tested negative for it. You can read Dr. Neil Spector's book, "Gone in a Heartbeat," I'm 78 and fighting this battle myself.
Avatar universal
With-in the period of  3 weeks almost all my joints began cracking. I also have lost a lot of muscle tone. I am leaning to believe that has something to do with fibromyalgia. If any body have some advise I would appreciated  
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Avatar universal
I am 61.  I began cracking and popping in my joints about a year and  a half ago, suddenly. This happened after I took naproxin for  pain and mobility and had great improvement quickly, however, a few weeks later the improvement reversed and popping and cracking began, first without pain but then gradually my pain and mobility worsened.  Very odd. For the first year I had no pain due to the p&c but it is so bad now. Walking is no longer possible except to get on walker /chair and that is so painful I cannot help but scream out some time. Even to move a few inches, to  turn halfway over in bed  is horrible pain now.  My posture became bent over as I was using my upper body to support lower body when using a walker. Now I can't straighten up. I was diagnosed with avascular necrosis in my hips 4 years ago following injections in my hips for pain. I had chronic pain  was and am treated at  a pain clinic. They tried all kinds of drugs on me for pain and the only one that has helped all is methadone. Morphine and others just made me sick and did not touch the pain. The drugs Dyclofenic, Cymbalta and Lyrica in combination help as well. Not sure if it is one of the drugs or all of them together that work. Without methadone for the pain, living would be impossible at this point. I have had no side affects with it just a relief of horrible pain. I have bulging discs and osteoarthritis and the avascular necrosis. The hip pain has been the worst of what I have experienced. The Dr's tell me having my hips replaced will cure most of the pain. I am now bone on bone , no cartiledge with cysts. I am just worried I have waited too long as now I have lost my muscle tone am not able to exercise at all now, sleeping more than an hour or so at a time is not possible most nights. My legs have a weird feeling now are numb and my feet and tingle.  They are difficult to lift up from the bed- I have to lift my legs with my hands now.  So far tests do not reveal what this is. My Dr. says it is nerve damage. I live in the bed waiting to get my surgery. I was formerly a very active person so this is difficult.  I keep busy and work from bed but it is tough. I have other diagnosis; life long asthmatic, adult growth hormone deficiency which I should be but am not being treated for now, liver damage from a botched gall bladder surgery and Dr. mistake leaving my bile tube clamped for 10 days and other, allergies, fibromyalgia ( I believe from all my research that Dr's may be pinning things on this diagnosis when they cannot find out what the true cause is). I think there is something else going on causing the numbness, tingling, joint pain and cracking (other than the avascular necrosis in my  hips).  I was vit D deficient and now on supplements. I am beginning to drink only figi water now as it is rich in silica which is known to help joints.

I had a critical bout with parasites 2 year before and close to death. Didn't know I had them. I traveled extensively in the 70's and some in the 80's , otherwise do not know how I got them. I thought and think maybe that type are all dead? We moved to the mountains two years ago and I started getting what I thought were bites but they never healed. I would itch at night but not day.  I had never had any kind of skin parasite before I finally started scraping them and doing this process over and over resulted in healing. There are painful raised areas under the skin. They are on my scalp too and that has been the worst. I used many different medications as well. I could see things in the scrapings that were not normal. I bought a 60x loupe and oh my gosh, there are parasites again only different ones. There are oval ones,  black specks, so many tiny black threads which are all tangled, but there are so many microscopic long thread-like worms. some are black, clear and red (with my blood). It turns out my dogs have these and my son has these. I have a referral to a dermatologist but wonder if the Dr. will even know what these are .  My primary care Dr. had no clue. I have done so much research and think I know. We are all on our first round of Ivermectin now. I now believe this may be an epidemic in this country and few know about it. I do not know if it is causing the joint pain and cracking but I suspect it is possible. I was having really bad left shoulder pain.  My shoulder felt weird. It would burn and tingle and feel hot to the touch and itch, mostly at night like the other places. Recently I woke up and there was this gob of sticky mess all over my left shoulder. I also had the "bites"that wouldn't heal in the area. I tried to wipe this off with a tissue but it was so sticky I had to use a soapy mixture to get it off.  I looked at the tissue under the loupe and saw so many of the things I had already seen but with this clear white sticky residue.  My shoulder looked strange too, it was red but mottled looking.  I looked at my shoulder with the loupe and it was the strangest thing ever. There were like thousands of these clear, white  colored "hairs" that were actually those thread-like worms, coming up out of my skin. I do not normally have hairs on my shoulders, my skin was all scraped up and I could see all these whitish things under my skin. It freaked me out. I cleaned my shoulder with many different products and it would look almost clean for awhile and then  they began coming up again. I repeated the process over and over and it was daytime and it stopped.  Many skin parasites only come out at night.  I do not know what to think but am now wondering if these things are in my joints and causing me all  pain? My other shoulder does not have this and does not hurt. I am a very clean person but that makes no difference.  I have specimens of all these strings on clear heavy packaging tape, folded over to take the Dr. It will be interesting to see if after the medication works and kills these things if the popping , cracking and  terrible pain in my joints will subside.  I can only dream…. This is frustrating. Chronic pain is a terrible thing.  I must  have hope to continue. Sorry this is so terribly long .  Has anyone out there ever  had any of these unusual symptoms other ethan the Popping and cracking of joints? I wish  all of you success with  treating all these strange and terrible symptoms. God bless.
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2 Comments
Hello – I have very similar symptoms to you feel like I'm going crazy with no help from docs .  Did you ever get a diagnosis?  God bless
What you have is Morgellon's. I hope some doctor has started treating you for this.

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