When a ligament moves within its normal range of motion, you may feel
or hear a snapping or popping sound or sensation. If you do not have pain or
other symptoms, treatment is usually not needed.
If an injury to the elbow causes pain and you hear or feel a snap or
pop, it may be more serious. The injury may be:
- A torn
ligament, the ropelike fibers that connect bones to
bones around joints.
- A torn
tendon that connects muscles to
bones.
- Torn or displaced cartilage, the white, shiny material that
covers the ends of bones inside joints. It absorbs shock and provides a smooth,
gliding surface for joint movement.
- A moderate to severe
sprain caused by overstretching or tearing
muscles.
- A broken bone (fracture) of the upper arm bone
(humerus) or the forearm bones (ulna or radius) at the elbow
joint.
- A
dislocated elbow joint (out of its normal position).
See an illustration of a
dislocated elbow
.
A piece of bone inside the elbow joint may die (osteochondritis dissecans) and become caught in the
elbow joint after an injury or from overuse of the elbow. The result may be
popping or locking of the joint.
Elbow grating may occur with joint movement in other conditions, such
as
arthritis.
Prompt treatment can prevent complications and promote
healing.
