Q&A:
Should I worry about my 14-month-old's popping joints?

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Answered by Loraine Stern M.D.

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"I adore children and being a pediatrician because of all the hugging and laughing that we do," say Loraine Stern, M.D.

Loraine Stern, M.D., clinical professor of pediatrics at U.C.L.A., has been in private pediatric practice for 35 years. Dr. Stern wrote for Woman's Day magazine from 1986 to 2005. She is a former editor of and contributor to Healthy Kids magazine. She has published two books on child care and has edited a book about pediatric nutrition for the American Academy of Pediatrics. A spokesperson for children and families, Dr. Stern has appeared on national networks and programs such as CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America.

Dr. Stern has two stepchildren but no animals or even green plants.

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Question

My 14-month-old daughter's bones pop/crack. I have taken her to the doctors, but they tell me not worry. I am concerned about what could be causing the problem but am not sure where to research from here.

Answer

I have seen so many children with popping joints that I asked a pediatric orthopedist about it years ago. He said that he calls it "joint music" and that it is perfectly normal in children. It probably occurs because children's ligaments are looser and more flexible than those of adults. When we pick them up, for example, their backs can make a cracking sound. Changing diapers may be accompanied by cracking knees. There is not much to find about it in the medical literature because it is not abnormal.

I suppose if this occurs in adults we might be alarmed, but if your child has no pain and moves normally I would not worry. The only time to worry is if an infant's hips give a "thunking" sound or feeling, rather than a little pop, when you spread the legs to change a diaper. That could mean an abnormal hip socket and should be brought to your pediatrician's attention right away. Early treatment with a special brace can prevent the need for more drastic measures later, such as surgery.