Snap, pop, or grating of finger, hand, or wrist
When a tendon or joint moves abnormally, you may feel or hear a snap, pop, or grating sound. If you have no pain or other symptoms, treatment is usually not needed.
If an injury causes pain, and you hear or feel a snap, pop, or grating, it may be more serious. The injury may be a:
- Torn ligament.
- Torn tendon.
- Torn or displaced cartilage.
- Broken bone (fracture).
- Dislocation.
In the absence of injury, a snap, pop, or grating when you bend or straighten your finger or thumb may be caused by a trigger finger or trigger thumb. See the topic Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Noninjury, in Related Information.
Prompt treatment can prevent complications and promote healing.
| Author: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | Last Updated: January 12, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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