Snapping/popping sound when lifting

[snafu]

I've been lifting for five years and for the past few years I've been getting an occasional snapping/crackling/popping sound when I do certain exercises for biceps, triceps, and deltoids. It happens with both light and heavy weight. It doesn't happen all the time, and it doesn't hurt. So far it hadn't even crossed my mind to tell my doc when I go for check ups. Anyone know what this is all about?

 

[Pegasus]

Where is the sound coming from?

 

[snafu]

The elbow region, outside for triceps and inside for biceps. And sometimes in the rotator cuff area

 

[modern buddha]

I have that noise too, OP. If it'll help, try stretching out your arms ahead of time and rotating your shoulders before lifting. If it doesn't hurt, I'd say don't worry about it. It might hurt eventually though.

 

[Wolfmans_BrothEr]

Try switching up your range of motion slightly

If it continues I would definitely check it out it can lead to some pretty serious things

 

[pastelcircus]

i get that too, sometimes with certain lunges and squats as well
are you double jointed?
that might have something to do with it

 

[MyFinalRest]

I say not good. Avoid these certain exercises and keep in mind that any pain other than that feel good muscle burn can be serious trouble. I cannot do French presses with a barbell or 2 dumbells, especially sitting up. My 'bows were just not made for that. I can however do a tricep pulldown on a pulley machine and a behind the head press with one dumbell (held with both hands) just fine. Try hitting it at different angles and avoid the ones that pop or feel weird.

...And sorry about the double post, troublesome machines!

 

[Pegasus]

I get all kinds of little pops and stuff here and there. I personally think the pops happen when you do an exercise that has a very exact range of motion and then you go past that range of motion, and your bones and ligaments audibly pop back into place. The crackle sound is more worrying IMO, but I find that if I focus on doing the exercise smoothly, I can usually make the sound stop. If I can't make it stop, I come back to the exercise a different day...