Why Do I Hear My Knees or Joints Clicking and Popping?

October 14, 2024

If you’ve noticed your knees or joints making clicking or popping sounds, you’re not alone. Medically, this is known as crepitus and is a common experience for many people when they move their joints. But should you be concerned?

Should I Be Worried About Joint Clicking?

At Ropheka Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Center in Seremban, we often tell our patients: unless the clicking or popping is accompanied by pain, swelling, or a sense of joint instability, there’s usually no need for concern.

What Causes the Clicking Sounds in Joints?

1. Friction Between Structures

  • The clicking noise often occurs due to friction between bones, tendons, ligaments, or muscles. Ligaments and tendons may catch on a bony lump within a joint or over scar tissue. This clicking sound typically isn’t painful.

 

2. Osteoarthritis

  • When joint cartilage wears down, bones may rub together during movement, leading to friction. While some people with osteoarthritis may experience pain, others may not.

 

3. Cavitation

  • Joint sounds may also be caused by tiny air bubbles forming and bursting within the joint fluid. These painless pops are common and are nothing to worry about.

 

4. Meniscus Injury

  • A torn meniscus (the knee’s shock-absorbing tissue) can cause clicking or popping sounds, which are often accompanied by pain and swelling. If your knee feels like it’s catching, giving way, or producing these sounds with pain, it’s time to seek professional help.

Should You See a Physiotherapist?

Hearing clicking or popping in your joints is usually harmless. However, if you experience pain, swelling, or instability, it’s crucial to seek expert advice.

At Ropheka, our physiotherapy treatments can:

  • Manage pain
  • Improve joint stability
  • Strengthen muscles to prevent further injury
  • Promote better movement and improve quality of life

Contact Us

If you’re experiencing knee or joint clicking with pain or swelling, or if you’re concerned about any aspect of your joint health, contact Ropheka Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Center in Seremban today. Our professional physiotherapists are here to provide the care and advice you need.

 

Get in Touch

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.