Knee Clicking
Knee clicking, also known as crepitus, refers to a popping, grinding, or crackling sound in the knee joint during movement. It can occur due to gas bubbles in the joint, ligament, or tendon movement, or underlying conditions like cartilage wear or injury.
Knee clicking can be caused by movements of tendons or ligaments, gas bubbles escaping from the joint, irregularities in the joint surfaces, or underlying conditions such as osteoarthritis or meniscal tears.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Many people have experienced the widespread phenomenon known as “knee clicking,” which is frequently accompanied by a sound or sensation when the knee joint is bent or straightened. Although it may be difficult, knee clicking is typically not a symptom of a serious underlying condition. To maintain the best possible knee health, it is crucial to comprehend its causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical help.
Clicking with the knee can hurt or not hurt at all. It is essential that you consult a physician immediately if you experience knee pain. Knee clicking with pain could occur in the future, so even if you don’t have any, you should be checked out. The majority of knee-clicking reasons are fortunately preventable and usually harmless.
There may be sporadic crackles, pops, and snaps that are related to knee clicking when you bend your knees, walk, or go upstairs. Medical professionals refer to this cracking sound as crepitus. Sustained knee pain is a regular occurrence.
But among the several additional reasons for this is osteoarthritis. In most cases, knee noises are not alarming. However, if you also experience pain, you may want to consider consulting a medical specialist to examine your knees.
Knee crepitus is not the same as cracking or crepitus in the lungs, which could suggest a respiratory disorder.
Gas Bubbles: Occasionally, tiny air bubbles loaded with nitrogen may form in the fluid inside your joints. The sound of these bubbles bursting came as the joints moved.
My knee is clicking, but why is that?
When you walk or climb stairs, you could hear an uncomfortable clicking sound coming from your knee. If other symptoms are also present, you might or might not need to take this seriously. This is happening for a few reasons. Your knee may need to be examined if you notice that it is clicking more often and you are also exhibiting any of the following symptoms:
- Knee Pain
- Limited range of motion.
- Swelling.
- Locking.
If your knees click, should it worry you?
A typical knee complaint is a weird clicking sound that happens when the joint is stretched. Anything from arthritis and kneecap use to little changes in joint pressure could be the source of these clicking noises originating from the knee. When the clicking sound is uncommon and unrelated to pain and edema, these noises are rarely a cause for alarm regarding medical issues in moderate situations.
However, if the clicky sounds are severe and ongoing, you should get emergency assistance from a qualified physiotherapy clinic like Southgate Physio in North London, UK. Using evidence-based diagnostic approaches, our professionals will identify the root cause of the clicking noises and, if required, provide a corrective measure.
Causes Of Knee Clicking
A clicking sound originating from your knee could be caused by any of the issues listed above.
The first thing you should do is determine whether the popping or cracking is unpleasant. If you are not in pain, the popping or cracking doesn’t generally matter. The following are the causes of knee clicking:
Mechanical Popping
Those who suffer from a popping feeling are said to have a “mechanical symptom.”When the knee bends back and forth, it may feel as if something is popping out from inside.
A popping noise of this kind usually indicates a meniscus tear or a loose part of cartilage. The patella—also referred to as the kneecap—is surrounded and protected by fibrocartilage, a fibrous structure of connective tissues. This can result in a noticeable “pop.”
Some meniscus rips can heal on their own, but deeper tissue damage lacks the blood vessels needed to speed up the healing process. The tear may need to be repaired and reduced with arthroscopic debridement.
Crepitus
Medical professionals refer to the crushing feeling that happens when the knee is bent and straightened as crepitus. Inflamed cartilage can cause crepitus in patients.
This symptom is suggestive of chondromalacia, an underlying condition that results in loss or injury to cartilage. Additionally, this disease may also show signs in persons with cartilage wear, such as those with knee arthritis.
The condition known as crepitus is more persistent than mechanical popping, which appears to be something stuck in the knee.
In most cases, crepitus is felt rather than heard. Placing your palm on the front of your knee and lowering it gradually will stretch it. Crepitus may give you the sensation that something is crushing under your hand.
Tendon Snapping
- When the knee is bent, swelling in the tendons surrounding it may cause them to snag on the knee. The most prevalent kind is iliotibial (IT) band tendinitis.
- Your hip and just below it are connected by your iliotibial band.
- A tight or enlarged band could trap the end of the thigh bone as the knee bends back and forth.
- The difference between this popping and mechanical popping is that it happens just beneath the skin.
- Putting your palm on the affected tendon while moving your knee may allow you to feel the issue.
Surgery for Knee clicking
- After surgery, the knees could start to make more noise. This may have to do with the characteristics of the newly created joint following a joint replacement.
- After surgery, people are more aware of their surroundings, which makes them more alert to the noises, even if they were often always there.
- A three-year research involving more than 5,000 patients found that crepitus after knee replacement had no effect on a patient’s quality of life or long-term condition.
Arthritis
- Although osteoarthritis can strike anyone at any age, it most frequently affects people over 50. Since the knees and other regularly used joints are typically affected, this kind of arthritis is referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis.
- The degradation of joint cartilage brought on by metabolic alterations and mechanical stress is the cause of osteoarthritis. An inflammatory joint could, for example, crush or crack. Osteoarthritis may manifest as discomfort and pitting sounds.
Air bubbles
- Tiny bubbles that produce popping sounds are created when air leaks into the joint’s synovial fluid through soft tissue.
- Knee bending or extension might cause bubbles to burst or shatter. Although that may seem troubling, there is typically nothing to worry about.
- Tissue damage or lesions, for example, may be the cause of an underlying ailment. Medical intervention may be necessary for this.
- A knee that snaps or catches feeling can be caused by scar tissue, a torn meniscus, or a tendon sliding across a projecting bone in the joint.
- Pain or swelling can be a sign of osteoarthritis (OA), runner’s knee, patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS), or a tear in cartilage or related soft tissue. In some situations, medical attention can be required.
What signs of knee clicking are present?
Although each person’s symptoms may vary, knee clicking usually appears as:
- Clicking or Popping Sound: As you bend or stretch your knee, you may hear audible pops or clicks. This sound may or may not be connected to any particular feelings.
- Clicking Sensation: Some patients may have a clicking sensation in their knee joints, but there may not be any sound. This sensation may be subtle or strong.
- Pain or discomfort: Clicking alone normally doesn’t cause pain, but it may if there is an underlying issue, such as cartilage damage or inflammation. The discomfort can occur prior to, during, or following movement, and its intensity varies.
- Swelling: Edema around the knee joint might occasionally be present together with knee popping. This swelling may be greater or limited, depending on the underlying cause.
- Limited Range: One possible explanation for a clicking sound coming from the knee joint is a limited range of motion. Stiffness or trouble bending or fully straightening the knee are some symptoms of this condition.
- Stability: Some people may feel as though their knee joint is weak or unstable, especially if the clicking is caused by conditions like joint laxity or ligament injury.
- Locking or catching sensation: In more extreme situations, clicking of the knee may be associated with a locking or catching sensation when moving. There may be a mechanical problem with the joint that has to be fixed.
While knee clicking is common and generally benign, any worsening or chronic symptoms, particularly those accompanied by discomfort, edema, or instability, should be evaluated by a medical specialist to identify the origin and the best course of action.
What is causing the knees to click?
Usually, this sound is produced when tiny nitrogen bubbles in a joint’s synovial fluid burst during motion; this is referred to as “cavitation.” The joint makes a loud, audible sound when it is moved outside of its allowed range.
There are other situations, though, where you might hear a sound in your knees that could cause you anxiety. A physiotherapist should be consulted right away if you observe any of these:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, which causes inflammation and pain in the joints of the body, usually affects people over 50. Due to biochemical changes and mechanical strain, cartilage deterioration usually happens in the joints that bear the weight of the body, such as the knees. Early-onset osteoarthritis may be characterized by crepitus, edema, and discomfort. We at Southgate Physio provide thorough care and pain management for arthritis-related pain and swelling. Contact one of our licensed experts to find out more about how we help people manage their arthritis.
Runner’s Knee
Runner’s knee, also known as iliotibial band syndrome, is a severe overuse ailment that is defined by severe discomfort at the front of the knee. A structural issue may be the source of it; however, it frequently happens when the iliotibial band flicks over the lateral condyle of the bone. Treat this issue by avoiding overusing your leg muscles until the pain subsides.
The underlying cause of this condition is a benign cyst, a fluid-filled sac that flicks against the hamstring and medial branches. Usually, there is little discomfort and no risk because the swelling will go away on its own. However, you should contact a certified physiotherapist as soon as possible if you experience pain when walking or moving.
Most of the time, you shouldn’t worry when anything makes you sick to your stomach. However, contact the professionals at Southgate Physio right away if the clicking sound continues to occur along with any additional pain or swelling.
What isn’t clicking?
A frequent worry among our patients is that the clicking sounds could be the consequence of joint damage from bones rubbing against one another. Simply said, it’s not accurate as stated. When you bend and straighten your knees, for example, they move and glide next to each other, just like when you climb or descend stairs. This is why your knees click.
You don’t need to worry about your clicking knees for these other reasons.
Most of the knee issues we see in clinics, surprisingly, don’t click or clunk! Your clicking knees shouldn’t concern you for the following five reasons:
- There is no proof that it will get worse with age.
- There is no proof that it will “wear out your joint” and cause osteoarthritis (OA).
- With painless clicking, you most likely won’t be able to quit your favorite activities, such as cycling, hiking, jogging, squatting, or gardening!..
- The duration of clicking or its volume has no bearing on pain tolerance.
- There is no cause for concern that things may worsen. It’s not a sign of discomfort!
Many of our physiotherapists have received further education in musculoskeletal sonography. In other words, as part of their clinical assessment, physicians use diagnostic ultrasound to see inside the body and evaluate the soft tissue structures around the joint, like ligaments and tendons.
Diagnostic ultrasonography is one type of “dynamic” imaging method. Unlike static imaging techniques such as MRIs and X-rays, ultrasounds assess the structures while the patient makes a specific movement that simulates the “click.”This makes it the perfect test to identify the exact structures that are “clicking” and the cause of your discomfort.
When is the right time for me to get medical help?
It clicks and catches at your knee. You should see your doctor for a check-up and a final diagnosis if you have clicking and catching, followed by severe discomfort, swelling, or both. Additionally, damage may be present if your knee swells following an injury and there is a pop. Your anterior, posterior, or medial collateral ligaments, as well as your meniscus or articular cartilage, may sustain damage.
If your knees are clicking and catching but you don’t have any discomfort or swelling, you might think that this is normal. As soon as you experience discomfort, instability, or swelling, you should speak with your doctor to prevent further joint injury.
Repeat these stretches throughout the course of the following several weeks and evaluate your results. Your squat will get better over the next few days if you find that your muscles are more elastic or have a wider range of motion. Some meals can help reduce inflammation if you are experiencing slight soreness during your routine, since your body may be changing.
Treatment
There’s more going on than what an X-ray can reveal. Reducing chronic inflammation and improving knee stability will reduce pain and, eventually, any clicking you may be experiencing in your knee. When choosing a treatment plan, it is important to consider the crucial function that the soft tissue and supporting structures surrounding a joint play in preserving its long-term stability and structure.
There are several non-surgical alternatives to consider.
- The first-line regeneration treatment for knee pain, such as mild to moderate patellofemoral osteoarthritis, is dextrose prolotherapy. It can help with pain and instability caused by chronic instability in the knee joint and the knee cap, as well as hypermobility.
- Platelet-rich plasma may be beneficial for osteoarthritis in the knee that is somewhat advanced.
- Bone marrow-derived stem cells can also help patients with more moderate to advanced stages of osteoarthritis in the knee and patellofemoral joint.
One can usually expect pain relief, functional improvement, and a return to a high quality of life with various types of therapy. The important thing to keep in mind is that these therapies may not always lead to noticeable improvements in imaging tests such as MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays. However, if you want to improve your lifestyle and self-esteem, these therapies can undoubtedly have a significant impact.
Particularly when kneeling on the ground or repeatedly bending and extending the knee, knee pops and crackles are not unusual.
Cephalalgia is rarely a problem if it is not painful.
The patient is evaluated by medical professionals to determine whether knee crepitus and other symptoms are due to arthritis or another condition.
For diseases affecting the knee and hamstrings, physical therapy is an excellent substitute treatment.
Additionally, anterior cruciate ligament sports injuries can be successfully treated with the right sports medicine and physiotherapy.
Prolotherapy
It is challenging for the clicking-causing structures in and around the knee to heal on their own because of their restricted blood supply. Our blood flow provides the nutrition and oxygen that these structures need to recover.
Prolotherapy reduces the clicking by directly injecting a regeneration solution into these structures, providing the body with the necessary resources to repair and recover.
Since the treatment focuses on the underlying cause of the issue, it is considered a long-term solution.
Physical therapy
When knee clicking is caused by biomechanical abnormalities, muscular imbalances, or small structural issues, physiotherapy may be a useful therapeutic option. The following are typical physiotherapy treatments for knee clicking:
- Exercise Prescription: To strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, physiotherapists frequently recommend particular exercises. By strengthening these muscles, you can lessen aberrant movement patterns that might be causing clicking and increase knee stability.
- Stretching and Flexibility Exercises: Clicking and aberrant biomechanics may be caused by tight muscles surrounding the knee joint. Stretching exercises may be suggested by physiotherapists to increase the flexibility of muscles such as the hamstrings, quadriceps, and iliotibial band (ITB). This can ease stress on the knee joint and relieve tension.
- Manual Therapy: To increase joint mobility, lessen muscle tension, and restore normal movement patterns in the knee joint, physiotherapists can use hands-on treatments such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilizations.
- Biomechanical Assessment and Correction: To find any underlying problems with posture, movement patterns, or gait that might be causing knee clicking, physiotherapists can do a comprehensive biomechanical assessment. They can then offer remedial methods and approaches to deal with these problems and enhance knee mechanics in general.
- Patellar taping or bracing: Physiotherapists can use these methods to help realign the patella and lessen friction between the patella and femur during movement when knee clicking is linked to problems with patellar tracking.
- Activity Modification and Education: To lessen the strain on the knee joint and lower the chance of clicking, physiotherapists can instruct patients on good posture, movement patterns, and knee mechanics. Additionally, they may direct lifestyle and activity modifications to avoid aggravating symptoms.
- Modalities: Physiotherapists may occasionally use modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or cold therapy to lessen knee joint discomfort and inflammation, particularly in the early phases of treatment.
- Functional Rehabilitation: To help patients develop strength, stability, and confidence in utilizing their knee joints, physiotherapists may advance treatment to incorporate functional exercises and activities that simulate real-life movements as symptoms improve.
People who have knee clicking should speak with a certified physiotherapist for a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment plan based on their unique requirements and the underlying reasons for their knee clicking. Following the exercises and interventions as directed is essential to getting the best results and avoiding symptom recurrence.
How To Fix A Clicking Knee
Actually, as well as no. First, you can’t prevent gas and the rare tendon catching. They are simply an essential part of having a functional joint. Second, when it comes to knee clicking brought on by an accident or medical condition, fixing the underlying cause will happily result in less clicking. To accomplish that, take these actions:
BRACE
For knee injuries, the best direction to take is to use a knee brace. However, you need to confirm that the brace is medical-grade, fits you correctly, and was designed for your specific injury type.
We recommend the GenuTrain for Jumper’s Knee. Your injured tendon will receive the support and nutrition it needs to heal with the brace’s medical-grade compression knit, which also helps to tighten the muscles and improve circulation.
It has an ITB pad built into it to ease the band and stop it from pulling and pushing against the joint. To further stabilize and enhance the tracking of the kneecap, it features a special patella pad and cover.
Additionally, osteoarthritis in the knee and meniscus injury:
Use GenuTrain A3 if your situation is not serious.
You should utilize GenuTrain OA if it’s moderate. You will need to use the compression knit in combination with external supports in order to unload the joint.
For meniscus damage or severe osteoarthritis symptoms, SecuTec OA is also recommended. Being a stiff, hinged knee brace, it offers the best support for extensive cartilage damage.
Releases
Tightness in the muscles that directly attach to the patella may cause compression of the patellofemoral joint. As a result, the patella might rub against the femur more frequently.
Front of thigh
(Target muscles: Vastus Lateralis/Medialis/Intermedius, Rectus Femoris)

Instructions:
- Using a foam roller will help support the muscles in your front thighs.
- Press down as hard as you feel comfortable doing so.
- Take care to completely cover the thigh.
- Continue for two minutes, stopping when you experience more tightness.
- Note: Be mindful of the constricted areas!
Above the knee cap
(The distal quadriceps are the target muscles.)

Instructions:
- The area should be placed just above the kneecap on top of a foam roller.
- Apply as much force as feels comfortable.
- Continue for a minute.
Under the knee cap
(Patella tendon is the target muscle.)

Instructions:
- Sitting, extend your leg in front of you.
- Continue to keep your leg completely relaxed.
- The thumbs are useful for pressing and massaging the patella tendon.
- Continue for a minute.
Side glides
(Target area: Retinaculum/Fascia)

Instructions:
- Raise the leg in front of you while seated in a chair.
- Continue to keep your leg completely relaxed.
- Using the tips of your fingers, apply pressure and move the skin down your knees’ sides.
- Do it five times.
Front/side of the shin
(The target muscles are Extensor Digitorum, Extensor Hallucis Longus, and Tibialis Anterior.)

Instructions:
- Use a foam roller to guide the front portion of your shin.
- Applying pressure should be limited to what you feel comfortable with.
- Make sure you cover the entire area.
- Continue for another minute or two.
Exercise for knee clicking
STRETCHING
By stretching the various muscle groups that support and move your knees, you can successfully lessen the stiffness that commonly accompanies arthritis and overuse. We would suggest:
You’ll benefit from these stretches when you hear pops and clicks.
- Your quadriceps and gluteal muscles will become stronger.
- Your squat form will improve.
- Tell them to stretch before they put a lot of strain on their knees.
- Exercise for the hamstrings and calves: downward-facing dog.
- The inner thighs benefit greatly from this stance.
- Stretch your hips and glutes.
- Stretch your quadriceps.
STRENGTHENING
You should also focus on strengthening your legs to ensure that injured joint tissues get the support they need. We would suggest:
- Use squats to strengthen your quadriceps and glutes.
- Inner thighs with clamshells.
- Hamstring Curls.
- As well as calf raises.
We must help you improve your muscular flexibility because if you spend most of your time sitting down or overworking your muscles, they may become fairly stiff. Getting a foam roller is suggested. A simple foam roller costs less than $10.
Foam Rolling

- After placing the foam roller on the floor, place your front quadriceps inside.
- To minimize the severity of the pain, try putting more pressure on your arms and being careful not to go over your kneecap.
- In order to identify any tight spots, slowly move up and down the muscle’s length. To enable deeper tissue penetration, let it rest on the thigh areas for a little period of time.
Deep Squat Stretch

- Place a weighted dumbbell, wall, or gym plate in front of your hands while squatting. (supports the stability of falls)
- To keep your balance, place on your ankles, glutes, and core for 30 to 60 seconds.
- You should eventually be able to do the deep squat position by yourself.
Your quadriceps can be stretched with a training band, rope, or dog leash.

- Resting on your stomach around a piece of rope, place your foot.
- Pull the rope over your shoulder and slide your foot toward your glutes.
- You will get a 45-second stretch in your front quadriceps.
Knee Flexion Gapping Stretch

- For a brief while, place one foot so that the ankle is behind the knee.
- The tighter, restricted muscle groups will be released when you rock softly sideways and feel the ankle muscles relax.
- Aim for two to five minutes per side.
Quadriceps

Instructions:
- While standing, pull your ankle toward your buttocks.
- It’s important to keep your posture correct and your knees balanced.
- Maintaining a downward tailbone, slowly push your hips forward.
- The front of your thigh should feel stretched.
- Hold for 30 seconds.
Tensor Fasciae Latae

- Make a lunging motion forward.
- Your feet should be parallel to each other.
- Make a lunge forward now.
- Put the tailbone under your body.
- Bend your hips toward your back leg.
- Examine your hips for strains on the front and/or outside.
- Hold for 30 seconds.
Adductors

Instructions:
- Throw yourself aside.
- Make sure your inner thighs are fully stretched.
- Hold for 30 seconds.
Hamstring

Instructions:
- While standing, place your straightened leg in front of you on a block.
- Keep your foot pointed.
- Flex forward by hinging at the hips.
- Keep your back straight.
- Your target should be the back of your leg.
- Hold for 30 seconds.
Calf

Instructions:
- Place the front of your foot on a brick.
- Maintaining a straight leg, take one stride forward.
- Feel the muscles in your calf extending.
- Hold for 30 seconds.
Outer shin

Instructions:
- Put your ankle over the other knee while you’re sitting.
- Hold your ankle with one hand and your forefoot with the other.
- Using your ankle joint as support, pull your forefoot in your direction. Think about your toes!
- Try to feel your shin or ankle being stretched.
- Hold for 30 seconds.
Knee extension/flexion (VMO/inner thigh bias)

Instructions:
- Find a chair and sit down.
- Maintaining a slightly externally rotated hip (toes pointed outside) allows you to fully straighten your leg.
- You must be able to feel the contraction of your inner thigh muscles.
- Take five seconds to maintain your posture.
- To the greatest extent possible, extend your knee.
- Perform this 20 times.
Wall plunge

Instructions:
- Put your foot on one of the steps.
- You can maintain your equilibrium by placing both hands on the wall in front of you.
- Your knee and toes must be in line with the leg on the step for this exercise.
- Bend forward.
- Keep in mind that most of your weight should be supported by your heels.
- Push your knees forward as much as you can without allowing them to click.
- Use your hands to assist as much as necessary.
- Perform 20 repetitions.
Progression:
- Allow the knee to flex forward more.
- Take a step back from the support that your arms are offering.
Step up with support

Instructions:
- Press down on a step.
- Hold onto whatever is still in front of you.
- Maintain the leg on the step’s knee in alignment with your toes during the entire workout.
- Step up and elevate yourself with the towel.
- Check to see if the car is going past your heel.
- Slowly move yourself back to the starting position.
- Perform 20 repetitions.
Progression:
- Reduce the quantity of arm support you use.
- Make a move.
Stand To Sit

Instructions:
- Sit down in a chair.
- Make sure your legs are shoulder-width apart.
- Maintain your knees in alignment with your toes throughout the entire workout.
- Inwardly extend your knees.
- Stand up.
- Make sure the foot’s heel is pushed through.
- Perform 20 repetitions.
Progression:
- Pick up the weights.
- Move to a chair that is lower.
- The exercise should be done slowly.
Knee-forward squat

Instructions:
- With your back to the wall, take your position.
- Make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart.
- Take care to align your knees and toes during this workout.
- Bend your knees forward and slide down the wall carefully.
- Squatting should only be done as low as it feels comfortable for you.
- Perform 20 repetitions.
If you need to, you can reduce the strain on your knees by holding onto a table for support.
Repeat these stretches over the next few weeks and evaluate your progress. Your squat will improve if you find that your muscles are more elastic or have a wider range of motion in the coming days. If you experience slight soreness during your routine, some meals can help reduce inflammation because your body may be changing.
When Should I See a Physician?
If you have any of these symptoms, consult an orthopedic professional immediately to rule out a more serious problem. This may help prevent more severe knee problems, including ACL or femur injury. Between 100,000 and 200,000 people are affected each year.
Even if there is no discomfort, you should still have the popping in your knee examined. In certain people, it might suggest an overuse injury. Losing weight, doing knee-strengthening activities, or getting new shoes may be necessary to protect the joint.
Treatments that specifically address the underlying cause of the irregular popping or cracking inside the knee joint are the most successful. With the help of rest and anti-inflammatory drugs, knee joint inflammation, tendon problems, and crepitus can all be successfully decreased.
In most cases of knee mechanical problems, arthroscopy is the preferred surgical treatment. To repair any damage, a camera and equipment are inserted through tiny incisions into the joint.
When to Get Medical Help:
Knee clicking is generally safe; however, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor:
- Persistent Pain: If there is ongoing discomfort or edema in addition to the clicking.
- Catching or Locking: When moving, the knee may catch or lock.
- The term “instability” describes the bending or wobbling of the knee.
- Reduced Range of Motion: If you see a notable reduction in the range of motion in your knee.
- Injury History: If the clicking occurs after a traumatic incident or if you have a history of knee injuries.
Conclusion
It can be irritating when your knee hurts and clicks. This is caused by five basic factors: soft tissue, osteoarthritis in the knee, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, and patellofemoral syndrome. If it’s rare and unconnected to other symptoms, it usually doesn’t require further research. If the problem is increasing in frequency and is associated with edema, locking episodes, discomfort, and a limited range of motion, an assessment is required.
The clicking serves as a warning that there is a problem that has to be resolved. Surgeons provide surgical remedies. You can choose from a number of nonsurgical treatment alternatives from a doctor with interventional orthopedics knowledge. In order to treat this, the root cause must be identified. The Centeno-Schultz Clinic’s physicians are experts in their respective fields.
Warning signs include discomfort, edema, or restricted range of motion, in addition to the knee clicking more and more. Act now before the problem gets worse and there are no other choices. To determine the best nonsurgical treatment plan, schedule a telemedicine consultation with a board-certified physician who may review your medical history and studies.
FAQs
What is meant by a clicking knee?
The phrase “clicking the knee” describes the age-related displacement of cartilage. Pops and clicks will result from the cartilage’s sharp edges becoming stuck between the joint surfaces. Clicking the knee resists the normal movements that are too difficult to manage on their own.
How do I prevent my knee from clicking?
The following actions will help you quit kicking your knees:
Put on the proper footwear.
Assume the appropriate sleeping posture.
Use your nutrients and vitamins.
Put compression therapy into practice.
An appropriate warm-up.
Will the clicking knee stop?
Once the underlying reason is understood, knee popping and cracking can be easily controlled. Clicking your knees shouldn’t cause any major issues in most cases. Furthermore, people who have knee clicking don’t need any special care. Seeking medical attention could be essential if you notice any more severe symptoms.
Why does it click when I bend my knee?
The knee makes an irritating clicking sound when bent. Every joint in our body contains synovial fluid, which explains why. Bones can glide over one another more easily thanks to synovial fluid. The synovial fluid may occasionally contain air bubbles. The little air bubbles in your knees pop, snap, and crackle whenever you bend them because of this.
Does a click in the knee suggest arthritis?
Yes, there are a lot of indicators that someone has arthritis in their bones.
Knee buckling.
Walking with difficulty.
Skin redness.
Creaking, snapping, grinding, clicking noises.
Warm skin.
When you try to move your knee, it locks or becomes stuck.
Joint stiffness.
Is walking beneficial for knee arthritis?
Since walking is a simple, mild workout that does not place an excessive amount of strain on the joints, it can help expand the knee range of motion and prevent them from becoming overly tight and stiff.
When your knee clicks, what does that mean?
Meniscus, articular cartilage, medial collateral ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, and posterior cruciate ligament can all sustain injuries. In general, it’s suitable for the knee to click and catch without causing pain or swelling.
Is there a cure for knee clicking?
Sometimes, loose or broken cartilage can cause your knee to feel like it’s “catching.” Repairing loose or broken cartilage that impedes normal motion and might not be able to heal on its own might be as simple as cutting off a loose piece or trimming jagged edges.
If my knee clicks, should I be worried?
Knee clicking is often not a major issue. There might be a medical problem at hand, though, if the clicks are accompanied by pain or other inflammatory symptoms like swelling and redness. If this describes you, get medical help, get a high-quality brace, and start strengthening and increasing the range of motion in your knee.
Do knees that are in good health click?
Many moving parts glide and move next to each other as you bend and straighten your knees, like you would when climbing or descending stairs. This is why knee clicks are so prevalent.
Why doesn’t my knee hurt, although it’s clicking?
When your knee clicks painfully, it might be aggravating. Meniscus tears, osteoarthritis in the knee, ligament damage, soft tissue, and patellofemoral syndrome are the five primary causes of this. usually doesn’t require additional testing if it’s rare and unrelated to other symptoms.
What’s causing my joints to click?
Walking, cycling, and jogging on level ground are examples of physical activities that demand energy expenditure.
Strength training or weight lifting.
Stretching.
Neuromuscular workouts include plyometrics, resistance training, speed training, and core development exercise.
Balance training.
Aquatic exercise, such as swimming.
Is arthritis the cause of the clicking knee?
Crepitus, which might be a creaking, clicking, grinding, or snapping sound, is one of the several indications and symptoms of knee arthritis.Walking is challenging. The degree of joint discomfort is affected by the weather.
Can you click joints?
Often, joints that fracture painlessly are not harmful. However, common sense typically suggests that if intentional and repetitive joint cracking results in pain, it may be uncomfortable from a social and physiological standpoint.
How can a clicking knee be healed?
As the knee joint regains its strength, knee clicking typically stops. Ruptures of cartilage and ligaments may not necessarily require surgery. If you are unable to have surgery, physical therapy and knee support may be suggested as ways to lessen knee clicking.
References
- What Leads to Knee Clicking, When to Be Concerned, and More. (2022, April 5). Centeno-Schultz Clinic. https://centenoschultz.com/symptom/knee-clicking/.
- S. (2023, March 10). Why Do Your Knees Click, and Is It Okay to Get Worried? – Read & Learn More. Southgate physio. https://www.southgatephysio.co.uk/why-do-your-knees-click-and-should-you-worry/.
- What Causes Knee Clicking? When Should I Be Concerned? (2022, April 5). Centeno-Schultz Clinic. https://centenoschultz.com/symptom/knee-clicking/.
- A. (2021, November 3). Should I be worried about the reason behind my knee clicking? The sports medicine and orthopedic center of Plano. Various factors can cause knee clicks.
- The top causes of knee clicking and its remedies in 2024. (2024, March 23). ProHealth Prolotherapy Clinic. https://prohealthclinic.co.uk/blog/knee-clicking/.
- Australia, B. (n.d.). Bauerfeind. Bauerfeind Australia. https://www.bauerfeind.com.au/blogs/news/knee-clicking-should-you-be-worried.
- Clicking in the Knees. (n.d.). https://www.donjoystore.com/injury-info-center/knee-injury-guide/clicking-knees.
- Physiotherapy, P., & Physiotherapy, P. (2021, August 26). Four Easy Exercises to Fix Knee Clicks During Squats in Primal Physiotherapy. Early Physiotherapy – Move Without Limits. https://primalphysiotherapy.com.au/blog/knee-click-stretches/.
- M. (2023, March 22). Exercises for a Clicking Knee. Posture Direct. https://www.posturedirect.com/clicking-knee/.
- Image -www.theprolotherapyclinic.com%2Fknee-clicking%2F&psig=AOvVaw2nskK7QAJ-xphIe0ln5aku&ust=1712372838665000&source=images
- Gameti, D. (2024, April 18). Knee clicking – Cause, symptoms, treatment. Mobile Physiotherapy Clinic. https://mobilephysiotherapyclinic.in/knee-clicking/







