Are Clicking Joints Something to Worry About?

Have you ever noticed your knees clicking when you climb the stairs, your shoulders popping during exercise, or your neck cracking when you turn your head? Joint noises are incredibly common and, in most cases, they're completely harmless.

However, there are occasions when clicking or popping joints can be a sign of an underlying problem. Knowing the difference can help you decide when it's worth seeking professional advice.

Why Do Joints Click?

Joints can make a variety of noises, including clicking, popping, cracking and grinding. These sounds often have perfectly normal explanations.

Gas Bubbles

One of the most common causes of a 'crack' is the release of gas bubbles within the fluid that lubricates your joints. This is the same process that occurs when people crack their knuckles.

Although it can sound dramatic, it isn't damaging the joint.

Tendons Moving

As you move, tendons can briefly move over a bone before returning to their normal position. This can create a clicking or snapping sensation, particularly around the:

• Shoulder

• Hip

• Knee

• Ankle

This is often painless and considered a normal part of movement.

Ligaments and Soft Tissues

Ligaments and other soft tissues can also produce small clicking noises as they move during activity. These sounds are usually nothing to worry about if they aren't accompanied by pain or swelling.

When Clicking Is Usually Normal

In most cases, joint noises are harmless if they:

• Are not painful

• Don't cause swelling

• Don't affect movement

• Aren't associated with instability

• Occur occasionally during normal movement

Many people notice more clicking as they get older, and some joints simply make more noise than others.

When Could It Be a Problem?

Joint clicking may warrant further assessment if it's accompanied by other symptoms.

Pain

Pain is one of the biggest indicators that something may need investigating.

Painful clicking may be associated with conditions such as:

• Tendon irritation

• Cartilage problems

• Joint inflammation

• Ligament injuries

Swelling

Swelling following an injury or alongside persistent clicking may suggest damage to the joint or surrounding tissues.

Locking or Giving Way

If a joint becomes stuck, locks in place or repeatedly gives way, this could indicate a more significant issue that requires assessment.

Reduced Movement

If clicking is accompanied by stiffness or difficulty moving the joint, it's worth seeking professional advice.

What About Clicking Knees?

Knees are one of the most common joints to click.

Harmless knee clicking often occurs when:

• Standing up

• Squatting

• Climbing stairs

• Running

If there is no pain or swelling, these noises are usually nothing to worry about.

However, persistent knee pain, swelling or instability should be assessed to rule out conditions affecting the cartilage, ligaments or tendons.

Clicking Shoulders

The shoulder is another joint that commonly produces clicking sounds.

This can occur because of:

• Tendons moving during overhead movements

• Muscle tightness

• Changes in shoulder mechanics

Again, painless clicking is often normal. If the clicking is associated with pain, weakness or reduced range of movement, an assessment may be beneficial.

Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis?

This is one of the most common myths surrounding joint health.

Current research has found no convincing evidence that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.

While frequent knuckle cracking may temporarily reduce grip strength in some people or irritate surrounding soft tissues if done excessively, it has not been shown to damage healthy joints or increase the risk of developing arthritis.

How Osteopathy Can Help

If joint clicking is accompanied by pain or reduced movement, an osteopath can assess the joint and the surrounding areas to identify potential contributing factors.

Assessment may include:

• Joint mobility

• Muscle strength

• Movement patterns

• Flexibility

• Functional activities such as walking, squatting or lifting

Treatment may include:

• Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility

• Soft tissue treatment

• Rehabilitation exercises

• Advice on posture, movement and activity modification

The aim is to improve how the joint functions rather than simply focusing on the noise itself.

Can You Stop Joints Clicking?

Not always—and in many cases, there's no need to.

If the clicking is painless and your joint is functioning normally, treatment isn't usually necessary.

If the clicking is related to muscle tightness, reduced mobility or movement patterns, improving strength and flexibility may reduce how often it occurs.

When Should You Seek Professional Advice?

It's sensible to seek an assessment if:

• Clicking is accompanied by pain

• The joint swells regularly

• The joint locks or gives way

• You notice increasing stiffness

• Symptoms are affecting your sport, work or daily activities

• The clicking started after an injury

Early assessment can help identify the cause and provide reassurance or appropriate treatment where needed.