
If your knees make noises when you squat, lunge, or even walk up the stairs, you’re not alone. Those pops, clicks, or crackles, known as knee crepitus, are incredibly common and can happen to anyone, regardless of age or activity level. However, these sounds often leave people feeling concerned—are they a warning sign of injury or joint problems?
The short answer: not necessarily. In fact, most of the time, knee crepitus is harmless and not a sign of anything serious. Let’s dive into what causes it, why it happens, and when (if ever) you should worry about it.
What Causes Knee Crepitus?
Crepitus refers to the noises your joints make during movement. In the case of your knees, these sounds are most often related to the patellofemoral joint, which is the space where your kneecap (patella) moves against your thigh bone (femur).
The popping, clicking, or grinding sounds usually occur because of:
Joint Lubrication:Your joints contain synovial fluid, which helps reduce friction during movement. Sometimes, this fluid shifts and creates bubbles that pop as you move, resulting in harmless noises.
Tissue Movement:Tendons or ligaments sliding over bony structures can produce a snapping or clicking sound, especially when you bend and straighten your knee repeatedly.
Healthy Joint Activity:Believe it or not, knee crepitus can actually indicate that your joints are functioning well, with tissues moving smoothly against each other.
Is Knee Crepitus Dangerous?
The good news is that knee crepitus is usually not associated with pathology—as long as it’s not accompanied by pain, swelling, or other symptoms. Many people mistakenly believe that noisy knees are a sign of early arthritis or a developing injury, but research shows that this is not typically the case.
A 2017 study by Robertson et al. examined people’s beliefs about crepitus and found that many participants feared the sounds were damaging or unhealthy. These beliefs often led to unnecessary anxiety, avoidance of movement, and even changes in physical activity levels.
The truth? If your knees make noise but don’t hurt, you don’t need to worry. Most of the time, crepitus is simply a byproduct of normal joint mechanics.
When Should You See a Professional?
While most cases of knee crepitus are harmless, there are situations where medical attention may be needed. Consider speaking with a healthcare provider if you experience:
Pain during or after movement.
Swelling in or around the knee joint.
Limited range of motion or difficulty with daily activities.
A sudden injury followed by persistent noise or discomfort.
These symptoms could indicate an underlying issue, such as patellofemoral pain syndrome, tendinitis, or osteoarthritis. A professional can assess your knee, provide a diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary.
Let’s Change the Conversation
One of the biggest challenges with knee crepitus is the fear and misinformation that surrounds it. People often feel self-conscious or worry that the noise means they’re damaging their body, which can lead to avoidance of movement or exercise. Unfortunately, this can do more harm than good.
Movement is essential for joint health! Regular activity helps strengthen the muscles around your knees, improves joint lubrication, and supports long-term function. Educating people about the normal, harmless causes of crepitus can empower them to stay active and confident in their body.
Key Takeaways
Noisy knees are common and usually not a cause for concern.
If there’s no pain or swelling, the noise is likely harmless and may even indicate healthy joint function.
Crepitus is often caused by fluid movement, tissue mechanics, or normal joint activity.
If you have pain, swelling, or a history of injury, consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.
Final Thoughts
Knee crepitus is a natural part of how the body moves. While it can be unsettling to hear your joints making noise, it’s important to remember that noise alone is rarely a sign of a problem. Educating yourself and others about the truth behind crepitus can help eliminate unnecessary fear and encourage a healthier, more positive relationship with movement.
So, if your knees pop, click, or crackle without pain, don’t stress—keep moving, stay active, and know that your body is doing just fine.
📚 Reference: Robertson CJ, et al. (2017). People's beliefs about the meaning of crepitus in patellofemoral pain and the impact of these beliefs on their behaviour. Musculoskelet Sci Pract.
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