It happens during your morning jog, climbing stairs, or even standing up from a chair. A subtle click, pop, or grind echoes from your knee joint. For some, it’s background noise they’ve learned to ignore. For others, it’s a source of anxiety—“Is this arthritis? Am I damaging my knee every time I move?”The phenomenon, known medically as knee crepitus, is surprisingly common. Studies show it affects 41 percent of the general population, and most of the time, it’s harmless. But in some cases, those noisy knees can signal something more serious. Let’s break down what science knows about knee crepitus, why it happens, and when it’s time to book an appointment with your doctor.What Is Knee Crepitus?Knee crepitus is the audible sounds—crackling, clicking, creaking, or grinding—when the knee joint is moving. These sounds can occur when bending the knee, squatting, going up and down stairs, or even walking. Scientists are still piecing together the definitive causes. The top theories are:Gas bubbles bursting in the synovial fluid that lubricates the knee.Tendons or ligaments snapping as they glide over bony surfaces.Cartilage alteration, particularly if the joint's smooth surface has commenced to deteriorate.These sounds are frequently a normal consequence of movement and joint mechanics in most instances. The interesting aspect is that individuals with no history of knee injury or pain report the same noises.A major review of over 100 studies, including more than 36,000 individuals, found knee crepitus in 36 percent of people who were not painful and had no recorded knee injury. Creaky knees, in short, are commonly normal.Is Knee 'Clicking' Always Arthritis?Among the most prevalent fears associated with noisy knees is osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint condition that inflicts millions globally. Science confirms a correlation: up to 81 percent of those with osteoarthritis experience knee crepitus.But the fact that crepitus is present doesn't necessarily equate to arthritis. One study of close to 3,500 older adults found that two-thirds of individuals who reported "always" having crepitus did not develop symptomatic arthritis in the next four years.In younger adults, particularly in those recovering from knee injuries or surgery, crepitus can be more common. Other research indicates that such noises are attributed to early cartilage damage, especially around the kneecap area. Yet research also finds that noisy knees following injury do not necessarily mean poorer long-term prognosis.Although crepitus is more prevalent in arthritis, it is not used as a diagnostic instrument in isolation. Pain, swelling, stiffness, or limited mobility are more powerful red flags that indicate medical evaluation.When Should You Worry About Clicking Knees?If your knees click but otherwise are okay, there typically isn't anything to worry about. There are some cases, though, where clicking knees need more scrutiny. Get medical advice if clicking or grinding is accompanied by:Ongoing or severe painSwelling or redness near the jointA sense of instability or lockingNotable stiffness or limited range of motionOther evidence of arthritis, including redness or ongoing painIn such instances, a physician might suggest a physical examination, imaging tests, or referral to a specialist.Treatment Options: What Works and What Doesn't?Sorry, there's no silver bullet for knee crepitus itself. If the sound isn't painful and isn't interfering with your activities, no treatment is typically indicated. But if crepitus is associated with an overall problem of the knee, treatment is based on the underlying condition.Home Remedies for 'Clicking' KneesExercise: Strenthening the quadriceps and surrounding muscles stabilizes the knee and decreases stress on the joint. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) advises partial squats and leg presses.Weight control: Having a healthy body weight decreases pressure on the knees.RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation): Useful if crepitus is associated with mild injury or inflammation.Medical and Non-Invasive TreatmentsPhysical therapy: Customized regimens enhance strength, flexibility, and joint mechanics.Topical NSAIDs: Gels such as diclofenac (Voltaren) may relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis.Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Currently under investigation, PRP injections can possibly alleviate pain and enhance function in osteoarthritis individuals.Surgical OptionsOnly when other options do not work is surgery an option:Arthroscopy: Minimal invasive surgery to fix damaged cartilage or excise loose pieces.Osteotomy: Shaping bones to take pressure off the knee joint.Knee replacement: Only for severe arthritis, this restores joint function and pain relief.Why You Shouldn't Stop Moving?One of the most harmful misconceptions about creaky knees is that exercise will make them worse. Actually, not moving can have the opposite effect. Exercise is important to keep joints healthy, improve mobility, and slow the progression of arthritis.To quote one orthopedic specialist, "Joints are meant to move. Avoiding activity out of fear can cause muscle weakness, creaky joints, and in fact, escalate pain in the long term."Knee crepitus is a normal occurrence that may be startling, but usually, it doesn't cause harm. Clicking knees without pain are usually never something to worry about. The important thing is to listen to what your body's saying, if the sound is accompanied by pain, swelling, or restricted function, then it's time to have it investigated.
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