Why is My Knee Clicking?

Have you ever noticed a clicking sound in your knee when you move? 

This is called crepitus, which affects 41 percent of the general population. It is often harmless and is caused by gas bubbles popping, shifting tendons, or cartilage changes.

However, knee clicking with pain or swelling may be due to arthritis, a meniscus tear, or ligament damage.

In this article, I’ll cover common causes and when to see a doctor. Plus, you’ll also learn about treatment options to manage any associated symptoms.

Why Do Knees Click?

If your knee clicks, you’re not alone. Many of my patients often worry about what it means. 

I know it can feel unsettling. But in most cases, it’s completely harmless and doesn’t affect your mobility or quality of life.

It’s usually just how your joints move and not a sign of anything serious. But I understand why it might still make you uneasy. 

Here are some of the common reasons you may hear clicking:

Tiny Bubbles Popping

Your joints are filled with a lubricating fluid that contains tiny gas bubbles. As you move, the pressure inside your joint changes. 

This causes the bubbles to pop, creating a clicking or popping sound. It’s the same process as cracking your knuckles.

Muscles or Tissue Moving

Sometimes, the muscles or soft tissues around your knee momentarily catch. When they release, you hear a click or a pop.

Tendons or Ligaments Shifting

Ligaments and tendons normally glide over bones and other structures inside your knee. 

A tendon or ligament may catch on a bony lump or old scar tissue. When they snap back, they cause a pop or click.

This is a normal part of movement and isn’t a cause for concern unless it’s painful or causes swelling.

Causes of Knee Clicking

Occasional knee clicking without pain is usually harmless. But if you have persistent or painful clicking, it may indicate an underlying issue.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is common among young adults and athletes. It is often caused by repeated stress on the knee from:

• Running
• Squatting
• Climbing stairs

The kneecap moves over the femur as you bend your knee. If it doesn’t glide smoothly, it can cause cartilage irritation.

Over time, the cartilage may wear down. This can cause clicking or popping, especially when climbing stairs or standing up.

Meniscus Tear

A torn meniscus can cause popping, pain, swelling, and occasional knee locking. This happens when the cartilage cushioning the knee joint is damaged due to injury or wear and tear.

If your knee clicks or locks when you bend or straighten it, a meniscus tear might be the reason.

Patellar Tendonitis and Tear

Patellar tendonitis is common in athletes involved in running and jumping. It causes inflammation in the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone.

This leads to a dull ache that worsens with movement. In more severe cases, a patellar tendon tear may cause:

• Swelling
• Intense pain
• A visible indentation below the kneecap

Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

Knee osteoarthritis occurs due to cartilage loss, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.

Initially, clicking may be painless, but discomfort increases as OA progresses.

Baker’s Cyst

A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled swelling behind the knee that could cause clicking, especially when you bend or extend your leg.

Ligament Injuries

Torn knee ligaments, such as the ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL, reduce knee stability. You may hear a click or pop when the damaged ligament moves over the bone.

Plica Syndrome

Plica syndrome occurs when a fold of knee tissue (plica) becomes irritated, often due to overuse, causing knee pain. 

You may hear clicking or popping sounds when bending the knee, and symptoms may worsen with:

• Squatting
• Running
• Kneeling

Associated Symptoms

A clicking knee is rarely a problem in itself. But, with the following symptoms, it could suggest an issue within your joint:

• Pain: 

Clicking with pain could be due to injury, arthritis, or joint misalignment. 

• Swelling: 

Swelling around the knee may suggest irritation, overuse, or a joint condition.

• Stiffness: 

A tight or stiff knee may indicate arthritis, joint wear and tear, or inflammation.

• Instability: 

If your knee feels weak or prone to giving out, ligament damage or a meniscus tear may affect its stability.

• Limited Range of Motion: 

Difficulty moving your knee could be due to cartilage damage or a meniscus tear.

When to See the Doctor

Knee clicking might not seem like a big deal until it happens more often.

Maybe it’s been going on for weeks, or you felt a sharp pain the last time it happened.  And now, you’re wondering, “Is this normal, or should I be worried?” 

Here’s how I help my patients figure out when to monitor their symptoms and when to see a doctor.

Step 1: Is the Clicking Painless or Painful?

• Yes → Occasional painless clicking is normal. If there’s no discomfort, keep an eye on it.
• No → Move to Step 2

Step 2: How Long Have You Had Pain, Swelling, or Stiffness?

• Less than 48 hours → Rest, ice, and monitor. Mild symptoms often improve on their own.
• More than 48 hours → Move to Step 3

Step 3: Are You Experiencing Any of These Red Flags?

• Pain, swelling, or stiffness that doesn’t improve
• Knee locking or limited movement
• Instability 
• A loud pop during injury
• Redness, warmth, or fever

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to visit your doctor.

Step 4: Have You Had Previous Knee Injuries or Conditions?

If you have a history of knee injuries or arthritis, it’s best to visit your orthopedic specialist.

See a Doctor Immediately	Seek Medical Attention Soon
Severe or worsening swelling and redness. This could indicate inflammation or infection, especially if you have a fever.	Pain or Swelling Lasts for Weeks. A check-up is needed if knee pain lasts for weeks or disrupts sleep.
Inability to Move Your Knee. This may suggest a dislocation, a locked joint, or a torn meniscus.	Clicking Comes with Pain or Stiffness. This could be a sign of a meniscus tear or cartilage damage.
A Knee that ‘Gives Out’. Often linked to ligament damage or arthritis.	Limping or Difficulty Bearing Weight. May suggest a structural issue.
Visible Deformities or Bumps. Could suggest a fracture, dislocation, or fluid buildup from injury or infection.	You Can’t Manage the Pain. This doesn’t make it an emergency, but your doctor can help!

Treatment Options

Since knee clicking can have various causes, treatment depends on the underlying issue. 

These options may ease discomfort and other issues if you don’t have any red-flag symptoms:

Home Remedies 

For mild cases, these at-home methods may help manage discomfort:

RICE Method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

The RICE method may reduce swelling and pain:

• Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the discomfort so that your knee can heal.
• Ice: Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes to reduce inflammation.
• Compression: Wrap the knee with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
• Elevation: Keep your knee raised to help drain excess fluid and minimize pressure.

If your symptoms persist despite these steps, further treatment may be needed.

Non-Invasive Treatments

Strengthening Exercises

Certain exercises may improve knee stability and reduce discomfort. 

The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends strengthening the quadriceps to reduce stress on the knee joint and prevent injury.

Exercises such as partial squats and leg presses create stronger quadriceps, making your knees more stable.

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy is a safe treatment for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis and is less invasive than surgical procedures. 

The procedure involves injecting the PRP into the knee joint to reduce inflammation and improve function.

Topical Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Topical NSAIDs like Voltaren may reduce pain due to knee osteoarthritis.

Surgery

If other treatments fail, knee surgery may be necessary, depending on the cause of your issues:

• Arthroscopy: For torn cartilage, ligament tears, loose cartilage, inflammation or swelling
• Osteotomy: For osteoarthritis, deformities, or fractures
• Knee Replacement: To restore knee function and relieve pain

Next Steps

Your knees support you every step of the way, so it’s natural to feel concerned when they start clicking. While occasional clicking is normal, persistent discomfort shouldn’t be ignored.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. The right care can help you move with ease and confidence again.

Worried about knee clicking? Book a consultation with Dr. Pamela today for expert advice and personalized care.