Joint noises can happen during many everyday movements. You may hear a pop when you stand up, bend your knee, move your shoulder, or turn your neck. Some people notice these sounds regularly without any pain or other symptoms.
A noise does not always mean there is a problem. It can have several causes. What matters most is whether it occurs with pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, or a change in how the affected area moves.
Knowing why these sounds occur can help you decide when to seek professional advice.
What Causes Joints to Click?
Joints connect bones and allow the body to move. They work with muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues during everyday activity.
A popping noise can occur when these structures move. Changes in pressure within the fluid around a joint can sometimes produce a pop. A tendon or ligament may also move across a nearby structure and create a snapping noise.
These sounds can occur in many parts of the body. Common examples include:
- Knees
- Shoulders
- Ankles
- Wrists
- Fingers
- Hips
- Neck
The noise may happen during a particular movement and disappear when the movement stops. In some cases, it may occur regularly without causing any discomfort.
Is Joint Clicking Without Pain a Problem?
Painless clicking is common. If the area moves normally and you have no other symptoms, you may not need treatment.
For example, you may hear your knees click when you stand after sitting for a while. Your fingers may also pop when you move them. These noises can occur without affecting normal function.
However, a new sound may deserve attention if it comes with other changes. Pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, or reduced movement can suggest that something else needs to be considered.
It is also useful to notice whether the noise started after an injury or a change in physical activity. This information can help a healthcare professional assess what may be happening.
Can an Injury Cause a Clicking Joint?
A new clicking sound may appear after an injury. Falls, sudden twists, sports injuries, and other impacts can affect the surrounding tissues.
A knee, for example, may click after a twisting injury. You may also notice swelling, pain, or difficulty putting weight on the leg.
A shoulder may produce a new noise after a fall or during repeated activity. Similar changes can occur in other areas of the body.
A new sound does not confirm an injury. However, if it begins after an accident and the affected area feels different, it is sensible to seek medical advice.
Severe pain, marked swelling, loss of movement, or an inability to use the affected area normally should be assessed promptly.
Can Exercise Make Joint Sounds More Noticeable?
Physical activity can make these sounds easier to notice. Running, lifting, gardening, cycling, and sports all involve repeated movements.
A change in your routine may also make an existing noise more noticeable. This does not mean that exercise has damaged the area.
Consider whether the change started after you began a new activity or increased the amount you already do. Noting which activities trigger it may give your practitioner useful details during an assessment.
You usually do not need to stop all activity because of a painless noise. However, if exercise causes pain or other symptoms, reduce the activity and seek medical advice.
What Does Clicking With Pain Mean?
Pain alongside clicking deserves more attention than the sound alone.
A clicking area that hurts may need closer attention. The same applies if you have swelling, tenderness, weakness, stiffness, or reduced range of movement.
You may also notice that the area catches, locks, or feels as though it may give way. These changes can affect everyday activities and may need professional review.
Many possible causes can explain these symptoms. It is better to consider the full set of symptoms rather than assume the noise has one particular cause.
How Is a Clicking Joint Assessed?
An assessment usually begins with questions about the problem. You may be asked when the noise started, how often it occurs, and which movements bring it on.
The practitioner may ask about:
- Previous injuries
- Physical activity
- Work-related movements
- Other symptoms
- Changes in movement
- When the noise is most noticeable
They may then examine the affected area. This can include checking how it moves and whether certain movements cause pain or other symptoms.
The practitioner may also look at nearby muscles and structures. This can help them assess whether another area may be affecting the way it moves.
An Osteopathic assessment starts with a review of your symptoms and health history. The practitioner then performs a physical examination to assess the affected area. The NHS explains what patients may expect during an osteopathic appointment.
What May Happen During Osteopathic Care?
The care recommended will depend on the findings and your individual circumstances.
An osteopath may use hands-on techniques, stretching, or exercises. They may also discuss physical activity and daily habits that could affect the area.
The purpose is not to treat the noise itself. Instead, the focus may be on pain, restricted movement, or other problems found during the assessment.
You can find research and clinical material on osteopathic medicine in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. The publication covers research and clinical topics within osteopathic medicine.
Osteopathic care may not suit everyone. If the symptoms suggest that another type of medical assessment is needed, you may be advised to see a GP or another healthcare professional.
When Should You Get a Clicking Joint Checked?
A clicking joint may be worth checking when other symptoms accompany the noise.
Consider seeking advice if you notice:
- Persistent pain
- Swelling around the area
- Reduced movement
- Weakness
- Stiffness
- Locking or catching
- A feeling that the area may give way
- A new clicking sound after an injury
The timing also matters. A noise that has occurred occasionally for years without pain may be less concerning than one that suddenly appears after an accident.
If symptoms are severe or follow a serious injury, you may need prompt medical attention.
What Can You Do While Monitoring the Joint?
If the clicking is painless and the area works normally, you may be able to continue your usual activities.
Pay attention to any changes. Notice whether the noise becomes more frequent or starts occurring with pain or swelling.
If a particular activity makes the area uncomfortable, reduce the amount or intensity for a while. Avoid suddenly increasing demanding exercise when you are already experiencing symptoms.
Keeping a simple note of when the noise occurs can also be useful. Record the activity, the affected area, and any symptoms that appear at the same time.
This information can give a healthcare professional a clearer account of what you have noticed.
Finding Appropriate Support
Clicking can occur for many reasons. A noise on its own may not indicate a serious problem.
The situation is different when it comes with swelling, pain, weakness, stiffness, locking, or reduced movement. A new sound after an injury may also need assessment.
For people looking for local osteopathic care, an Osteopath in Croydon can assess musculoskeletal concerns and discuss suitable options where appropriate.
The important point is to consider the symptoms around the noise. Changes in comfort or movement can provide a better reason to seek professional advice.
