Why Do My Joints Make That Noise? Understanding Crepitus

Have you ever bent down to squat, lunge, or reach for something on the floor and heard a pop, click, or crackle in your knees – or even other joints? That sound is known as crepitus, and it’s one of the most common questions I’m asked in my physiotherapy consults.

The good news? You’re far from alone.

High-quality research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) shows that around 41% of people in the general population experience knee crepitus, including many who have never had knee pain or injury. In other words, noisy knees are incredibly common and often completely normal.

So what’s causing that sound?

The exact cause of crepitus isn’t always crystal clear, and it can differ from person to person. In many cases, joint noises come from harmless sources, such as:

• Tiny gas bubbles in joint fluid forming and rapidly collapsing during movement or stretching. This is the same basic mechanism behind cracking knuckles, and it can take around 20–30 minutes before the bubbles re-dissolve and the sound can occur again.
• Tendons or ligaments moving over bony surfaces as the joint bends and straightens.
• Age-related or normal tissue changes that can make movement a little noisier over time.

Importantly, these sounds do not automatically mean damage is occurring in the joint.

Is it safe to exercise if your joints are noisy? Yes.

One of the biggest myths around creaky joints is that noise equals “wear and tear” or ongoing harm. Current evidence tells us that joint noise on its own is common and not a reliable indicator of joint damage or disease.

Many people with crepitus continue to exercise, stay active, and maintain good joint health without any negative consequences. Even in conditions like osteoarthritis, where crepitus is more common, exercise is one of the most effective treatments to improve strength, joint support, and overall function. Avoiding movement simply because a joint is noisy is not recommended.

Think of it as your body’s slightly quirky, but harmless, way of making music.

What about crepitus and osteoarthritis?

Some research suggests that frequent crepitus may sometimes be associated with early joint changes, particularly when it occurs alongside pain, stiffness, or reduced function.

However, the same BJSM research shows that many people with crepitus never go on to develop painful or limiting osteoarthritis. As noises are so common in healthy individuals, crepitus on its own is not a diagnosis and not a reliable predictor of future problems.

The take-home message

Joint noise should always be interpreted in context.
If your joints are noisy but feel strong, comfortable, and allow you to do what you enjoy, it’s usually nothing to worry about.

If, however, the noise is accompanied by pain, swelling, stiffness, or difficulty with everyday activities, a physiotherapy assessment can help identify what’s going on and guide the next steps.

Listen to how your body feels and functions – not just how it sounds.

References:

1. Culvenor AG, et al.
   Prevalence and clinical associations of knee crepitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
   British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2025; 59(2):126–134.
2. Felson DT, et al.
   Association of subjective crepitus with incident symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.
   British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2018; 52(10):633–639.
3. Hart HF, et al.
   Is patellofemoral crepitus related to structural abnormalities and pain?
   British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2017; 51(4):250–256.