Why Is My Knee Clicking?

Hearing a clicking sound coming from your knee joint can be disconcerting – there’s no doubt about that. But is it something you need to be concerned about or have evaluated further?

The answer is: It depends.

In many cases, knee clicking is totally normal and benign – especially if it’s not accompanied by any other worrisome symptoms. That being said, clicking that’s persistent, painful, or associated with symptoms like swelling, instability, or loss of range of motion may indicate a more serious underlying issue and shouldn’t be ignored.

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our leading specialists have the advanced knowledge, experience, and expertise to accurately pinpoint what’s causing your knee to click and put you on the quickest path to a full recovery. In this post, we’ve explored some harmless reasons for knee clicking, identified some indicators that it may be an orthopedic concern, and highlighted five of its primary causes. To learn more, schedule an initial consultation at one of our state-of-the-art clinics today!

Why Knees Click

A recent research review estimated that knee clicking, medically known as knee crepitus, has a prevalence of approximately 41% in the general population. The condition is common among people with knee osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal knee conditions, as well as those who are free of pain and other symptoms.

The condition can occur for a wide variety of different reasons – some of them indicative of a more serious underlying issue, and some completely harmless. Generally speaking, knee clicking is less likely to be an orthopedic concern when:

• The knee is otherwise healthy (clicking is not accompanied by pain, swelling, or functional issues)
• The clicking sounds are occasional
• The clicking remains consistent and unchanged over time

Benign causes for knee crepitus commonly include:

• The collapsing of gas bubbles within the knee joint fluid
• The shifting of the kneecap with different movement patterns
• Tendons or ligaments gliding over bone in the knee joint
• Mild damage to knee cartilage from normal aging

• Stiff or tight muscles
• Long periods of sitting or inactivity (clicking usually resolves after the first few steps)

When Is Knee Clicking A Concern?

The presence of knee clicking is rarely a major concern on its own, but the presence of other disruptive symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying issue. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, we always recommend investigating knee clicking further if it is accompanied by any of the following:

• Knee pain
• Knee swelling and/or stiffness
• Instability in the knee joint (often described as “giving way”)
• Locking of the knee joint
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty bearing weight or moving

Not experiencing any of the symptoms above, but still concerned about persistent clicking in your knee joint? Our team is always here to help you get to the root of your discomfort and feel your best. Schedule an appointment with one of our leading orthopedic specialists today!

Treatment Options We Offer

In the majority of cases, knee clicking can be resolved with conservative, non-surgical treatment, but surgical intervention may be recommended in cases where the underlying injury or condition is associated with severe or persistent symptoms. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, we always use the least invasive approach possible and are committed to developing personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs and mobility goals of each patient.

Non-Surgical Treatments

The primary goals of non-surgical treatment for knee clicking are to address the underlying cause of symptoms, reduce discomfort, and improve joint mechanics. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

• Rest and Activity Modification – Taking the time to rest when symptoms flare up and reducing activities that worsen knee clicking can be a vital step in improving the mobility and function of the knee joint.
• Physical Therapy – Physical therapy for knee clicking may involve hands-on techniques, stretches, strengthening exercises, and modalities such as ultrasound or TENS.
• Bracing – In some cases, a knee brace or other supportive device may help to mobilize the knee joint and reduce clicking and other symptoms.
• Pain Management – Over-the-counter pain relievers and/or anti-inflammatory medications can help manage any pain and swelling that may accompany knee clicking. Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may also prescribe medication or recommend targeted steroid injections for pain relief.
• Gradual Return to Activity – As symptoms subside, it may be tempting to immediately jump back into intense physical activity. However, a more gradual return can help ensure that knee clicking and other symptoms remain under control.

Surgical Options

When knee clicking and other symptoms are severe or persistent despite conservative treatment, surgery may be the next step. The type of surgery recommended will depend on a variety of factors, including the underlying cause of the symptoms, their scope and severity, and the mobility goals and overall health of the patient.

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, some of the procedures considered for knee clicking may include:

• Knee arthroscopy
• Meniscus repair surgery
• ACL reconstruction surgery
• Partial or total knee replacement surgery

Speak directly with one of our orthopedic surgeons to learn more about which – if any – surgery may be the right fit based on the specifics of your case.

Book An Appointment Today

Seeking qualified knee doctors in New Jersey to diagnose and treat clicking and other symptoms? Look no further than the world-class specialists at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey.

Schedule your initial consultation today! We look forward to working with you.