This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
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Crepitus is a general term for the crackling or popping sound made by a joint. This is typically caused by cartilage or soft tissue rubbing against a joint during movement, although it can also be triggered by pockets of air building up in between tendons or bones. Crepitus is not a disease or condition—it’s just something that happens in your body—and it isn’t anything to worry about if you don’t have other symptoms.[1] However, chronic crepitus is often a symptom of several conditions and diseases, so it’s best to call a doctor if your joints are clicking all the time. You also need to schedule a doctor’s appointment if you have any other symptoms associated with your crepitus.
Warning: Running is good for your body, but it can wear down your knee joints over time. If you’re already at risk of developing a joint disease or condition and you experience a lot of crepitus in your knees, running is not an ideal option.
Symptoms that Warrant a Doctor’s Visit:
A change in the texture of the sound, like a clunking or grinding instead of a popping.
Swelling on or around the joint making noise.
Crepitus in an odd location, like the neck, lungs, or chest.
Acute or chronic pain on or around the joint.
Crepitus in a bone or muscle instead of a joint.
Frequent or persistent popping sounds with no noticeable improvement after moving.
A fever, or chills.
Warning: Do not use heat or cold therapy if you’re suffering from a loss of sensation. You won’t be able to tell if you’re burning or freezing your skin if you can’t feel it.
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