Crepitus is the crackling, grinding, or popping sound you may hear in your joints during movement. While often harmless, early crepitus in young adults or athletes can point to underlying joint stress. Physiotherapy can help identify the cause, treat it early, and prevent long-term joint damage.
What is crepitus?
Have you ever heard a crack or felt a pop when moving your knees, shoulders, or neck? That sensation is called crepitus, and it’s more common than you might think.
Crepitus refers to a grinding, crackling, or popping sound that can occur during joint movement. You may notice it while:
- Squatting or bending your knees
- Lifting your arm overhead
- Turning your neck
- Moving your hip or jaw
Although it’s often painless and harmless, early crepitus, especially in younger people or athletes, may signal changes in the joint that shouldn’t be ignored.
What causes early crepitus?
Crepitus can happen for several reasons. Some are completely normal, while others may require attention.
1. Air bubbles in synovial fluid
These naturally occur and collapse during joint movement. This is the most common and harmless form of crepitus.
2. Tendon or ligament movement
Tendons or ligaments can move over bony surfaces and create clicking or snapping sounds, particularly if muscle imbalances are present.
3. Cartilage wear or joint degeneration
When joint surfaces lose their smooth cartilage lining, due to overuse or early osteoarthritis, rough surfaces can grind together, causing crepitus with discomfort or pain.
When should you be concerned?
Not all crepitus is problematic. However, early crepitus may need further assessment if it’s paired with:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Joint stiffness or restricted motion
- Clicking, catching, or locking
- Reduced strength or stability
In younger individuals or active people, these symptoms may result from repetitive strain, muscle imbalances, or poor biomechanics, all of which can worsen over time if not addressed early.1. Pain doesn’t always mean damage: so we need to move
How physiotherapy can help
Physiotherapy offers a proactive approach to managing early crepitus. At Lifecare Wembley, our physiotherapists look beyond symptoms to identify and address the root cause of joint noise or dysfunction.
What does physiotherapy involve?
- Comprehensive assessment to pinpoint the source of the crepitus
- Movement and postural analysis to detect compensations or imbalances
- Personalised exercise programmes to strengthen weak muscles and improve joint control
- Manual therapy to release tight structures or improve joint mobility
- Education on joint protection, safe movement patterns, and self-management
Even in the absence of pain, early intervention can prevent future degeneration and help you move more confidently and comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is crepitus always a sign of arthritis?
No. Crepitus can occur for various benign reasons. However, when accompanied by pain, stiffness, or swelling, it may indicate early joint changes, including osteoarthritis.
2. Can physiotherapy stop crepitus completely?
In many cases, physiotherapy can reduce or eliminate crepitus by correcting movement patterns and addressing muscle imbalances. However, some joint sounds may persist without pain and are not necessarily harmful.
3. Should I stop exercising if I hear joint noises?
Not necessarily. If the noise is not accompanied by pain, swelling, or instability, it’s usually safe to continue. A physiotherapist can assess and guide you on modifications if needed.
4. Is early crepitus preventable?
Yes, to some extent. Maintaining strong, flexible muscles, using proper technique during activities, and addressing minor imbalances early can all reduce the risk.
5. What can I expect during a physiotherapy appointment?
You’ll undergo a thorough assessment of your joint function, strength, and movement habits. Based on this, your physio will design a tailored treatment and exercise plan to manage symptoms and prevent further issues.
Key takeaway
Early crepitus is your body’s way of asking for attention.
With the right guidance and support, it can be managed effectively before it leads to long-term joint problems.
Need help with joint noises or discomfort?
Book a consultation at your closest Lifecare clinic today. Our experienced physiotherapists can help you move better, feel stronger, and take control of your joint health.
Written by Kylin O’Callaghan, Senior Physiotherapist – Lifecare Wembley
Kylin’s background in sports physiotherapy and experience running her own practice in South Africa allow her to provide tailored care for sports injuries, spinal pain, and post-operative rehabilitation, now incorporating Pilates into her treatment approach in Australia.