"Is it normal for knees to make clicks & popping noises?" is a question we are often asked. So in this blog, we discuss "noisy knees".
🔊Noisy knees (also known as crepitus) are common: a previous study that examined 250 asymptomatic knees, found that 99% of them had crepitus!
🔊We still don’t know exactly what causes this noise & it is more common in those with patellofemoral pain. But what we DO know, is that this noise is NOT a sign of severity: a 2018 study by Silva et al found that those with knee pain & noisy knees have the same strength, function & pain vs those suffering knee pain without noise. (de Oliveira Silva 2018)
🔑So in summary, noisy knees are common & normal, so whilst it might not sound nice, rest assured that no damage is occurring!😅
If you need any further assistance with your knee pain, please don't hesitate to contact us or read more about runners knee here
References
de Oliveira Silva, D., et al. (2018). "Knee crepitus is prevalent in women with patellofemoral pain, but is not related with function, physical activity and pain." Phys Ther Sport 33: 7-11.
de Oliveira Silva, D., et al. (2018). "Implications of knee crepitus to the overall clinical presentation of women with and without patellofemoral pain." Phys Ther Sport 33: 89-95.