Medically reviewed by M. Thurairaj, Registered physiotherapist. · Last reviewed June 2026.
Why joints make noises
Joints can click, crack or pop for various harmless reasons, including gas bubbles in the joint fluid and tendons or tissues moving over structures. These painless noises are extremely common and, despite the old myth, cracking your knuckles is not shown to cause arthritis. For most people, joint noises are simply a normal, harmless part of how the body moves.
When noises are nothing to worry about
If your joints click or crack without any pain, swelling or other symptoms, it is generally nothing to worry about, even if it happens often. There is no need to try to stop it or fear it is wearing the joint out. Many people have noisy joints their whole lives with no problems at all. Painless noise is just noise.
When to get it checked
It is worth seeing a doctor if joint noises come with pain, swelling, the joint catching, locking or giving way, or a loss of normal movement. Those point to something needing assessment, unlike harmless clicking. Massage does not cause or stop joint noises; it works on the muscles. If your joints are painlessly noisy, you can relax about it.
Key takeaways
- Painless joint noises are very common and harmless
- Knuckle cracking does not cause arthritis
- No need to stop or fear painless clicking
- See a doctor if noise comes with pain, swelling or locking
Frequently asked questions
Does cracking my knuckles cause arthritis?
Despite the old myth, knuckle cracking is not shown to cause arthritis. Painless joint noises are very common and generally harmless.
When should noisy joints be checked?
See a doctor if the noise comes with pain, swelling, catching, locking, giving way or lost movement. Painless clicking on its own is generally nothing to worry about.