Medically reviewed by M. Thurairaj, Registered physiotherapist. · Last reviewed June 2026.
When knee noises are harmless
Painless clicking, crunching or grinding in the knees, often noticed with stairs or squatting, is very common and usually harmless, much like noises in other joints. Many people have noisy knees with no problems at all. Without pain, swelling or the knee giving way, these sounds generally do not signal anything wrong, and there is no need to worry about them or avoid moving.
When to get the knee checked
It is worth seeing a doctor or physiotherapist if knee noises come with pain, swelling, the knee catching, locking or giving way, or a loss of normal movement, or if they follow an injury. Those point to something needing assessment. Staying active and keeping the muscles around the knee strong supports the joint, regardless of harmless noises.
Where massage fits
Massage to the muscles around the knee, thigh and hip can ease tightness and support comfort, which some people find helpful, though it does not change the joint or the noises themselves. If your knees are painlessly noisy, you can relax about it. If there is knee pain, swelling, locking or giving way, get it assessed rather than relying on massage.
Key takeaways
- Painless knee noises are common and usually harmless
- No need to worry about them or stop moving
- Pain, swelling, locking or giving way needs assessment
- Massage eases surrounding tightness but not the noises
Frequently asked questions
Are clicking knees a sign of damage?
Painless clicking, crunching or grinding is very common and usually harmless. Without pain, swelling or the knee giving way, it generally does not signal damage.
When should noisy knees be checked?
See a professional if the noise comes with pain, swelling, catching, locking, giving way, lost movement, or follows an injury. Painless noise alone is generally fine.