06/01/2026
Are joint noises such as popping and cracking bad for you?
popping joints are super common—
And doesn’t mean something is wrong. Popping and cracking comes from a change in joint pressure, not from injury.
If you have no pain in your crunchy knees, there’s no need for worry.
Joints have synovial fluid, which is basically joint lubricant.
When we move, gas bubbles can form and collapse creating the “popping” sensation you feel.
Joint popping, cracking, etc can also come from changes in cartilage that often occur with aging or injury.
However, exercise can be a helpful tool in keeping cartilage and surrounding muscles strong to protect joints.
Our connective tissue gets STRONGER with exercise, so don’t let joint noises deter you (but if you’re worried, get a medical professional to check out your form and answer your questions!)
Basically - if you have no pain, don’t worry too much about noisy joints.
If you have pain associated with joint sounds, then it can be helpful to get other issues screened out, especially with acute pain.
Let me know your questions in the comments!