Dr Amir Khan, a practising GP and regular on ITV programmes such as Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, has offered straightforward advice for people experiencing clicking knees. Speaking on his No Appointments Necessary podcast, he addressed a listener's question about foods or exercises that might help with the condition.
According to Dr Khan, clicking knees are usually not a cause for concern if they are not painful. He explained that the sound is often just fluid moving around the knee joint. However, he noted that sometimes it could be a sign of crepitus, a condition where the knee makes a grating or cracking sound.
Dr Khan also discussed osteoarthritis, a common cause of clicking knees. The NHS describes osteoarthritis as a condition that causes joints to become painful and stiff. It is one of the most common types of arthritis diagnosed in the UK, affecting around one in five adults over 45 in England, according to Arthritis Research UK.
To manage osteoarthritis-related clicking, Dr Khan recommended keeping active. 'Movement stimulates fluid and cushioning into that joint,' he said. He advised walking, running, or doing whatever exercise is usual, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the joints.
The GP emphasised that osteoarthritis results from 'wear and tear of the joint' and 'happens to all of us'. Risk factors include age, obesity, joint injury, and family history. Women are at greater risk than men. While there is no cure, the condition does not necessarily worsen over time.
If symptoms are concerning or different from typical clicking, Dr Khan advised speaking to a GP for a proper diagnosis. The NHS can carry out tests based on symptoms and joint examination to determine if osteoarthritis or another joint condition is present.
