Crepitus is the audible or palpable grating, popping or crunching that can accompany joint movement. Painless clicks are extremely common and rarely mean disease. Persistent, coarse crepitus with pain and stiffness — especially in the knee, hip or base of thumb — is a classic feature of osteoarthritis, where roughened cartilage and bony spurs (osteophytes) rub during movement. Crepitus alone is not diagnostic; clinicians pair it with history, examination and, if needed, imaging.
What is crepitus?
Crepitus: Crepitus is the audible or palpable grating, crackling or clicking felt when a joint moves. Common in OA and often harmless in isolation — many people over 40 have crepitus without pain. Concerning if painful or new.
Last updated 2026-07-04. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.