Knee popping — also known as “Barbie knees” due to the sounds the doll makes when someone bends its knees — can be an unsettling experience, often leaving individuals concerned about potential ...

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD Key Takeaways Cracking bones is actually just the sound of joints popping and is ...

Medically reviewed by Cara Beth Lee, MD Your knee may keep popping, clicking, crunching, or grinding due to harmless causes, ...

If you’ve ever popped or cracked your joints — by accident or on purpose — you’re not alone. There’s even a medical name for that crackling, clicking or popping sound your bones make: crepitus.

Joints often crack due to harmless gas bubbles in fluid or tendons moving over bones. While usually normal, persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness could signal arthritis or injury. Staying active, ...

Knee popping is often harmless, but pain, swelling, or weakness could signal a medical issue requiring attention.

People may notice a slight popping or cracking sound when moving their neck. Often, the sound occurs due to the movement of air trapped within the fluid of the joints. It may also occur due to slight ...