Why Your Knee Clicks, Hurts, and What to Do About It
Clicking Knees
If your knee clicks when walking, bends with a clicking noise, or you’ve noticed a clicky, sore knee, you’re not alone. Many people search for answers about why their knee is clicking — and whether it’s linked to serious conditions like a meniscus tear or early arthritis.
At Burleigh Biomechanics, we help people with knee clicking and pain by addressing the root causes — not just masking the symptoms. Here’s what science says about a clicking knee joint, and how our biomechanics and myofascial release approach can help restore proper movement.
Why Does My Knee Click?
The knee is a hinge joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and meniscus (shock absorbers). Knee clicking or popping often happens when tissues inside the joint move abnormally against one another.
Common causes of knee clicking and pain include:
Meniscus injuries or tears – A meniscus tear can cause clicking in the knee joint, catching, or locking. Meniscus tear surgery is sometimes recommended, but biomechanical correction can often help avoid invasive procedures.
Patellofemoral tracking issues – If the kneecap doesn’t glide smoothly, you might notice a clicky knee when walking or climbing stairs.
Tendon or ligament tension – Tight or imbalanced soft tissue can “snap” over bone, creating a clicking knee joint sensation.
Cartilage wear and degeneration – Early signs of arthritis may begin with knees that click and hurt, especially during weight-bearing movements.
👉 Research has shown that abnormal joint loading and biomechanics increase pressure on cartilage and meniscus, accelerating wear-and-tear (Andriacchi et al., 2004). That’s why simply ignoring a clicky sore knee may allow issues to worsen.
Why “Band-Aid” Treatments Don’t Fix Knee Clicking
Many people turn to rest, painkillers, or even meniscus tear surgery. But these approaches don’t address why the knee was overloaded in the first place.
Biomechanics research consistently shows that altered gait, hip function, and fascial imbalances all contribute to knee joint clicking and pain (Powers, 2010). Without correcting those root causes, pain usually returns.
Our Approach to Knee Clicking & Pain
At Burleigh Biomechanics, we don’t just look at your knee in isolation. We assess how your whole body is moving.
Our process includes:
Biomechanical assessment – Identifying why your knee clicks when you walk or bend.
Myofascial release – Releasing tension that pulls on the knee joint.
Movement retraining – Teaching your body how to load the knee properly to reduce clicky knees when walking.
Progressive strengthening – Building resilience so the joint can move without pain or grinding.
Physio in Burleigh vs Biomechanics – What’s the Difference?
Quick answer: Physio usually treats the injured area. Biomechanics treats the entire movement system to fix the cause of recurring problems.
Physio (Traditional)
Focus on pain or injury site
Short-term pain relief
Manual therapy & rehab exercises
Treats symptoms
Biomechanics (Burleigh Biomechanics)
Focus on whole-body movement patterns
Long-term root-cause correction
Myofascial release + corrective movement
Prevents re-injury by fixing mechanics
How Do Our Clients Feel?
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My training with Jen has been very encouraging and educational. I have a large repertoire of exercises I can take home and integrate into my daily life. The other benefits which have been notable are nervous system regulation, improved sleep and no more hip and knee pain! Thank you Jen!
Adrianna, 5 Star Google Review
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I am able to stand for long periods of time without feeling pain in my hips and lower back, which I haven’t been able to do for years. Functional Patterns has really helped me being able to complete daily activities without pain.
James, 5 Star Google Review
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I was in constant pain prior to starting and had been for 5 years due to old accidents and bad posture. I'm still learning techniques at the moment but my pain has reduced considerably and I'm feeling less anxious as a result.
Joanna, 5 Star Google Review
When to Get Help
If your knee is clicking and painful, or you’ve noticed swelling, locking, or instability, it’s time to get it checked. Even if you’ve been told surgery is your only option, a biomechanics approach can often provide a non-invasive solution.
Book Your Knee Assessment
Don’t ignore a clicky, sore knee or assume it’s harmless. With the right biomechanics correction, you can restore smooth movement and protect your joints long-term.
📍 Visit us at Burleigh Biomechanics, Gold Coast
📅 Book your initial assessment today
How Do Our Clients Feel?
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After a road traffic accident 2 years ago my body encountered a mix of injuries that occured within that time. I don't quite know where I would be if I hadn't found this high-quality, dependable and specialised approach. The education and training is completely impressive!.
Carey, 5 Star Google Review
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Jen is a great mentor with a deep understanding of the body. It has helped me better understand my own body and scoliosis. I have been able to increase my strength and movement and reduce my back pain.
Hayley, 5 Star Google Review
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Been training with Louis 6+ years and have seen massive improvements in my posture and gait cycle which has lead me to living pain-free from previous injuries such as shoulder pain, quad tears and bone impingement in my ankle. The attention to detail from the practitioners is unmatched
Luke, 5 Star Google Review
Areas We Serve
We help clients from across the southern Gold Coast, including:
Burleigh Heads
Palm Beach QLD
Miami
Currumbin
Tallebudgera
If you’re searching for a Burleigh physio, Palm Beach physiotherapy, or even acupuncture in Burleigh, we’re right here on the border of Burleigh and Palm Beach.
FAQs
Why is my knee clicking?
Knee clicking (crepitus) can be from gas bubbles in the joint, tendons/fascia flicking, or cartilage/meniscus changes. Painful clicking often signals mechanical dysfunction.
Is knee clicking bad?
Not always, but if it’s painful, recurrent, or affecting movement, it’s worth getting assessed.
Do I need meniscus tear surgery if my knee clicks?
Not always. Many people are told they need surgery, but improve significantly once biomechanics restores proper movement patterns.
Why does my knee click when I walk?
Often due to poor hip/ankle mechanics or fascia tightness that forces the knee to compensate.
Can biomechanics help with knee pain?
Yes. By treating the root cause of dysfunction, biomechanics reduces pain and improves long-term knee health.