Clicking knees: Dr Amir Khan offers simple checks and movement advice

Dr Amir Khan said clicking or 'crepitus' in knees is often not serious if it is not painful, and he reported that movement may help joint fluid and cushioning; NHS and Arthritis Research UK note osteoarthritis is a common, age‑related joint condition.

Dr Amir Khan discussed 'clicking knees' on his No Appointments Necessary podcast and said many cases are not a cause for concern if there is no pain. He explained that noises can come from fluid moving around the knee or from crepitus, and he demonstrated a simple check by placing a hand over the kneecap while extending the leg. The GP mentioned osteoarthritis as one possible cause and described it as related to wear and tear. The article refers to NHS information and Arthritis Research UK figures to provide context on how common the condition is. Reported details: - Dr Khan said that if knee clicking is not painful, it is often just fluid moving around the joint rather than a serious problem. - He described crepitus and showed a basic way to feel what is happening by placing a hand over the kneecap and straightening the leg. - The article quotes Dr Khan saying osteoarthritis results from wear and tear and that symptom severity varies between people. - The NHS is cited as describing osteoarthritis as a condition that can make joints painful and stiff and notes there is no cure, though symptoms do not necessarily worsen steadily. - Arthritis Research UK figures reported in the article estimate about one in five adults over 45 in England have knee osteoarthritis and about one in nine have hip osteoarthritis; risk factors include increasing age, obesity, joint injury and family history. - The article also notes the NHS reports women are at greater risk of developing osteoarthritis than men. Summary: Osteoarthritis and other causes of knee noises are common and can vary greatly in severity between people. The article reports that NHS guidance says a GP can assess symptoms and examine joints to help determine whether osteoarthritis or another joint condition is present.