It’s not uncommon for people to feel a clicking, popping, or clunking sensation in their knee after a total knee replacement (TKR). While it can be surprising or even a little unsettling at first, this sensation is usually completely normal—and in most cases, nothing to worry about.
Let’s explore why this happens, when it might be a concern, and what you can do about it.
What Causes the Clicking Feeling?
After a knee replacement, your natural joint surfaces have been replaced with metal and plastic components. These parts are designed to glide smoothly during movement—but because they’re artificial, they can occasionally make noise or create sensations you didn’t feel before surgery.
Some common causes of clicking include:
Normal contact between implant components: As you bend and straighten your knee, the metal and plastic parts may lightly touch or shift in a way that produces a clicking sound.
Changes in soft tissue tension: The ligaments, muscles, and tendons around your knee may still be adjusting to the new joint mechanics, especially early in recovery.
Swelling or tightness: Post-surgical inflammation can sometimes make clicking more noticeable. As the swelling decreases, the sensation often becomes less prominent.
Improved range of motion: Ironically, some patients only notice clicking once they start moving better. It's a sign your new joint is doing its job.
Is It Something to Worry About?
In most cases, clicking is harmless and part of the normal healing and adaptation process. Many patients report that the sensation decreases or becomes less noticeable over time—especially as the muscles strengthen and swelling settles down.
However, it’s a good idea to speak with your physiotherapist or surgeon if:
The clicking is painful or accompanied by swelling or instability
You notice new or worsening symptoms after a period of improvement
The knee feels like it’s catching, locking, or giving way
There is grinding, rather than light clicking or tapping
These could indicate issues such as soft tissue impingement, loosening of components, or problems with alignment—though these are uncommon.
Can Anything Be Done About It?
If the clicking isn’t painful, treatment usually isn’t necessary. But here are a few things that can help reduce it over time:
Strengthening exercises – Building strength around the knee, particularly in the quadriceps and hamstrings, helps stabilize the joint and reduce unnecessary movement.
Swelling management – Ice, elevation, and movement can help control inflammation, which may reduce joint noise.
Gait retraining – A physiotherapist can assess your walking pattern to ensure you’re moving efficiently and not putting undue strain on the joint.
The Bottom Line
A clicking sensation after a knee replacement is common and usually not a sign of a problem. Your new knee is a mechanical device, and it may feel—and sound—a little different than your natural joint.
As long as the clicking isn’t painful or affecting your ability to move, it’s generally considered part of the healing process. But if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always worth having a quick check-in with your healthcare team for peace of mind.