The elbow is a joint where the humerus, radius, and ulna meet, and hearing an unexpected click or pop from this area can be unsettling. This phenomenon, which is medically referred to as crepitus when it involves a grinding sensation or is accompanied by other symptoms, is common. The noise itself simply signifies movement or friction within or around the joint. While it is often harmless, it can also be a sign of a mechanical problem requiring attention. Understanding the source of the sound is the first step in determining whether it is a normal physiological occurrence or a symptom of an underlying condition.
Understanding Harmless Joint Sounds
The most frequent and least concerning cause of a clicking elbow is cavitation. This sound is generated within the joint’s synovial fluid, a thick, lubricating substance that reduces friction between the bones. When the joint is moved or stretched rapidly, it causes a sudden drop in pressure inside the joint capsule. This pressure change causes dissolved gases in the fluid to rapidly form a bubble. The audible pop or crack occurs when this bubble instantly forms or subsequently collapses. This physiological noise is considered a normal, benign event.
Causes Related to Snapping Soft Tissues
A distinct snap or clunk can result from a tendon or nerve sliding out of its normal track and quickly snapping back into place. This mechanical sound is extra-articular, meaning it originates outside the joint itself. The most common location for this is on the inner side of the elbow, or the medial epicondyle.
Ulnar Nerve Subluxation
One cause is ulnar nerve subluxation, where the ulnar nerve slips out of its protective cubital tunnel groove as the elbow is bent. This nerve instability is often felt as a snapping sensation or sound. It can sometimes be accompanied by tingling or numbness radiating into the ring and little fingers.
Snapping Triceps Syndrome
Another snapping source is the triceps tendon. A portion of the triceps muscle can subluxate over the bony prominence when the elbow is deeply flexed. This snapping triceps syndrome may occur alongside ulnar nerve subluxation, sometimes causing two distinct snaps during a single movement.
Clicking Caused by Joint Damage
When the clicking sound is accompanied by pain, stiffness, or a grinding sensation, it often indicates a pathological issue within the joint structure. This internal friction may be a sign of osteoarthritis, where the smooth articular cartilage that covers the ends of the bones has worn down. As the cartilage deteriorates, the rougher bone surfaces rub against each other, creating the grinding sound or crepitus during movement.
Another cause is the presence of loose bodies, which are small fragments of bone or cartilage floating freely within the elbow joint space. These fragments can break off due to injury or degenerative conditions and may get temporarily caught between the joint surfaces. This obstruction typically causes a distinct “catching” or “locking” sensation, followed by a sharp click or pop when the fragment moves out of the way, allowing the joint to move freely again. Joint instability, often following trauma, can also cause clicking if stretched or torn ligaments allow the bones to move abnormally relative to each other.
When the Clicking Requires Medical Attention
While occasional, painless clicking in the elbow is generally not a reason for concern, certain symptoms suggest that a medical evaluation is warranted. You should consult a physician if the clicking is consistently accompanied by pain, as this indicates the noise is likely mechanical friction rather than simple cavitation. Seek help if the elbow feels unstable, weak, or if the clicking is associated with new swelling or warmth around the joint. Immediate medical attention is also necessary if the clicking is combined with a locking sensation where you are unable to fully straighten or bend your arm. Furthermore, any clicking or snapping that begins immediately after a direct injury or fall should be checked by a professional to rule out a fracture or serious ligament damage.