Clicking in Shoulder

What is shoulder popping, and how is it treated?

Does your shoulder make painful clicking or popping sounds when you move it? The sound of a shoulder popping may cause concern in many who experience this. However, popping noises in your shoulder can often have several causes, both mild and severe.

If you’re experiencing shoulder clicking or any other shoulder discomfort, our expert team at OrthoNeuro is here to help. With multiple locations across Columbus, Ohio, our dedicated orthopedic specialists are committed to providing personalized and comprehensive care. Contact us today to get the help you’re looking for!

Understanding Shoulder Clicking

Hearing clicking sounds in the shoulder joints is a very common condition that affects males and females of all ages. When the shoulder makes a popping sound, it is called “shoulder crepitus.” Shoulder crepitus occurs when the shoulder joint makes a clicking or popping sound when it’s in motion.

This condition can also occur in the knee and finger joints and can cause pain in the joints. If you are experiencing pain or hear a popping or clicking sound in your shoulder, schedule a consultation with our shoulder specialists in Columbus, OH, today.

Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint

The shoulder is a complex joint in the body that is complete with muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons all working together to allow a wide range of flexibility and motion in the arm. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint and can be easily injured because of its many components.

In the shoulder, the humerus bone (upper arm bone) connects to the socket of the scapula (shoulder blade) and goes from the back to your clavicle (collarbone). The labrum (a soft cartilage cup) lines the socket and helps to hold the arm in place.

What Are the Causes of Clicking Noises in the Shoulder?

The clicking sound that is heard when a shoulder “pops” is from the muscles and tendons moving over the bone. Usually, when this sound occurs, it is a sign that one of the tendons or muscles in the shoulder has been damaged. This can happen as a result of a sports injury or even general overuse of the joint.

Many times, when a person hears popping and clicking sounds when they move their arms and shoulders, it’s because of conditions such as:

  • AC joint arthritis (a tear of the intra-articular disc): AC joint arthritis involves the degeneration of the cartilage in the acromioclavicular joint. The worn cartilage can cause rough surfaces to rub together, leading to a popping sound.
  • Bursitis: Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joints. Inflammation can cause the bursae to swell, creating friction and resulting in a popping noise during movement.
  • Tendinitis: Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder, often due to overuse. The swollen tendons can snap over the bones or other tendons, producing a popping sound.
  • Dislocated shoulder: A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. The movement of the bone out of and back into the socket can create a distinct popping sound.
  • Shoulder impingement: Shoulder impingement happens when the shoulder blade rubs against the rotator cuff. This friction can lead to a popping sensation as tendons are compressed.
  • Fracture of the upper arm bone, scapula, or clavicle: A fracture involves a break in any of these bones, causing instability. The broken bone pieces may shift and cause a popping sound during shoulder movements.
  • Biceps tendon tear: A biceps tendon tear is a rupture of the tendon connecting the biceps muscle to the shoulder. The tearing or snapping of the tendon can result in an audible pop.
  • Frozen shoulder: Frozen shoulder is characterized by stiffness and pain due to the thickening and tightening of the shoulder joint capsule. The restricted movement can cause tendons and ligaments to snap or pop when they are forcibly stretched.
  • Rotator cuff tears: Rotator cuff tears are rips in the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. The torn edges of the tendons can catch or rub against other structures, creating a popping sound.
  • Labral tears: A labral tear involves damage to the ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. Labral tears can get caught or move irregularly, resulting in a popping noise.
  • Osteochondroma: These bony growths can appear on your shoulder, scapula, or rib cage. As tendons pass over them, it can cause a snapping sound.

What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries?

Some of the symptoms that are commonly experienced by those with crepitus of the shoulder are:

  • Painful clicking in the shoulder
  • Redness and swelling of the shoulder
  • Stiffness in the shoulder joints
  • Weakness in the shoulder
  • Inability to raise your arm or have a normal range of motion
  • The shoulder feels “loose,” like it could pop out of place
  • The shoulder may appear deformed

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, when a popping noise is heard in the shoulder, there is no pain that comes along with it. However, although there might be no pain initially, the sound could indicate a more severe shoulder condition.

If a shoulder joint injury is left untreated, it can turn into a condition called “frozen shoulder” (adhesive capsulitis). 

It is very important to see a doctor and be treated when you hear a popping sound coming from your shoulder so that your shoulder can be treated as early as possible.

How Are Shoulder Injuries Diagnosed?

A physician may diagnose a shoulder injury by first conducting a physical exam and asking you questions about the clicking noises you’ve been hearing in your shoulder. 

Your healthcare professional may also take imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds to view the shoulder and its surrounding tissues better. They may also take tests such as blood tests and antibody tests to check for the presence of infections and autoimmune disorders.

How is a Shoulder Injury Treated?

A shoulder injury is usually treated by the following methods:

  • Resting the shoulder
  • Applying ice to the shoulder to reduce swelling
  • Compression of the shoulder
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Correcting posture
  • Massage therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections

Many times a physician will prescribe physical therapy to treat a shoulder injury when there is clicking in the shoulder along with shoulder pain.

Make an Appointment with Our Shoulder Specialists Today!

If you are seeking medical care for a cracking sound in your shoulder or lingering shoulder pain, schedule a consultation with one of our expert orthopedic surgeons at OrthoNeuro for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of treatment is best for you.

We have many offices in Columbus, OH, for your convenience. Contact us today!

Medically reviewed by B. Rodney Comisar, MD, FAAOS

Shoulder Specialists

IF YOU HAVE SEVERE SHOULDER PAIN AND STIFFNESS THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM MOVING YOUR SHOULDER CORRECTLY, CALL ORTHONEURO IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC SHOULDER TREATMENTS.
“8 weeks after bad rotator cuff surgery and I am doing well thank you for the great service“
Patrick
Patient