What it is
The sound or sensation of bone surfaces rubbing together within a joint, often associated with cartilage loss or joint degeneration.
Emerging evidence
Grinding
The sound or sensation of bone surfaces rubbing together within a joint, often associated with cartilage loss or joint degeneration.
CategoryMusculoskeletal
Reviewed by Gyfts Editorial Team · Editorial Health Review
26 March 2026
At a glance
Grinding at a glance
Commonly experienced as
- People describe a crunching or grinding feeling when bending a knee, rotating a shoulder, or moving the neck. In the jaw, grinding during chewing is palpable. Many notice grinding has increased over time, sometimes accompanied by increasing stiffness and discomfort.
Evidence context
Emerging evidenceSee the evidence snapshotContext
Patterns of Grinding
Grinding within a joint (crepitus) describes the audible or tactile sensation of rough surfaces moving against one another during joint motion. In degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, the loss of smooth cartilage covering the bone ends exposes rough underlying bone, producing a grinding sensation during movement. Grinding in the knee is common in patellofemoral osteoarthritis (felt during stair climbing or squatting). Grinding in the shoulder occurs with rotator cuff degeneration and acromioclavicular arthritis. Jaw grinding (bruxism) produces wear patterns on tooth surfaces and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Grinding in joints is often painless when cartilage loss is mild but becomes symptomatic as degeneration progresses and bone-on-bone contact occurs.
Could this be you
People commonly experience
Grinding shows up differently for everyone. Browse by how it tends to be felt — these are common experiences, not a checklist or a diagnosis.
In daily life1 common experience
- People describe a crunching or grinding feeling when bending a knee, rotating a shoulder, or moving the neck. In the jaw, grinding during chewing is palpable. Many notice grinding has increased over time, sometimes accompanied by increasing stiffness and discomfort.
Common experiences people describe — not a diagnostic checklist.
The Evidence
Evidence context: joint grinding
What research says about joint grinding (crepitus), when to seek care, and which approaches have meaningful support.
Overall pictureModerate evidence
Grinding is common in joint degeneration — and manageable
Joint grinding often reflects cartilage loss and is a recognised feature of osteoarthritis. Exercise therapy has strong support; some supplements and injections have moderate evidence. Certain symptoms alongside grinding require prompt professional assessment.
When grinding needs urgent attentionSome symptoms alongside grinding signal a need for prompt professional assessment.
Seek timely professional assessment if grinding is accompanied by sudden loss of mobility, inability to bear weight, joint swelling with redness and heat, or symptoms following a fall or trauma. Progressive weakness or loss of function also warrants evaluation. These presentations go beyond typical degenerative crepitus and should not be self-managed.
What the research supportsExercise therapy has the strongest evidence base for joints affected by osteoarthritis and crepitus.
Structured exercise therapy is well-supported for managing osteoarthritic joints where grinding is present. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections carry moderate evidence for symptom relief. Glucosamine sulphate has moderate evidence specifically for knee osteoarthritis. Evidence quality varies across interventions, and individual responses differ.
Understanding joint grindingGrinding (crepitus) reflects rough joint surfaces moving against each other as cartilage wears.
As cartilage covering bone ends thins or degenerates, surfaces lose their smooth glide and produce audible or tactile grinding during movement. Common sites include the knee, shoulder, and jaw. Mild crepitus is often painless; symptoms typically increase as degeneration progresses. Location and associated features help guide appropriate assessment.
Approaches worth exploringSeveral evidence-informed options exist across the MACH spectrum for joints with crepitus.
Physiotherapy and structured movement programmes are a well-supported starting point. Complementary approaches such as acupuncture and manual therapy are used alongside conventional care by some individuals, with limited to moderate evidence depending on the joint and context. Holistic approaches addressing load, posture, and lifestyle factors may also contribute to overall joint health.
Who to consultA qualified practitioner can assess the source and significance of joint grinding.
A physiotherapist, orthopaedic specialist, or general practitioner can assess whether grinding reflects benign crepitus or progressive joint degeneration requiring further investigation. Self-referral to physiotherapy is available in many regions. Complementary practitioners should be informed of any existing joint conditions before beginning hands-on work.
What this content cannot tell youEducational content about grinding is not a substitute for professional assessment of your joint.
The significance of joint grinding varies widely depending on location, severity, age, and associated symptoms. This content is educational and does not constitute professional assessment or a personalised care plan. Evidence for many complementary approaches in this area remains limited or mixed. Always consult a qualified practitioner for persistent, worsening, or unclear symptoms.
References
Evidence & Research
Educational sources that inform this overview. Inclusion is for context and does not imply endorsement.
- Burden of major musculoskeletal conditions
- A classification of chronic pain for the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)
- Acupuncture for chronic pain: Update of an individual patient data meta-analysis
Full citations are maintained by the Gyfts editorial team and reviewed periodically.
Keep exploring
Find Grinding practitioners you can trust
Browse practitioners, explore honest overviews, and take what you learn to a conversation — at your own pace.