Clicking sounds usually signal tendon movements.

Grinding crunching sounds signal joint inflammation.

Popping sounds usually signal air moving within a joint.

I've had numerous clicking episodes in various places.
But I typically don't have pain.

I wonder if you have used a fluoroquinolone drug in the recent past? This family of antibiotics, affects tendon metabolism, and may even lead to a tendon rupture.
Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox etc.

As we age the tendons become less flexible also. Pulling suddenly may damage them compared to when we were younger. I had a severe tendon injury in my left hip/groin it took YEARS to heal up. And today, I still get twinges in it, and my flexibility in that leg is less. The blinding pain is gone however. I had ultrasound and IFc treatments for 3 months for it.
The technical diagnosis was a adductor strain. I was warned to not stress it again, as the tendon may detach and then I will be in a heap of diability and need surgery and a body cast!