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!

I was given Levaquin about 10 years ago for about 2 weeks for a viral infection. I broke out in a rash and it was then listed on my medical records as an allergic reaction. Since then I have been given Cipro each time I had a followup for a bladder problem (about every 3 to 6 months). In fact I was given it 2 weeks ago. I mentioned this to the nurse but I found out that they still gave me Cipro. Are they so ignorant that they don't know Cipro is comprable to Levaquin??

Dear Mrs. D, do you think I should mention this to the orthopedic surgeon I will be seeing in a week? Is there anywhere on the internet that I can get some info that you mentioned about the fluoroquinolone drugs affecting tendon metabolism, and also a site explaining the different sounds you mentioned.

"Clicking sounds usually signal tendon movements.
Grinding crunching sounds signal joint inflammation.
Popping sounds usually signal air moving within a joint."


I wouldn't hesitate to bring any info on this to the doctor, before he can recommend tests that I feel are only to tell me what it is but cannot help me.

There is a black box warning about tendon damage and fluoroquinolones. But most doctors don't understand the process.

You should mention it, but don't be surprised if your doctor doesn't know about it.

Here is a link with the black box warning:
http://www.rxlist.com/cipro-drug.htm

My advice to you is not to overextend ANY tendon in your body.
Any of them may be affected and rupture without warning.
This can happen months and years after taking these drugs.
No heavy lifting, no high weights on resistance machines, no stretching beyond gentle.

Unfortunately no one knows why or how to manage this side effect. I haven't seen anything yet to show treatment for it unfortunately.