Why Does My Shoulder Click, Pop, or Catch? When It’s Normal and When It’s Not

Many people notice clicking, popping, or catching sensations in their shoulder during everyday activities. Sometimes these noises are harmless. Other times, they may be a sign of an underlying shoulder condition that requires medical attention.

If your shoulder makes noises when you lift your arm, reach overhead, throw a ball, or work out, understanding the cause can help you determine whether it’s something to monitor or something that should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist.

Is Shoulder Popping Normal?

In some cases, shoulder popping is completely normal.

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body. As tendons, ligaments, and muscles move over bones, small popping or clicking sounds can occur without causing pain or damage.

Occasional painless popping is often nothing to worry about.

However, if the popping is accompanied by pain, weakness, instability, or a feeling that the shoulder is catching or locking, there may be an underlying problem.

Common Causes of Shoulder Clicking and Popping

Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability occurs when the ball of the shoulder joint moves excessively within the socket.

Patients may describe:

• Clicking during movement
• A slipping sensation
• Repeated dislocations or subluxations
• Weakness during sports or lifting

This condition is especially common among athletes and individuals with a history of shoulder injuries.

Labral Tears

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the shoulder joint.

When the labrum becomes torn, patients often experience:

• Pain with overhead movement
• Clicking or catching sensations
• Loss of strength
• Decreased athletic performance

Labral tears can develop from trauma, repetitive overhead activity, or gradual wear and tear.

SLAP Tears

A SLAP tear is a specific type of labral injury that occurs near the attachment point of the biceps tendon.

Common symptoms include:

• Deep shoulder pain
• Popping during throwing motions
• Weakness
• Difficulty lifting objects overhead

SLAP tears are frequently seen in baseball players, tennis players, swimmers, and other overhead athletes.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff helps stabilize and move the shoulder.

When these tendons become inflamed or torn, patients may notice:

• Clicking during arm movement
• Pain when reaching overhead
• Weakness
• Difficulty sleeping on the affected side

Arthritis

As cartilage wears down within the shoulder joint, rough surfaces may begin rubbing against one another.

This can lead to:

• Grinding sensations
• Popping sounds
• Stiffness
• Loss of motion
• Chronic shoulder pain

Arthritis becomes more common with age but can affect younger patients following injuries.

Loose Bodies in the Shoulder

Sometimes small fragments of cartilage or bone break loose within the joint.

These “loose bodies” may cause:

• Catching
• Locking
• Sudden pain
• Unpredictable popping sensations

When loose bodies interfere with normal movement, treatment may be necessary.

When Shoulder Popping May Be a Warning Sign

You should schedule an evaluation if shoulder clicking or popping is accompanied by:

• Pain
• Weakness
• Instability
• Limited range of motion
• Recurrent dislocations
• Catching or locking sensations
• Difficulty performing daily activities

These symptoms may indicate a structural problem that should be properly diagnosed.

How Orthopedic Specialists Diagnose Shoulder Problems

A thorough evaluation typically includes:

• Review of symptoms
• Physical examination
• Strength and stability testing
• X-rays
• MRI imaging when necessary

Accurate diagnosis is important because many shoulder conditions can produce similar symptoms but require different treatment approaches.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

Options may include:

• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid injections
• Regenerative medicine options when appropriate
• Arthroscopic surgery for certain injuries

Many patients improve with conservative treatment and never require surgery.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Shoulder Symptoms

While occasional painless shoulder popping is often normal, clicking, catching, pain, or weakness should not be ignored.

Early evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and prevent minor problems from becoming more serious injuries.

If you’re experiencing ongoing shoulder pain, popping, or instability, the orthopedic specialists at Plano Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center can help determine the source of your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment plan.