Why does my elbow pop?

Elbow popping is a symptom of a lack of stability in the elbow that is typically caused by an injury, but it can also be due to repetitive stress or occur following a surgical procedure, according to OrthoInfo. Additional symptoms may include elbow discomfort and clicking sensations.

Tests to determine the specific cause of popping elbows include X-rays, physical examinations, computerized tomography tests and biopsies of the fluid contained in the bursa sac surrounding the elbow, according to Healthline. Depending on the condition's underlying cause, treatments for popping elbows can include elbow padding, ice therapy, steroid treatments, surgical procedures and bracing.