When you squat, walk down the stairs or work out, your knees crackle and pop. It’s called crepitus and while it may sound alarming, it is a perfectly normal part of the aging process. Often the sounds are caused by rough areas of cartilage moving over one another or soft tissue tightening and shifting. In other cases it can be a result of air bubbles causing a change in pressure in the joint. It’s when there is pain or swelling associated with these sounds that you should take them more seriously.
This can be due to a misalignment of the kneecap in relation to the femur, called chondromalacia patella or runner’s knee. It can also be because a piece of cartilage is loose and gets caught as you move your knee back and forth. Another common cause is arthritis, where the smooth cartilage in your joints wears down and bones rub together causing inflammation and pain.
A good way to avoid these types of problems is to be sure to warm up before exercise with some gentle movements that get the blood flowing and your muscles ready. This is especially important for your knees and can help keep them healthy. Regular exercise is another great way to support your knees, and it will strengthen the muscles that work with them. It’s also a great idea to take care of your knees with good nutrition, keeping them hydrated with water, avoiding sugary drinks and eating lots of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.