knees...again

Question
QUESTION: I am 30 female. Ive been in and out of pysical therapy for knee pain as I totally overdid running for ten years.  Now I just do elliptical and bike and fast walk.  I've been maintaining that for years, sin ce I had tracking issues and then a hamstring tendonitis tat crossed my knee.  Lately, I've been stupid and doing more squats and trying to always squat when I bend down to get somethig and lunges.   Lately I've been feeling my knees more stiff but more aggravating, lots of cracking in the knees when I sit down, stand up, extend leg;  I've always had cracking knees, but it's more and constant.  I hope I havne't screwed myself up for life here because I love to be active.  I will quit all squats and lunges, but please tell me do you think I'm in a serious situation or can I get over this??? And what would you recommend I do? Ther's no pain, just stiffness and lots of cracking!

ANSWER: Hello Andrea,
I'm going to start out with this; you shouldn't overdo yourself. When you're feeling pain or stiffness, your body is sending you a message. You know your body better than anyone else, so it's up to you only to listen to it and do things for your body's, and essentially, your best interest.

I'm really doubting you've hurt yourself long-term or anything like that. It's not my area to diagnosis, but from my knowledge it doesn't sound like it will be serious. It's more than likely the cartilage in your knees though. The wear-and-tear on them has made them much less smooth; that's why you hear the noise. As long as you aren't hurting I wouldn't worry, but you could go see a doctor for peace of mind. If you do start to feel discomfort, ice is great, and I'd go into to your doctor for sure then.

Best of luck;
Rose Brailey

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey!@ I'm glad to hear tha tyou think this isn't something serious or long-term.  I don't either, but her'es my idea that maybe you need to clear up for me.  I have always heard that cartilage damage is permanent and can't be fixed.  So when you say you think it is the cartilage in my knees, how can get it get better, can it?? Or have I lost some cartilage now forever and will always be more prone to injury/pain?? That is my big question, because I do't really understand how cartilage injuries, that are light like mine, how they go about healing, if there are things I should be doing especially or anything like that.  Thanks!

Answer
Andrea;
You're right there, cartilage can't be made again. It can be strengthened though, which is good news. Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin are supplements you can take to strengthen it, you can generally find them together in one pill that you take daily.

People can have surgery to have severe injuries fixed, but I wouldn't think you'd want that, at least not at this point. It would make sense that you would have to continue to deal with this. If your knee starts to bother you and cause you pain, that's when you should start to look for help, in my opinion. Be sure to take Ibuprofen and ice it if there is any swelling. There are also steroid shots for injuries like yours, if that would be something you're interested in I'd suggest talking to your GP about it.

Best of luck;
Rose