cracking knees

Question
QUESTION: I've been a hard core runner for ten years, but the last years I've quite due to knee pain and such. Now I stay active with ellipticals and bike and fast walking. My knees even as a teen have cracked, but I've just been more aware lately that they crack more often, no pain, ut just cracking to stand up, to sit down and all motion.  Do you think this means my knees are having problems or that in hte future I'm guaranteed knee problems, or is it just a benign thing?

ANSWER: Popping or cracking knuckles is a result of releasing gas out of a pocket of liquid in your joints (if I remember correctly). Basically, it's kind of like opening a can of soda. It isn't harmful and contrary to popular opinion doesn't cause arthritis

Knees, on the other hand, usually pop because of ligaments snapping over bony protrusions. This again is harmless unless you're really twisting your kness.
Why it would happen "all the time" depends on how often you're talking about, but my knees crack and pop at least 5 - 10 times a day, and it's considered normal for me.

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_would_your_knees_crack_and_pop_all_the_time#ixzz1M

You'll be ok, BUT since you were a pretty hardcore runner, it's best to start taking chondroitin with MSM; and keep up with your vitamins - best to stay in front of any wear and tear years from now.

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QUESTION: thanks for someone finally getting back to me. I did look at the forum you sent me and that was somewhat calming, although some said arthritis but a lot said it was normal for them.  Mine do crack more than 10 times a day, it's when I sit down, stand up, and we do that motion many times in a day, and if I extend my leg, every single time.  Lately, I've been doing many squats/lunges, STUPID ME, and lately I've had some pain rightg in the front of the knee cap if I bend down even just a little.  Not enough pain to stop me from ellliptical or bike, but it's there if I again bend a little.  Do you think that will go away now that I've stopped lunging and squatting??

Answer
Yea, sounds like cartilage in the front of the knee cap wearing away a bit, which causes that pain usually. start taking chondroitin, it's minimal, but will help longterm. Try and limit your weights (leg work) to a minimal.

Take off for a week, then second week, come back to once a week. Then week 3, try 1-2 times, and increase from there. All types of leg workouts, you have to use the knees, so taking some time off, and start doing the chondroitin daily; let's see how this goes...