’Popping’ Knees Are Not a Sign of Early Arthritis, According to New Study

• Knee popping, also called crepitus, is common and not always linked to arthritis, so hearing sounds alone does not mean your joints are deteriorating
• A five-year study of young adults recovering from ACL surgery found that noisy knees were associated with early cartilage stress but did not predict long-term decline in function or pain
• Exercise is one of the most effective ways to protect noisy knees, as strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves helps stabilize the joint and reduces strain
• Lifestyle strategies like stretching, weight management, and modifying high-impact movements are often more effective than surgery, which is rarely needed for crepitus
• Collagen from high-quality supplements or bone broth supports cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, offering an extra layer of protection for long-term knee health