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

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

Update: 2025-10-08
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  • 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
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'Popping' Knees Are Not a Sign of Early Arthritis, According to New Study

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

Dr. Joseph Mercola