Knees cracking and popping

2ledbetter
2ledbetter Posts: 199 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I just started trying to do squats and my knees crack and pop. I'm thinking that can't be good for them. I'm 53, still have at a minimum 80 pounds to lose on a 5'1" frame. Any suggestions?

Replies

  • WhiteRaven
    WhiteRaven Posts: 138 Member
    Sounds like something called crepitus, Google it! My knees snap crackle pop all the time. I think glucosamine confronted is supposed to help, but takes awhile to work.

    You could see a doc or Physio therapist about it tho!

    Cheers
  • cindytw
    cindytw Posts: 1,027 Member
    I would see my chiropractor, and demonstrate it for them. Sometimes this is misalignment. Yes, limbs do need chiropractic work sometimes too!
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  • flaminica
    flaminica Posts: 304 Member
    I'm your age and my knees used to crack and pop as well. I'm guessing at your current weight based on your progress (well done!) but you might honestly want to save squats until you're a bit smaller. It would be a tragedy to destroy an aging vintage joint by pushing it too far, too fast.
  • GiGiBeans
    GiGiBeans Posts: 1,062 Member
    I noticed a couple of years agao my knees were sounding like crunchy potato chips and would swell when I started running or when I 'd do lunges so I went to see an orthopedist. He said my knee cartilage is shot and not to squat or run or I'd need a double knee replacement in 5 years. I switched to kettlebell goblet squats, swings & figure 8s and keep my running distance to about 3 miles. My knees stopped swelling but are as loud as ever.
  • emmoen
    emmoen Posts: 218 Member
    If there is no pain, then don't stress.
  • fbinsc
    fbinsc Posts: 735 Member
    I've been told the cracking and popping noises are ok so long as it's not painful...I hope that's right for both our sakes
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Cod liver oil with glucosamine, it's been great for my knees!
  • hornseagirl
    hornseagirl Posts: 32 Member
    mine have been cracking and popping for years ....since childhood .......and I have got to 64 yrs old OK.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    BILLBRYTAN wrote: »
    Sounds like you have a magnesium deficiency and calcium is being deposited where it does not belong. Doctors don't tell you that calcium is useless and even harmful unless you take an equal amount of magnesium. Calcium cannot be absorbed without magnesium so it gets stored in joints and soft tissues where it causes a great deal of damage. Osteoporosis is rapidly increasing in North America where calcium consumption is highest because the calcium cannot be absorbed. Google it and get angry at your doctor and nutritionist for lying to you.
    this is true, apparently - i saw a study that found calcification in all kinds of tissue in women who'd been taking calcium supps for years. I think i also read though that even adding mag isn't enough, you need something else (Vit K? D?) and probably a few other things to balance things out properly.

    but i think it's more likely crepitus in OP's case.
  • terricherry2
    terricherry2 Posts: 222 Member
    My knees crack when I'm squatting as well. I'm only 27 and it's happened since I was a child. So it can happen to anyone! If it's painful or causing mobility issues then I'd see a doctor.
  • 2ledbetter
    2ledbetter Posts: 199 Member
    Thank you for the suggestions. I will google them all and see what seems to suit me best. Not a lot of pain but not comfortable either. Lol. I am probably well over due for a blood work up and might be deficient in an area. Have a great day.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    edited June 2015
    Mine crack and crackle while squatting, running, walking, moving. You name it (I'm 50). Unless it hurts, I wouldn't fret it. If it hurts, yeah, see someone.
    Also, check your position.
    I find I have to pop my hips (sumo stretch) before squats and before running.
    Good luck!
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    2ledbetter wrote: »
    Thank you for the suggestions. I will google them all and see what seems to suit me best. Not a lot of pain but not comfortable either. Lol. I am probably well over due for a blood work up and might be deficient in an area. Have a great day.

    Not comfortable when it comes to joints, it is always a sign you need to stop whatever exercise is causing the discomfort, and figure out if it is a form issue or a health issue.
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    my knees crack and pop until they are properly warmed up, i also wear knee sleeves which really helps keep everything tight and secure and warm. You can also do assisted squats , such as with TRX straps, so you can take some of the weight off your knees and still get in a good squat workout. I use the trx often to warm up my knees . If i dont have access to a TRX, i wrap a rope around a secure post and hold it while i squat , so i can lean back and make it easier on my knees
  • missjones513
    missjones513 Posts: 345 Member
    Sometimes I get that right after exercising. It doesn't hurt, it's annoying though.
  • kalexmac
    kalexmac Posts: 13 Member
    my knee crack sometimes and I used to have some pain going up and down stairs. Someone suggested I try biking, and I did. I still have pain occasionally, but not on stairs. I ride regularly now.
  • ovidnine
    ovidnine Posts: 314 Member
    If they are cracking and popping during squats it could be due to they're not completely warmed up yet. This wouldn't be doing any real damage, just annoying. If its a form problem, that could be doing damage and bad.

    If its the former you might consider trying glucosamine.

    I'm 35, my joints have cracked and popped regularly since before I finished growing. In my late teens I started taking glucosamine, now I take glucosamine w/ MSM. It works for me.

    I take 2 capsules a day and I can tell a noticeable difference if I have not been taking it regularly for a couple of weeks. Its not that there is no cracking & popping, just a whole lot less. My wife even notices.

    Glucosamine doesn't seem to help everyone with cracking and popping and I would definitely recommend you have someone check your form to make sure you're doing the lift properly, but joints can pop and crack and you aren't really doing any harm, just annoying.

    I use the kirkland brand from costco because its relatively cheap for the glucosamine/MSM mix.

    As kalexmac said, cycling can also help. Just make sure your bike is set up properly for you! It makes a world of difference.

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