Snap, crackle, pop, click...what does it mean?

Question:

In the last year or so I have noticed -- actually HEARD -- all kinds of snapping and popping primarily in my knees when I stand up, or clicking in my shoulder when I lift my arm. There is no pain whatsover, but some days I am so "noisy," I wonder what is going on. A friend, also in the 50s, said it was cartilage and advised to "check it out at the doc's." But the "doc" (actually a physician's assistant; military retirees have problems with health care services as this never-ending GWT rages on) didn't even acknowledge it as a problem...of course I had about four or five ailments to complain about that day.

What this old warhorse would like to know is, what is this all about? Does it signal something more serious down the road, and what should I do/mention to a caregiver about it? I do carry too much tonnage (ca. 205 pounds on a 5'10 1/2" inch frame, I would guess), but don't want to give up good eating!

One day I'm afraid I might hear the sound of a pencil breaking in my knee!

Answers:
I know several people that have this same issue, including myself. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless it starts to pain you. It is basically the wear and tear on your knees and the padding, cartilage, between the bones in your knee joint breaking down. The extra weight doesn't help, because it adds more pressure to the situation. I've found that losing weight always helps my knees, but I understand the not wanting to givve up good eating.

Other Answers:
Sounds to me that you just have the noises of old age. If there is pain envolved when these noises happen, even minor pain, I would go and see another physician. If you are having problems with aches and swelling it could be just arthritis. Check with a physician to rule out any possible medical problems. There are some vitimine supplements that could help with your noisy problem since it is related to the cartilage.

Ah Boot, getting old and weak in the joints. Try doing some half-squats and lots of walking.

Don't overstress those knees, the above exercise should be enough to strengthen them, but for your own good, lose some weight.

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Snap, crackle, pop, click...what does it mean?

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