'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